In immune-mediated blood disease, antibodies or complement attack red cells, their precursors, platelets or neutrophils. In cats these disorders are less common than in dogs, and a cat with a low red cell or platelet count needs an infection and neoplasia work-up first. Diagnosis rests on proving both that cells are being lost and that the immune system is responsible.
Key facts
Immune-mediated disease at a glance- Species and system: cat; hemic and lymphatic.
- Disorders: immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT), precursor-targeted anemia (pure red cell aplasia and non-regenerative IMHA), Evans syndrome (IMHA plus IMT) and, rarely, neutropenia.
- Primary IMHA: median age 2 years in one series of 19 cats, with males over-represented.
- Triggers to exclude: Mycoplasma haemofelis, FeLV, FIV, neoplasia and drugs.
- Drug of choice: prednisolone, not prednisone.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no. Hemoplasmas are species specific, with only rare reports in immunocompromised people.
What's inside
14 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Approach to the anemic cat
- Differential diagnoses
- Hemotropic mycoplasmosis (feline infectious anemia)
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 3 tables, 3 self-test questions and 7 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.