My cat has low blood counts, anemia, and jaundice. What causes it?

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Mittens. First off, I am very sorry you lost her so suddenly, please accept my condolences for your loss. Without seeing her in person, I can't say what happened but I can only give my best guess. If her red blood cells were so low, it could be she had non-regenerative anemia. When anemia is non-regenerative, the bone marrow response is inadequate when compared to the increased need. Cats who become anemic quickly can die from the sudden loss in red blood cells and oxygen. That could be why she passed away so quickly. Non-regenerative anemia can be caused by things like an infection such as FIV or feline leukemia, exposure to toxins, and lead poisoning. The vet who treated her may have a better idea as to what caused her to die so suddenly, and I would speak with that vet so you can hopefully get some more answers. I hope this helps somewhat, and again I'm sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry that you are going through this again! Some cats can be genetically more prone to developing cancer, though it’s still uncommon in younger cats especially when the are FELV/FIV negative. If the newly affected cat hasn’t been tested I would recommend doing so. Also consider any toxins that they both could have gotten into. Some toxins that can cause anemia in cats include onions (inducing onion powder or dehydrated onions), zinc (such as contained in diaper rash cream), and Tylenol/acetaminophen. Again I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and please don’t hesitate to post again if we can answer anything more specifically.

Goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. Based on this bloodwork and on what you’re telling me, I think that euthanasia was a very reasonable and humane decision. Not only were the red cells low, but the white blood cells and platelets as well, and there isn’t any evidence of the body trying to “regenerate” these cells on the bloodwork you’ve attached. A transfusion may have given a temporary “Bandaid” to the situation, but I’m afraid that a cure was likely impossible. I know how difficult these decisions are. Please rest assured that you did the best thing for your kitty. I’m afraid continuing to treat would likely have only prolonged your cat’s suffering. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. Please let us know if you have any other questions we can help you with.

Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry Ickle is having these issues- sounds like there is a lot going on with him.. It is hard to say what exactly is causing Ickle's symptoms without examining him first, but these symptoms could point to advanced stage kidney disease which is very common in cats and can cause lethargy, anemia, and inappetence as toxins that should be normally filtered by the kidneys build up in the body. Kidneys make a substance that stimulated red blood cell production so when the kidney function in compromised, this substance is not made as much as can cause anemia. Another possibility may be liver disease or certain cancers. A simple blood test can be determine what organ(s) are not functioning well so the appropriate treatments can be given. Best of luck to you and Ickle!

Ouch poor Harry. Low PCV could be from a number of things including immune-mediated anemias, lack of blood cell production or as you checked, problems with the kidneys and erythropoetin production. If the kidneys seem functional looking toward issues that would cause auto-cell destruction may be the next step as well as possible transfusion or injection of EPO to stimulate red cell production. Checking for parasitic anemia and high parasite load may also give clues to the low PCV value. Panleukopenia, FIV and FeLV can also cause low PCV as part of the disease process. Ruling out an internal bleed somewhere may also help narrow down the cause.

Poor guy. Non-regenerative anemia in an older cat is always concerning. Due to the timing of all of these events however, his anemia could have very well have been caused by the medication alone. This would be considered to be an adverse reaction that would not be normal for any pet to have not can be predicted. But with that said it usually is a regenerative anemia when medication is the cause. A closer look at his bloodwork could help clarify this. Other possible causes that are common in older cats are: feline leukemia/feline aids or cancer unfortunately. Typically with all of these you will also get some changes with the white blood cell count levels as well and often-times a fever. Overall the prognosis would be guarded to poor considering your pets age and the fact that the anemia is non- regenerative. I am so sorry to be bearer of bad news here. If you wish to share more information about your pets specific bloodwork results and also physical exam findings (i.e. temperature, body condition score, etc), then you can request a private consultation with one of the experts here on the site. Best of luck moving forward with your vets treatment plan for Puddy and I do hope that he is able to stabilize soon. Take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry for the loss of your cat P! Cats are very good at hiding illnesses until they are very sick. Jaundice in cats can be from: 1) destruction of red blood cells. They tend to be anemic on blood work. This can be from blood parasites, cancer, immune problems 2) Liver disease: cancer, infection, toxin, inflammatory conditions or fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). Fatty liver is a secondary condition. Prolonged anorexia is usually the cause. Anything that makes a cat stop eating for more than 3 days can cause fatty liver disease and 3) Gall bladder, biliary or pancreatic disease: infection, cancer, gall stones, biliary obstruction. P didn't die from an overactive thyroid. She died from whatever disease caused her to stop eating, that could have been liver disease or another disease that caused fatty liver syndrome. She sounded like she was very sick. I hope this provides some insight. Again I am sorry for your loss.