Assessment of anemia in cats

Korman RM, Hetzel N, Knowles TG, Harvey AM and Tasker S. A retrospective study of 180 anaemic cats: features, aetiologies and survival data. J Feline Med Surg. 2013; 15: 81-90. 

Anemia is defined as a decreased number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. Cats are more prone to anemia than other species due to having a shorter RBC life span (~ 70 days compared to ~120 days in other species) and having RBCs with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Therefore, anemia is one of the most common hematologic abnormalities found in the feline patient.

This retrospective study assessed 180 anemic cats presented to a referral clinic with complete medical records. Assessment included classification by the mechanism of anemia development (i.e., bone marrow abnormalities, hemorrhage, or hemolysis), by DAMNITV classification (degenerative, anomalous, metabolic, miscellaneous, neoplastic, infectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated, toxic, traumatic, or vascular disease), and by severity. 

Based on the mechanism of anemia development, bone marrow abnormalities were more common than hemorrhage or hemolysis. Bone marrow abnormalities were significantly associated with more severe anemia. In addition, cats with hemolysis were more likely to survive to discharge than cats with bone marrow abnormalities. Based on DAMNITV classification, infectious and neoplastic diseases were most common. Cats with neoplasia (cancer) were less likely than cats with immune-mediated disease to survive to discharge. Interestingly, survival to discharge was not associated with anemia severity, suggesting that clinical treatment decisions should not be based on severity alone. Younger cats were also more likely to survive to discharge than older cats. [GO]

See also: Chalhoub S, Langston CE and Eatroff A. Anemia of renal disease: What it is, what to do and what's new. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2011; 13: 629-40. 

Related blog articles:
Treatment of anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease, Final report Winn grant W11-035 (Jan. 2013)
Feline red blood cell parasites (Dec. 2009)

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Korman RM, Hetzel N, Knowles TG, Harvey AM and Tasker S. A retrospective study of 180 anaemic cats: features, aetiologies and survival data. J Feline Med Surg. 2013; 15: 81-90. 

Anemia is defined as a decreased number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. Cats are more prone to anemia than other species due to having a shorter RBC life span (~ 70 days compared to ~120 days in other species) and having RBCs with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Therefore, anemia is one of the most common hematologic abnormalities found in the feline patient.

This retrospective study assessed 180 anemic cats presented to a referral clinic with complete medical records. Assessment included classification by the mechanism of anemia development (i.e., bone marrow abnormalities, hemorrhage, or hemolysis), by DAMNITV classification (degenerative, anomalous, metabolic, miscellaneous, neoplastic, infectious, inflammatory, immune-mediated, toxic, traumatic, or vascular disease), and by severity. 

Based on the mechanism of anemia development, bone marrow abnormalities were more common than hemorrhage or hemolysis. Bone marrow abnormalities were significantly associated with more severe anemia. In addition, cats with hemolysis were more likely to survive to discharge than cats with bone marrow abnormalities. Based on DAMNITV classification, infectious and neoplastic diseases were most common. Cats with neoplasia (cancer) were less likely than cats with immune-mediated disease to survive to discharge. Interestingly, survival to discharge was not associated with anemia severity, suggesting that clinical treatment decisions should not be based on severity alone. Younger cats were also more likely to survive to discharge than older cats. [GO]

See also: Chalhoub S, Langston CE and Eatroff A. Anemia of renal disease: What it is, what to do and what's new. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2011; 13: 629-40. 

Related blog articles:
Treatment of anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease, Final report Winn grant W11-035 (Jan. 2013)
Feline red blood cell parasites (Dec. 2009)

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Treatment of anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease

Final report: Winn grant W11-035
Vapniarsky N, Lame M, McDonnel S and Murphy B. A lentiviral gene therapy strategy for the in vitro production of feline erythropoietin. PLoS ONE. 2012; 7: e45099. [free, full text] 
 
A common problem in domestic cats with chronic renal failure (CRF) is non-regenerative anemia. Currently, the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) frequently only improves anemia temporarily due to antibody development. Antibodies can develop within the first few months of rHuEPO administration. A clinically significant reaction has been reported in 20-70% of feline patients receiving rHuEPO. Adverse reactions reported with the use of rHUEPO in cats are refractory anemia, systemic hypertension, polycythemia, seizures, vomiting, iron deficiency, injection discomfort, cellulitis, cutaneous or mucocutaneous reactions, and arthralgia. Several therapeutic strategies utilizing species-specific recombinant EPO have attempted to address this issue of immunogenicity in cats.

