Feline Infectious Anemia
Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA) is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite, Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly called Hemobartonella felis), that attaches to the red blood cells (erythrocytes).
The affected red blood cells are then detected by the cat’s immune system, which destroys those particular erythrocytes, causing anemia.
Symptoms Of Feline Infectious Anemia:
Signs of the disease are a result of the anemia. Signs may include:
- depression,
- weakness,
- loss of appetite,
- emaciation,
- fever
- and jaundice (yellowish discoloration of mucous membranes).
In the early stages, the disease is cyclic with the cat having “good days” and “bad days.” As the disease progresses, there become more “bad days” than “good days.”
Transmission Of Feline Infectious Anemia:
Transmission of the disease is thought to be through fleas.
Diagnosis Of Feline Infectious Anemia:
Diagnosis will involve a thorough examination by your cat's veterinarian, followed by a routine blood screen and possibly a urinalysis.
Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus testing will need to be performed also.
Your cat's veterinarian may also recommend a Coomb's test, which is a blood test which can indicate immune dysfunction.
Definitive diagnosis of feline infectious anemia is made from microscopic analysis of a blood sample, looking for the causative organism in the blood cells. Unfortunately the parasite cannot always be found in a particular blood sample. Several samples may be required before a positive diagnosis can be made.
Specialized blood assays known as PCR tests can also detect the organism responsible for feline infectious anemia.
The parasite may be found in cats not showing signs of the disease. Debilitation and stress are thought to be the “trigger” allowing the disease to progress.
Feline leukemia is found in about 20% of FIA cats. Therefore suspect cases should also be tested for feline leukemia virus.
Treatment Of Feline Infectious Anemia:
Treatment is very successful unless the cat has progressed to the very late stages of the disease. Antibiotics are the treatment of choice and are usually effective if given in the early stages of disease.
Blood transfusions may be required if severe anemia exists.
In some cases, corticosteroids may be recommended, although the use of corticosteroids in feline infectious anemia remains controversial.
Often treatment merely suppresses the disease and does not rid the cat of it. Therefore relapses may occur at a later date. Recovered cats may be carriers for life.
Prevention Of Feline Infectious Anemia:
Prevention of the disease should include:
- Feeding high quality foods
- Preventing flea and tick infestation
- Maintaining current vaccinations
- Keeping your cat inside
- Treating other illnesses promptly
