Infectious anemia in felines: Case report

Abstract

Infectious anemia in felines is a pathology caused by a bacterium that aims to destroy erythrocytes causing various symptoms and clinical signs such as hyporexia, weight loss, jaundice, choluria, pyrexia, among others. A 3-year-old mixed breed male cat was seen at the Casa dos Bichos Veterinary Clinic, Santos, São Paulo, with a major complaint of hyporexia and weight loss about five days ago. Physical examination revealed jaundiced mucous membranes with a capillary filling time of five seconds, decreased skin turgor, lymph nodes unchanged during palpation, body temperature 39.4°C. The hematological evaluation was observed anemia and the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis. Abdominal ultrasound with marked splenomegaly. Antimicrobial therapy was prescribed with 5 mg/kg doxycycline hydrate; every 12 hours/30 days. As it is a pathology little identified in the routine, routine hematological exams should be included for feline patients for a brief diagnosis and treatment.