A furball is said to suffer from feline anemia when there is a significant drop in red blood cell count, circulating hemoglobin, or both. This medical condition is a consequence of several other health issues, requires immediate treatment and can’t be ignored.
If your furball is diagnosed with mild anemia, it can be managed through medications and proper care. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening and demands swift medical intervention. Pet insurance allows your munchkin to avail of basic health care during despairing health situations like this and many others.
Consider purchasing the best pet insurance, so your feline friend’s health is comprehensively covered. In the meantime, read this article to learn about feline spicecinemas anemia causes, symptoms, and treatments available.
Causes
Various diseases cause anemia in cats. They can be classified into those conditions that lead to hemolysis (breakdown/destruction of RBCs), blood loss, and reduction in RBC production. Notably, the below-mentioned health issues cause anemia in feline fur babies –
- Parasitic infections and worms
- Chronic flea infestations, especially in young kittens
- Diseases caused by FIV or FeLV and other viruses
- Exposure to toxins
- Immunodeficiency diseases
- Immune system disorders
- Renal conditions
- Cancer
Symptoms
Know the potential causes of feline anemia but learn the signs of this condition so you can identify the issue as early as possible. One of the major red flags pointing to anemia is pale gums. Check your cat’s gum lines; usually, they are pink in color. If the gum line color ranges between pale pink and white, it should be a cause of concern.
Other typical signs of a fur baby suffering from anemia are low appetite, lethargy, weakness, and reduced mobility. Low energy and stamina are attributed to decreased blood count and oxygen. Your cat may get tired more easily than before and appear listless howitstart.
Treatments
Should you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, rush to the vet for an examination as soon as possible. The vet may run blood tests, perform urine analysis, ultrasound imaging, pathogen tests (bacteria, viruses, fungi), check for parasites, do a biopsy and more.
A physical examination and the test results help determine if anemia is the cause of your furry baby’s sickness. Once the root cause is determined, your vet will devise an efficient treatment plan that hopefully helps set your fluffy friend onto the path of health and wellness.
In severe cases of anemia where the condition seems to tip towards a life-threatening situation, the vet will likely recommend a blood transfusion to stabilize the cat’s health until the cause is figured out. Sometimes, both medications and blood transfusion are suggested to provide stability.
Once the cause is found, appropriate treatments are recommended, like deworming medications and corticosteroids, depending on the cause.
Remember that early testing and treatment can help save your pet from misery and you from potentially hefty vet bills. Consider being prepared with the best pet insurance so your munchkin is covered for broader-ranging health conditions. Pet insurance makes providing quality medical care easier during distressing health situations and emergencies, so why not contemplate purchasing a policy?
