Blood Transfusions in Cats

Roux, F. A., J.-Y. Deschamps, et al. (2008). "Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 213-218.

Feline critical care, and in particular transfusion medicine, has been advancing in recent years. It is generally accepted that blood transfusions are more difficult in cats than in dogs. A particular challenge is the cat that has suffered catastrophic blood loss or hemolysis, requiring multiple transfusions (massive transfusion). The goals of this study were to evaluate the indications, complications and outcome of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; to describe those that received massive transfusion; and to compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions. The median age of cats was 6 years and cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanized. Indications for transfusions included bone marrow failure, surgical loss, sepsis, neoplasia, and trauma. The researchers conclude that MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Iazbik, M. C., P. Gomez Ochoa, et al. (2007). "Effects of blood collection for transfusion on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and PCV in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1181-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Roux, F. A., J.-Y. Deschamps, et al. (2008). "Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 213-218.

Feline critical care, and in particular transfusion medicine, has been advancing in recent years. It is generally accepted that blood transfusions are more difficult in cats than in dogs. A particular challenge is the cat that has suffered catastrophic blood loss or hemolysis, requiring multiple transfusions (massive transfusion). The goals of this study were to evaluate the indications, complications and outcome of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; to describe those that received massive transfusion; and to compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions. The median age of cats was 6 years and cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanized. Indications for transfusions included bone marrow failure, surgical loss, sepsis, neoplasia, and trauma. The researchers conclude that MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Iazbik, M. C., P. Gomez Ochoa, et al. (2007). "Effects of blood collection for transfusion on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and PCV in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1181-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Abyssinian & Somali Cats

Kohn, B. and C. Fumi (2008). "Clinical course of pyruvate kinase deficiency in Abyssinian and Somali cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 145-53.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is one of the key regulatory enzymes for energy generation in red blood cells (RBCs). A deficiency in one PK isoenzyme leads to energy deprivation within the RBCs, resulting in a shortened survival time and hemolysis. PK deficiency has been described in several species, including humans and dogs. The first case of feline PK deficiency was identified in 1992 in an Abyssinian cat. The disease has since been identified in the related Somali breed, as well as in a few domestic shorthair cats. PK deficiency is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The molecular defect has been identified and a genetic screening test has been developed. The objective of this study performed in Berlin, Germany was to examine the clinical signs, laboratory parameters, and course of disease in Abyssinian and Somali cats with PK deficiency. Over a period ranging from under 1 year to over 11 years (median 4.3), the disease was monitored in 25 PK-deficient cats. According to the owners, 11 cats did not show signs of disease. In the other 14 cats, clinical signs included lethargy, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, anorexia, weight loss, among others. Laboratory abnormalities included anemia, increased aggregated reticulocyte counts, hyperglobulinemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased liver enzymes. PK deficiency shows variation in age of onset and severity of signs. Abyssinian and Somali cats destined for breeding should be tested as PK-deficient cats can be asymptomatic.
>> PubMed abstract


Josephine Deubler Genetic Disease Testing Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Kohn, B. and C. Fumi (2008). "Clinical course of pyruvate kinase deficiency in Abyssinian and Somali cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 145-53.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is one of the key regulatory enzymes for energy generation in red blood cells (RBCs). A deficiency in one PK isoenzyme leads to energy deprivation within the RBCs, resulting in a shortened survival time and hemolysis. PK deficiency has been described in several species, including humans and dogs. The first case of feline PK deficiency was identified in 1992 in an Abyssinian cat. The disease has since been identified in the related Somali breed, as well as in a few domestic shorthair cats. PK deficiency is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The molecular defect has been identified and a genetic screening test has been developed. The objective of this study performed in Berlin, Germany was to examine the clinical signs, laboratory parameters, and course of disease in Abyssinian and Somali cats with PK deficiency. Over a period ranging from under 1 year to over 11 years (median 4.3), the disease was monitored in 25 PK-deficient cats. According to the owners, 11 cats did not show signs of disease. In the other 14 cats, clinical signs included lethargy, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, anorexia, weight loss, among others. Laboratory abnormalities included anemia, increased aggregated reticulocyte counts, hyperglobulinemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased liver enzymes. PK deficiency shows variation in age of onset and severity of signs. Abyssinian and Somali cats destined for breeding should be tested as PK-deficient cats can be asymptomatic.
>> PubMed abstract


Josephine Deubler Genetic Disease Testing Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Safety of IV Famotidine in Cats

de Brito Galvao, J. F. and L. A. Trepanier (2008). "Risk of hemolytic anemia with intravenous administration of famotidine to hospitalized cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 325-9.

Famotidine is a histamine type 2 blocker, used to treat esophagitis, nausea and vomiting in cats. Anecdotally, famotidine has been associated with hemolytic anemia when given intravenously to cats, leading some clinicians to avoid this route of administration. The actual risk has not been fully evaluated, and many clinicians have never experienced adverse effects from IV use of famotidine in cats. The objective of this study was to determine if a significant drop in packed cell volume (PCV) was observed in hospitalized cats given famotidine IV compared to cats given the drug by the subcutaneous route (SC), or not at all. It was also hypothesized that when famotidine is given slowly IV, no signficant decrease in PCV would occur. A retrospective medical record review was performed involving 56 cats prescribed famotidine IV, 48 cats given famotidine SC, and 38 cats that were not prescribed the drug at all (control group). The IV famotidine was given by a standardized protocol in this study, with administration over a period of 5 minutes. No cats were given famotidine by rapid IV bolus. The median decrease in PCV was no different in cats that received famotidine by either route compared with the control group. No cats in the famotidine groups had any signs of hemolysis. In this retrospective study, famotidine was given IV to 56 hospitalized cats without evidence of hemolysis, and the IV route appeared safe when the drug was administered over 5 minutes. There did not appear to be a safety advantage of SC versus IV administration in this group of cats.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

de Brito Galvao, J. F. and L. A. Trepanier (2008). "Risk of hemolytic anemia with intravenous administration of famotidine to hospitalized cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 325-9.

Famotidine is a histamine type 2 blocker, used to treat esophagitis, nausea and vomiting in cats. Anecdotally, famotidine has been associated with hemolytic anemia when given intravenously to cats, leading some clinicians to avoid this route of administration. The actual risk has not been fully evaluated, and many clinicians have never experienced adverse effects from IV use of famotidine in cats. The objective of this study was to determine if a significant drop in packed cell volume (PCV) was observed in hospitalized cats given famotidine IV compared to cats given the drug by the subcutaneous route (SC), or not at all. It was also hypothesized that when famotidine is given slowly IV, no signficant decrease in PCV would occur. A retrospective medical record review was performed involving 56 cats prescribed famotidine IV, 48 cats given famotidine SC, and 38 cats that were not prescribed the drug at all (control group). The IV famotidine was given by a standardized protocol in this study, with administration over a period of 5 minutes. No cats were given famotidine by rapid IV bolus. The median decrease in PCV was no different in cats that received famotidine by either route compared with the control group. No cats in the famotidine groups had any signs of hemolysis. In this retrospective study, famotidine was given IV to 56 hospitalized cats without evidence of hemolysis, and the IV route appeared safe when the drug was administered over 5 minutes. There did not appear to be a safety advantage of SC versus IV administration in this group of cats.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More