Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in felines
Case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v20n6e1975Keywords:
Autoagglutination, spherocytes, hemolysis, reticulocytosis, Coombs testAbstract
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a disorder characterized by accelerated destruction of erythrocytes mediated by the immune system, typically resulting from the production of autoantibodies directed against red blood cells or the deposition of immune complexes on their surface. This study aimed to report and analyze a case of IMHA in a one-year-old mixed-breed female cat, describing in detail the clinical and hematological findings, complementary diagnostic tests, therapeutic management, and clinical outcome. Based on the patient's clinical presentation and physical examination, the initial diagnostic suspicion was Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) infection. Following hospitalization, complementary diagnostic tests were performed, including a complete blood count and rapid tests for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and FeLV, both of which yielded non-reactive results. Considering the history of ectoparasite infestation and its relevance in the differential diagnosis of hemolytic anemia in cats, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to detect Mycoplasma spp. The result indicated the absence of the pathogen's genetic material in the analyzed sample. After infectious diseases had been excluded, a direct Coombs test was performed, yielding a positive result with evidence of erythrocyte agglutination. The diagnosis of IMHA was established based on the presence of regenerative anemia in serial complete blood counts, exclusion of FIV, FeLV, and hemoparasitic infections, a positive direct Coombs test, and a favorable clinical response to immunosuppressive therapy. During hospitalization, all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were documented. The patient was discharged on December 23, 2025, after showing marked clinical improvement.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amanda Macedo da Silva, Luana de Souza Coelho, Lara Sandy Gomes Monteiro, Lígia Oliveira Silva, Thaís Alves de Oliveira Tadeu, Alessandra Alevato Leal
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