FELINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA
What causes feline infectious anemia (FIA)?
FIA is caused by a tiny, microscopic protozoal parasite which attacks the
cat's red blood cells within the circulation . It is called Haemobartonella
felis. The damaged cells may die leading to anemia
How would an owner recognize FIA in the cat?
Cats are very good at hiding anemia until it is quite severe. The earliest
indication may be pallor of the mucous membranes - the conjunctiva (lining of
the eye), gums and tongue appear white or pale instead of the normal pink color.
It can be difficult to assess the mucous membranes in some cats - occasionally
they may normally appear rather pale and there are causes of pallor other than
anemia As the anemia becomes more severe the cat may become lethargic and breathless
if stressed or after any exertion. In FIA there may be loss of condition, poor
appetite, weight loss and occasionally high temperature, occasionally jaundice
is seen - usually only in very severe, acute cases.
How is FIA diagnosed?
Diagnosis of FIA is difficult and depends on identifying this tiny parasite
microscopically on specially prepared and stained blood films. It is so small
that it is difficult to recognize particularly if it is present in very low
numbers. Diagnosis is also hampered by other problems. In particular the parasite
is sometimes found on blood cells of normal cats with no anemia Finding FIA
in a cat without anemia would not necessarily be considered significant. There
are also many other possible causes of anemia in cats other than FIA, and therefore
identifying it in an anemic cat may not necessarily mean that other causes of
anemia may not also be involved. You can see, therefore, that diagnosis of FIA
is very problematic.
Can FIA be treated?
Treatment of FIA can be difficult since no drugs can be relied upon to eliminate
the parasite. Cases respond well initially but sometimes recur once treatment
is stopped. Nevertheless there are some drugs which can be used to control FIA
in the majority of cases. Some other diseases may also be present in cats with
FIA and it is thought that the effects of other diseases, including stress,
may be important in enabling FIA to cause disease successful treatment may depend
on resolving any other disease problems the cat is showing. In severe cases
where the cat becomes very weak a blood transfusion may help.
Does a diagnosis of FIA have any implications for my other cats?
Although FIA is a disease caused by an infectious agent, it may not prove
to be a problem in other cats living in the same household. The way it is spread
between cats is not certain. Cat bites and fleas may spread the parasite but
other methods may be involved. Fighting therefore represents a risk of spread
of infection. Flea infestations should be treated - indeed the presence of fleas
may make anemia of any cause more severe. Even if your other cats do become
infected this may well not result in any anemia or other problems.
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