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My cat is lethargic, anemic after transfusion. Sonogram alternatives?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 10 lbs

Have a one year old female cat that has had a blood transfusion after she became lethargic and wouldn't eat. She was great for a couple of days and now she's back to being lethargic, not eating, and red blood count is low, 14. vet wants to do a sonogram for 1500. Any better options?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy Poole, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 22nd, 2017

Poor Newt! Ultrasounds are wonderful tests that are non-invasive that can give you a ton of information as to what is going on internally. It may be that that is the best next step for her to figure out what is going on. I would also make sure that you have tested her for feline leukemia as well as FIV to rule those out as causes for her anemia. Transfused blood doesn't last as long in the body as the cats normal blood, so it is not uncommon to have the red cell count drop a little. Depending on how her numbers were before and where she is now, it may or may not be a significant drop in her numbers. I am more concerned that she is not feeling well again. I think more tests are warranted to figure out what is going on. However, if you are unable to afford the tests or do not want to pursue the next recommended step, I would talk to your vet about doing a trial of treatments to see if Newt improves based on what your vet thinks is going on. There are risks with this as we often are guessing as to what is going on, but sometimes it is what we have to do. Occasionally we don't get to the bottom of what the underlying cause is exactly, but supportive care can help significantly and these animals will improve. Good luck! I hope Newt starts improving soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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