My cat has low PCV and anemia. What else could be causing this?

I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t see your kitty’s age, but if he/she was older, I would be most suspicious that he/she had cancer somewhere. Even though FeLV negative, it’s still possible that cancer developed in her bone marrow due to an unknown cause. (Which unfortunately is usually the case with cancer). When all of the blood cells are low, primary bone marrow disease (cancer, immune mediated disease) may be to blame. It’s also possible that there was cancer elsewhere and the bone marrow stopped working due to either spread of the disease or because of what we call a “paraneoplastic syndrome”, which is just a fancy way to say that unfortunately cancer sometimes does whatever it wants. I am so sorry again for your heartache. It sounds like you did everything you could have for your cat. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Please let us know if we can help you further.

My concerns are that Kim has a high white blood count (indicating possible infection or immune mediated infection) and REALLY low hematocrit of 12%. The hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the body. Usually when it is that low, the animal needs a blood transfusion. Granted I didn't do the exam on him so I would call your vet to discuss if this is needed, as well as additional diagnostics or medicines. I would also talk to them about whethe he needs to be hospitalized in a 24 hour care until he is more stable as he sounds very sick. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better really soon.

I am assuming when you refer to the blood gets low - this mean that Lorah is anemic and having a low red blood cell count. The red blood cells can be low due to loss (bleeding), destroyed (auto immune, red blood parasites) or not being made (bone marrow problems). It is important that additional testing be done to determine why the anemia is happening. IF the underlying cause is not addressed that the anemia will continue to be present. I hope that helps

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!

Poor Albert - he does look very pale. There are many possible causes of severe anemia or blood loss in cats and blood tests would be recommended in order to diagnose the exact cause. Viruses such as FELV/FIV, feline infectious anemia, various toxins and autoimmune conditions can all contribute as can accidents which cause severe internal or external bleeding

Hi there. Unfortunately, it's not likely that liver or any other food will make much difference in his red blood cell count. Anemia in chronic kidney disease is due to the body not producing erythropoietin, which is the hormone that drives the production of new red blood cells. This type of anemia can be treated with erythropoeitin injections, so I would recommend talking to your veterinarian about this option. I have had several kitties with chronic kidney problems and anemia who responded well to this treatment.

Using EPO is definitely an option since your cat is so anemic. Over time, some cats will develop resistance but I have had good success with using EPO. Talk to your vet about the exact protocol and if he/she thinks it is an appropriate option for your cat. I am not sure of his kidney values but it definitely might be the best option to improve his anemia and increase his quality of life.