In this study, the researchers wanted to investigate a possible gene delivery system for treatment of CRF-associated non-regenerative anemia that would have limited or no secondary immunogenicity, have stable and native transgene expression, and the ability to transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells. They looked at the ability of replication-incompetent lentiviral vectors to fulfill this list of requirements. They established an in vitro study system where feline erythropoietin cDNA was cloned from feline renal tissue and utilized in construction of a replication-defective lentiviral vector. The recombinant feline erythropoietin sequence was confirmed by subsequent sequencing. The results demonstrated the feasibility of this type of in vitro delivery system for the production of biologically active feline erythropoietin. In the future, cats with anemia due to CRF may benefit from a lentiviral gene therapy system. [VT]

See also: Chalhoub S, Langston CE and Farrelly J. The use of darbepoetin to stimulate erythropoiesis in anemia of chronic kidney disease in cats: 25 cases. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 363-9.

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Final report: Winn grant W11-035
Vapniarsky N, Lame M, McDonnel S and Murphy B. A lentiviral gene therapy strategy for the in vitro production of feline erythropoietin. PLoS ONE. 2012; 7: e45099. [free, full text] 
 
A common problem in domestic cats with chronic renal failure (CRF) is non-regenerative anemia. Currently, the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) frequently only improves anemia temporarily due to antibody development. Antibodies can develop within the first few months of rHuEPO administration. A clinically significant reaction has been reported in 20-70% of feline patients receiving rHuEPO. Adverse reactions reported with the use of rHUEPO in cats are refractory anemia, systemic hypertension, polycythemia, seizures, vomiting, iron deficiency, injection discomfort, cellulitis, cutaneous or mucocutaneous reactions, and arthralgia. Several therapeutic strategies utilizing species-specific recombinant EPO have attempted to address this issue of immunogenicity in cats.

In this study, the researchers wanted to investigate a possible gene delivery system for treatment of CRF-associated non-regenerative anemia that would have limited or no secondary immunogenicity, have stable and native transgene expression, and the ability to transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells. They looked at the ability of replication-incompetent lentiviral vectors to fulfill this list of requirements. They established an in vitro study system where feline erythropoietin cDNA was cloned from feline renal tissue and utilized in construction of a replication-defective lentiviral vector. The recombinant feline erythropoietin sequence was confirmed by subsequent sequencing. The results demonstrated the feasibility of this type of in vitro delivery system for the production of biologically active feline erythropoietin. In the future, cats with anemia due to CRF may benefit from a lentiviral gene therapy system. [VT]

See also: Chalhoub S, Langston CE and Farrelly J. The use of darbepoetin to stimulate erythropoiesis in anemia of chronic kidney disease in cats: 25 cases. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 363-9.

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Inherited hemolytic anemia in cats

Grahn R, Grahn J, Penedo M, Helps C and Lyons L. Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency mutation identified in multiple breeds of domestic cats. BMC Vet Res. 2012; 8: 207. [Free, full text article]
 
In the Abyssinian and Somali breeds as well as random bred domestic shorthair cats there is a form of inherited hemolytic anemia caused by alterations in the enzyme erythrocyte pyruvate kinase. This enzyme is essential for normal function of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Mutations in PKLR, the gene encoding regulatory glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK), result in the disease. The first documented case of feline PK deficiency was in an Abyssinian cat. Subsequent reports demonstrated that Somalis, a longhaired variety of the Abyssinian, as well as random bred domestic shorthairs, may also suffer from PK deficiency. The disturbance of PK results in decreased erythrocyte life span resulting in anemia. The anemia exhibits as a chronic, intermittent, hemolytic anemia. The most common clinical signs are lethargy, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, poor appetite, poor coat quality, weight loss, icterus, and sporadic splenomegaly.

