Anemia Related to the Immune System in Cats

Immune Mediated Anemia

Cats, like humans, have an immune system that helps them to fight against a variety of diseases to stay healthy. The immune system includes various specialized cells, proteins, tissues, and organs which all work collectively to protect the body against foreign invaders, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Antibodies are proteins secreted by specific cells of the immune system, which bind to foreign substances, known as antigens, to destroy them. The immune system goes wrong when it mistakenly starts recognizing red blood cells (RBCs) as antigens or foreign elements and initiates their destruction. The hemolysis (destruction) of red blood cells results in the release of hemoglobin, which can lead to jaundice, and to anemia when the body cannot produce enough new red blood cells to replace the ones being destroyed. This disease is also known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA. This disease is generally seen in cats within the age ranges of six months to nine years. At higher risk are domestic shorthair cats and male cats.

Symptoms and Types

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Poor appetite
• Pica (eating abnormal things, such as feces)
• Fainting
• Exercise intolerance
• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst and urination in some cats
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Rapid heart rate
• Melena (Black feces due to hemorrhage in gastrointestinal tract)
• Petechia (red, purple spots on body due to minor hemorrhages)
• Ecchymoses (skin discoloration in patches or bruises)
• Joint pains

Causes

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (production of antibodies against body’s own RBCs and their destruction)
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (production of antibodies against body’s own tissues and blood)
• Certain infections like ehrlichia, babesia, and leptospira infections
• Certain drugs, like antibiotics
• Vaccination
• Heartworm disease
• Neoplasia (tumor)
• Neonatal isoerythrolysis (destruction of the red blood cells [erythrocytes] within a kitten's body system by the action of maternal antibodies)
• Dysregulated immune system
• Idiopathic (unknown cause)

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a detailed and complete physical examination, with laboratory tests, including complete blood tests, biochemical profile and urinalysis. These tests provide valuable information to your veterinarian for the preliminary diagnosis of the disease. More specific testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis and to find the underlying cause in case of secondary IMHA. X-ray images will be taken to evaluate the thorax and abdominal organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Echocardiography and ultrasound studies may be used in some animals. Your veterinarian will also take bone marrow samples for specific studies related to the development of RBCs.

Treatment

In acute cases, IMHA can be a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment. In such cases your cat will be hospitalized. The primary treatment concern will be to stop the destruction of further RBCs and stabilize the patient. Blood transfusions may be required in cases where extensive bleeding or profound anemia is present. Fluid therapy is used to correct and maintain the body's fluid levels. In those cases that do not respond to medical treatment, your veterinarian may decide to remove the spleen to protect your cat from further complications. Your cat's progress will be monitored and emergency treatment continued until it is completely out of danger.

Living and Management

Strict cage rest may be required until your cat is stabilized. Some patients respond well, while for others long-term treatment is required; some cats may even require life-long treatment. After successful treatment, your veterinarian will schedule follow-up visits every week in the first month, and later, every month for six months. Laboratory testing will be performed at each visit to evaluate the status of the disease. If your veterinarian has recommended life-long treatment for your cat, 2‒3 visits per year may be required.