Tag

Tag is a sweet outdoor kitty that became lethargic and had a decreased appetite. Tag had very pale gums and blood work indicated marked anemia or a low red blood cell count. Tag had many immature red blood cells which indicated his bone marrow was trying to replace the blood missing from his body. Other than a regenerative anemia, Tag’s blood work was unremarkable. Tag tested negative for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency virus. Both of these are incurable retroviruses that outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting from contact with other infected cats. Anemia and infections often result as the immune system is destroyed. Tag’s condition was such that he was close to needing a blood transfusion. Immune mediated hemolytic anemia was suspected. This is a syndrome in which the immune system destroys its own red blood cells. It is often stimulated by other conditions such as infections or cancer. We ruled out as many underlying causes as possible and Tag’s owner consented to hospitalization. Tag was started on prednisolone - a corticosteroid to suppress the immune system, vitamin b and iron supplementation and doxycycline – an antibiotic that treats many bacteria that are transmitted by tick bites or are carried by an individual cat. Tag was eating and feeling much better after 12 hours. Within 10 days his red cell count was normal. Tag is currently doing great and being slowly weaned off medications to prevent relapse. Tag will be closely monitored in the future as the underlying cause of the anemia was uncertain. Tag is a remarkable cat and that is why he is our feline Pet of the Month.