In looking at an affected group of 25 cats, clinical signs were first noted as early as 6 months and as late as 5 years of age. PK deficiency has an autosomal recessive inheritance with variability of onset and severity of clinical signs. In this study, sequence analysis of PKLR revealed an intron 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 304 consistent with the disease phenotype in Abyssinian and Somali cats. The disease-associated SNP presence and frequency was determined by analysis in 14,179 cats representing 40 breeds or populations. Based on the study’s findings, the authors recommend PK testing for several breeds including the Bengal, Egyptian Mau, La Perm, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Savannah, Siberian, and Singapura, in addition to Abyssinian and Somali. Breeds known to have been derived from Abyssinian crosses such as the Ocicat, and new breeds developed with out-crossing programs using affected breeds should be tested as well. In time, expanded testing methods along with removal of affected individuals from the breeding population may enable the selective elimination of the PK deficiency-associated SNP in domestic cat populations. [VT]

See also: Barrs V, Giger U, Wilson B, et al. Erythrocytic pyruvate kinase deficiency and AB blood types in Australian Abyssinian and Somali cats. Aust Vet J. 2009; 87: 39-44. [Free, full text article]

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Grahn R, Grahn J, Penedo M, Helps C and Lyons L. Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency mutation identified in multiple breeds of domestic cats. BMC Vet Res. 2012; 8: 207. [Free, full text article]
 
In the Abyssinian and Somali breeds as well as random bred domestic shorthair cats there is a form of inherited hemolytic anemia caused by alterations in the enzyme erythrocyte pyruvate kinase. This enzyme is essential for normal function of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Mutations in PKLR, the gene encoding regulatory glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK), result in the disease. The first documented case of feline PK deficiency was in an Abyssinian cat. Subsequent reports demonstrated that Somalis, a longhaired variety of the Abyssinian, as well as random bred domestic shorthairs, may also suffer from PK deficiency. The disturbance of PK results in decreased erythrocyte life span resulting in anemia. The anemia exhibits as a chronic, intermittent, hemolytic anemia. The most common clinical signs are lethargy, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, poor appetite, poor coat quality, weight loss, icterus, and sporadic splenomegaly.

In looking at an affected group of 25 cats, clinical signs were first noted as early as 6 months and as late as 5 years of age. PK deficiency has an autosomal recessive inheritance with variability of onset and severity of clinical signs. In this study, sequence analysis of PKLR revealed an intron 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 304 consistent with the disease phenotype in Abyssinian and Somali cats. The disease-associated SNP presence and frequency was determined by analysis in 14,179 cats representing 40 breeds or populations. Based on the study’s findings, the authors recommend PK testing for several breeds including the Bengal, Egyptian Mau, La Perm, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Savannah, Siberian, and Singapura, in addition to Abyssinian and Somali. Breeds known to have been derived from Abyssinian crosses such as the Ocicat, and new breeds developed with out-crossing programs using affected breeds should be tested as well. In time, expanded testing methods along with removal of affected individuals from the breeding population may enable the selective elimination of the PK deficiency-associated SNP in domestic cat populations. [VT]

See also: Barrs V, Giger U, Wilson B, et al. Erythrocytic pyruvate kinase deficiency and AB blood types in Australian Abyssinian and Somali cats. Aust Vet J. 2009; 87: 39-44. [Free, full text article]

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Feline Leukemia Virus

Stutzer B, Muller F, Majzoub M, et al. Role of latent feline leukemia virus infection in nonregenerative cytopenias of cats. J Vet Intern Med. Nov 17 2009.

