![]() ![]() Regenerative anaemias are usually caused by either an increased breakdown of the RBCs (termed haemolysis) or by blood loss (eg, from bleeding excessively). Knowing whether the anaemia is regenerative or not will help in narrowing down the likely underlying cause of the anaemia. Presence of reticulocytes (immature RBCs) – using special stains these cells can be distinguished from normal (mature) RBCs, and by determining their number it is possible to gauge how regenerative the anaemia is.Variations in the size of RBCs (called anisocytosis) due to the presence of some larger and immature RBCs released from the bone marrow.Features that indicate regeneration include: When anaemia is confirmed, the next step is to determine if it is regenerative or not. The reduced RBC numbers can be demonstrated directly using a machine that can count the individual cells, or can be detected more simply by a measurement call the ‘packed cell volume’ or PCV (this measurement can be obtained by spinning a small blood sample in a thin glass tube in a centrifuge, and observing the volume taken up by the RBCs which will sediment at the bottom of the tube). Severely anaemic cats may have very pale gums Diagnostic testingĪnaemia is confirmed by finding reduced RBC numbers (and reduced haemoglobin concentrations) in a blood sample collected from the cat. ![]() Cats that develop anaemia gradually over a long period are often able to adapt to the anaemia and show fewer signs (until the anaemia is really severe) compared with cats that develop a sudden onset of anaemia. In addition to the signs associated with anaemia, cats may also show signs of an underlying disease (such as chronic kidney disease for example) that may be causing the anaemia. This is most often a sign of liver disease in cats, but it can be seen with severe and sudden breakdown (haemolysis) of RBCs. ![]() Jaundice – occasionally anaemic cats will also become jaundiced (yellow discolouration of the mucous membranes).Most commonly this is manifested as licking concrete, eating cat litter or eating soil. Pica – anaemic cats often develop pica (a craving for unusual foods).Heart and breathing – anaemia, especially when severe, is likely to cause an increased heart rate (known as tachycardia), and an increased respiratory (breathing) rate (known as tachypnoea).Weakness – severe anaemia can cause weakness, and cats with anaemia will often be lethargic.However, this is not an entirely reliable sign as pale membranes can also be seen for other reasons. Paleness or pallor – A common sign of anaemia in cats is paleness of the mucous membranes (these are the membranes – or ‘skin’ – lining the mouth and around the eyes etc).In cats, sometimes multiple causes of anaemia can be present at the same time, which may complicate the picture. However, in non-regenerative diseases, the anaemia develops because the bone marrow fails to produce new RBCs (or produces too few RBCs) to replace those that are being lost. Regenerative anaemias are those in which the bone marrow responds to the anaemia appropriately by trying to produce new RBCs to replace those that have been lost. Types of anaemiaĪnaemia can usually be broadly divided into regenerative and non-regenerative forms. Also, cats suffer from a number of different diseases and infections that can cause anaemia. This is partly because their RBCs have a shorter lifespan (around 70 days) than many other animals (around 110-120 days in dogs and humans) – this means they have a higher turnover of RBCs and anaemia can, therefore, develop quite rapidly if anything interferes with this. Unfortunately, cats are particularly prone to the development of anaemia. Untreated, anaemia can be a debilitating disease, and if severe can be life-threatening. In severe cases, it will also cause an increased respiratory effort as the animal tries to get more oxygen in the lungs to improve the level of oxygen in the circulation. When animals become anaemic, their ability to absorb oxygen from the air and deliver it to tissues in the body becomes very compromised and this can lead to many different problems, but is often manifested as weakness and lethargy. ![]() Haemoglobin in the RBCs also gives blood its characteristic red colour. As these RBCs circulate around the body, the haemoglobin can then release the oxygen in the tissues of the body where it is vital to maintain life. When we breathe in and out, oxygen is taken out of the air in the lungs and is absorbed into the blood, being bound to haemoglobin in the RBCs. Red blood cells are a special type of cell that contain haemoglobin – this is a special iron-containing molecule that efficiently binds oxygen. Anaemia is the term used to describe reduced numbers of red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes) in the circulation. ![]()
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