Nonregenerative cytopenias such as nonregenerative anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia are a common finding in cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The objective of this study was to assess the role of latent FeLV infection in bone marrow in cats with nonregenerative cytopenias that had a negative FeLV antigen blood test. Thirty-seven cats were included in the patient group meeting inclusion criteria of a nonregenerative cytopenia of unknown origin and a negative FeLV antigen test result. The group’s results were compared to two control groups that also totaled 37 cats. Whole blood and bone marrow samples were tested for FeLV using two different PCR assays. Results indicated that PCR from bone marrow could be considered a more sensitive method to detect FeLV latency than PCR of whole blood. Two of the 37 cats (5.4%) in the patient groups were positive on bone marrow PCR results and were considered infected with FeLV. The latent FeLV infection in those two cats was the possible cause of the observed nonregenerative cytopenia. [VT]

Related articles:
Herring ES, Troy GC, Toth TE, Forrester SD, Weigt LA, Herring IP. Detection of feline leukaemia virus in blood and bone marrow of cats with varying suspicion of latent infection. J Feline Med Surg. Sep 2001;3(3):133-141.

Torres AN, Mathiason CK, Hoover EA. Re-examination of feline leukemia virus: host relationships using real-time PCR. Virology. Feb 5 2005;332(1):272-283.

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Stutzer B, Muller F, Majzoub M, et al. Role of latent feline leukemia virus infection in nonregenerative cytopenias of cats. J Vet Intern Med. Nov 17 2009.

Nonregenerative cytopenias such as nonregenerative anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia are a common finding in cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The objective of this study was to assess the role of latent FeLV infection in bone marrow in cats with nonregenerative cytopenias that had a negative FeLV antigen blood test. Thirty-seven cats were included in the patient group meeting inclusion criteria of a nonregenerative cytopenia of unknown origin and a negative FeLV antigen test result. The group’s results were compared to two control groups that also totaled 37 cats. Whole blood and bone marrow samples were tested for FeLV using two different PCR assays. Results indicated that PCR from bone marrow could be considered a more sensitive method to detect FeLV latency than PCR of whole blood. Two of the 37 cats (5.4%) in the patient groups were positive on bone marrow PCR results and were considered infected with FeLV. The latent FeLV infection in those two cats was the possible cause of the observed nonregenerative cytopenia. [VT]

Related articles:
Herring ES, Troy GC, Toth TE, Forrester SD, Weigt LA, Herring IP. Detection of feline leukaemia virus in blood and bone marrow of cats with varying suspicion of latent infection. J Feline Med Surg. Sep 2001;3(3):133-141.

Torres AN, Mathiason CK, Hoover EA. Re-examination of feline leukemia virus: host relationships using real-time PCR. Virology. Feb 5 2005;332(1):272-283.

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Feline Red Blood Cell Parasites

Tasker S, Peters IR, Papasouliotis K, et al. Description of outcomes of experimental infection with feline haemoplasmas: copy numbers, haematology, Coombs' testing and blood glucose concentrations. Vet Microbiol. Nov 18 2009;139(3-4):323-332.

Feline hemoplasma infections are caused by three separate organisms that infect red blood cells, but only one of these, Mycoplasma haemofelis, causes hemolysis with significant disease. However, investigation of clinical parameters following experimental infection with each of the three organisms has not been done. The investigators studied ten cats infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis (“HF” group), three cats infected with candidatus M. haemominutum (“HM” group), and three cats infected with candidatus M. turicensis (“TU” group). The cats were followed for 85 days post infection. Using quantitative PCR, they found the TU cats had significantly lower amounts of organisms in their blood than the other groups, and were negative for the organism by 45 days after infection. All HF cats developed significant anemias. While HM and TU group cats did not have anemia or clinical signs, both groups experienced a drop in red blood cell levels for the first three weeks post infection. Only the HF cats had positive results on the Coombs assay, indicating the presence of antibodies to red blood cells. Severe hypoglycemia has been reported in some animals other than cats following hemoplasma infections. In this study, blood glucose levels for all three groups remained in the normal range. While the size of the groups was small, particularly the HM and TU groups, this study does demonstrate the increased pathogenicity of M. haemofelis compared to the other hemoplasmas. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Peters IR, Helps CR, Willi B, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Tasker S. The prevalence of three species of feline haemoplasmas in samples submitted to a diagnostics service as determined by three novel real-time duplex PCR assays. Vet Microbiol. 2008;126(1-3):142-150.
>>PubMed Abstract

Sykes JE, Terry JC, Lindsay LL, Owens SD. Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Feb 1 2008;232(3):372-379.
>>PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Tasker S, Peters IR, Papasouliotis K, et al. Description of outcomes of experimental infection with feline haemoplasmas: copy numbers, haematology, Coombs' testing and blood glucose concentrations. Vet Microbiol. Nov 18 2009;139(3-4):323-332.

Feline hemoplasma infections are caused by three separate organisms that infect red blood cells, but only one of these, Mycoplasma haemofelis, causes hemolysis with significant disease. However, investigation of clinical parameters following experimental infection with each of the three organisms has not been done. The investigators studied ten cats infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis (“HF” group), three cats infected with candidatus M. haemominutum (“HM” group), and three cats infected with candidatus M. turicensis (“TU” group). The cats were followed for 85 days post infection. Using quantitative PCR, they found the TU cats had significantly lower amounts of organisms in their blood than the other groups, and were negative for the organism by 45 days after infection. All HF cats developed significant anemias. While HM and TU group cats did not have anemia or clinical signs, both groups experienced a drop in red blood cell levels for the first three weeks post infection. Only the HF cats had positive results on the Coombs assay, indicating the presence of antibodies to red blood cells. Severe hypoglycemia has been reported in some animals other than cats following hemoplasma infections. In this study, blood glucose levels for all three groups remained in the normal range. While the size of the groups was small, particularly the HM and TU groups, this study does demonstrate the increased pathogenicity of M. haemofelis compared to the other hemoplasmas. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Peters IR, Helps CR, Willi B, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Tasker S. The prevalence of three species of feline haemoplasmas in samples submitted to a diagnostics service as determined by three novel real-time duplex PCR assays. Vet Microbiol. 2008;126(1-3):142-150.
>>PubMed Abstract

Sykes JE, Terry JC, Lindsay LL, Owens SD. Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Feb 1 2008;232(3):372-379.
>>PubMed Abstract

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Pradofloxacin for Feline Infectious Anemia

Dowers, K. L., S. Tasker, et al. (2009). "Use of pradofloxacin to treat experimentally induced Mycoplasma hemofelis infection in cats." Am J Vet Res 70(1): 105-11.

Mycoplasma hemofelis, formerly known as Hemobartonella felis, is the causative agent of feline infectious anemia. The bacterium is spread through flea bites and causes hemolytic anemia that may result in the death of infected cats. It is believed that most infected cats do not clear the organisms even with appropriate antimicrobial treatment, which most commonly is doxycycline. Pradofloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic for veterinary use that appears to have increased effectiveness against many bacteria. In this study, treatment of cats infected with M. hemofelis with doxycycline was compared to low and high doses of pradofloxacin. All treatment regimens were equally effective in improving the clinical condition and blood parameters of infected cats. When assessed by molecular detection for clearance of the organism, both low and high dose pradofloxacin were effective, while none of the doxycycline-treated animals completely cleared detectable organisms. The authors concluded that pradofloxacin not only had anti-M. hemofelis effects, it may be more effective at long term M. hemofelis organism clearance than doxycycline.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ishak, A. M., K. L. Dowers, et al. (2008). "Marbofloxacin for the treatment of experimentally induced Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 288-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Dowers, K. L., S. Tasker, et al. (2009). "Use of pradofloxacin to treat experimentally induced Mycoplasma hemofelis infection in cats." Am J Vet Res 70(1): 105-11.

Mycoplasma hemofelis, formerly known as Hemobartonella felis, is the causative agent of feline infectious anemia. The bacterium is spread through flea bites and causes hemolytic anemia that may result in the death of infected cats. It is believed that most infected cats do not clear the organisms even with appropriate antimicrobial treatment, which most commonly is doxycycline. Pradofloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic for veterinary use that appears to have increased effectiveness against many bacteria. In this study, treatment of cats infected with M. hemofelis with doxycycline was compared to low and high doses of pradofloxacin. All treatment regimens were equally effective in improving the clinical condition and blood parameters of infected cats. When assessed by molecular detection for clearance of the organism, both low and high dose pradofloxacin were effective, while none of the doxycycline-treated animals completely cleared detectable organisms. The authors concluded that pradofloxacin not only had anti-M. hemofelis effects, it may be more effective at long term M. hemofelis organism clearance than doxycycline.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ishak, A. M., K. L. Dowers, et al. (2008). "Marbofloxacin for the treatment of experimentally induced Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 288-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Oxyglobin Use in Cats

Weingart, C. and B. Kohn (2008). "Clinical use of a haemoglobin-based oxygen carrying solution (Oxyglobin®) in 48 cats (2002-2006)." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(5): 431-438.

Blood transfusions are an important component of critical care for anemia in cats, and may be required for various reasons, such as hemolysis or blood loss. While safe and effective, blood transfusions are labour-intensive, requiring typing and cross-matching of donor and recipient. Oxyglobin® (Biopure Corp) is a chemically stabilized hemoglobin in a balanced salt solution intended for intravenous use. It is licensed for treatment of anemia in dogs. Administration of Oxyglobin is less time-consuming than blood transfusion, and the solution can be stored for years, unlike blood products. There is minimal risk of transmission of infectious diseases. While numerous studies have been published on the use of Oxyglobin in dogs, there is little in the veterinary literature regarding the use of the product in cats. The objective of this study was to evaluate Oxyglobin infusions administered to cats between November 2002 and December 2006 at the Clinic for Small Animals of the Free University of Berlin regarding indication, number of infusions, infusion volume, side effects, and survival rate. During the study period, 48 cats received 65 Oxyglobin transfusions. Administration of Oxyglobin efficiently increased the hemoglobin concentration in the majority of tranfusions. However, severe side effects were noted in seven cats with cardiac disease, such as pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and respiratory distress. Four of the seven cats received whole blood transfusions on the same day; five cats died and one was euthanized. Overall 24-hour survival rate was 77%. The researchers concluded that Oxyglobin is efficient and safe for treatment of anemia in cats, but the volume and rate of the infusion have to be carefully adjusted to the patient. Oxyglobin should be given very cautiously to cats with cardiac (or respiratory) diseases.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Callan, M. B. and V. T. Rentko (2003). "Clinical application of a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 33(6): 1277-93, vi.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gibson, G., M. Callan, et al. (2002). "Use of a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution in cats: 72 cases (1998-2000)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 221(1): 96-102.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Weingart, C. and B. Kohn (2008). "Clinical use of a haemoglobin-based oxygen carrying solution (Oxyglobin®) in 48 cats (2002-2006)." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(5): 431-438.

Blood transfusions are an important component of critical care for anemia in cats, and may be required for various reasons, such as hemolysis or blood loss. While safe and effective, blood transfusions are labour-intensive, requiring typing and cross-matching of donor and recipient. Oxyglobin® (Biopure Corp) is a chemically stabilized hemoglobin in a balanced salt solution intended for intravenous use. It is licensed for treatment of anemia in dogs. Administration of Oxyglobin is less time-consuming than blood transfusion, and the solution can be stored for years, unlike blood products. There is minimal risk of transmission of infectious diseases. While numerous studies have been published on the use of Oxyglobin in dogs, there is little in the veterinary literature regarding the use of the product in cats. The objective of this study was to evaluate Oxyglobin infusions administered to cats between November 2002 and December 2006 at the Clinic for Small Animals of the Free University of Berlin regarding indication, number of infusions, infusion volume, side effects, and survival rate. During the study period, 48 cats received 65 Oxyglobin transfusions. Administration of Oxyglobin efficiently increased the hemoglobin concentration in the majority of tranfusions. However, severe side effects were noted in seven cats with cardiac disease, such as pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and respiratory distress. Four of the seven cats received whole blood transfusions on the same day; five cats died and one was euthanized. Overall 24-hour survival rate was 77%. The researchers concluded that Oxyglobin is efficient and safe for treatment of anemia in cats, but the volume and rate of the infusion have to be carefully adjusted to the patient. Oxyglobin should be given very cautiously to cats with cardiac (or respiratory) diseases.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Callan, M. B. and V. T. Rentko (2003). "Clinical application of a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 33(6): 1277-93, vi.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gibson, G., M. Callan, et al. (2002). "Use of a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution in cats: 72 cases (1998-2000)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 221(1): 96-102.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More