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#1
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
Hi all:
I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks. |
#2
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
I think the most important thing is to find out why she is anemic, as you
are doing. Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible Keep us posted. Gail "David McCracken" wrote in message ... Hi all: I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks. |
#3
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
Hi Gail:
She's still hanging in there after I first noticed something was wrong 10 days ago. She's been hospitalized three times since then, has had a blood transfusion, a biopsy, complete blood count, steroid treatments, etc. All of it during the holidays. Neither of us has slept much. She's severely anemic, secondary to a possible lymphoma. But really the vet and the specialists don't know what exactly is going on. I feel helpless. She means a lot to me...she's my friend. "Gail" wrote in message ... I think the most important thing is to find out why she is anemic, as you are doing. Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible Keep us posted. Gail "David McCracken" wrote in message ... Hi all: I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks. |
#4
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
I can certainly understand your feelings. I hope they figure out what is
wrong with her. It is hard to see a friend suffer. Keep us posted. Gail "David McCracken" wrote in message ... Hi Gail: She's still hanging in there after I first noticed something was wrong 10 days ago. She's been hospitalized three times since then, has had a blood transfusion, a biopsy, complete blood count, steroid treatments, etc. All of it during the holidays. Neither of us has slept much. She's severely anemic, secondary to a possible lymphoma. But really the vet and the specialists don't know what exactly is going on. I feel helpless. She means a lot to me...she's my friend. "Gail" wrote in message ... I think the most important thing is to find out why she is anemic, as you are doing. Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible Keep us posted. Gail "David McCracken" wrote in message ... Hi all: I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks. |
#5
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
On Dec 28, 12:18*am, "David McCracken"
wrote: Hi Gail: She's still hanging in there after I first noticed something was wrong 10 days ago. *She's been hospitalized three times since then, has had a blood transfusion, a biopsy, complete blood count, steroid treatments, etc. *All of it during the holidays. *Neither of us has slept much. She's severely anemic, secondary to a possible lymphoma. *But really the vet and the specialists don't know what exactly is going on. *I feel helpless. She means a lot to me...she's my friend. "Gail" wrote in ... I think the most important thing is to find out why she is anemic, as you are doing. Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible Keep us posted. Gail "David McCracken" wrote in message ... Hi all: I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? *My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. *We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking *(though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. *She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. *Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems with your feline family member, especially @ this time of year. It appears that you have done everything that is possible for you to do already. I guess all that you can do, is wait for the blood results to come back, & finding out why she has anaemia? I am sorry that I can't advise from experience, because I have never come across this problem to date. I would be really grateful if you would let us know how you are both progressing though, if you wouldn't mind that is? Head rubs & purrs en route to comfort you both @ this difficult time. TIA, Sheelagh "o" |
#6
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
"Sheelagh"o"" wrote in message news:f7de4428-18d8-47b4-98fe- I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems with your feline family member, especially @ this time of year. It appears that you have done everything that is possible for you to do already. I guess all that you can do, is wait for the blood results to come back, & finding out why she has anaemia? I am sorry that I can't advise from experience, because I have never come across this problem to date. I would be really grateful if you would let us know how you are both progressing though, if you wouldn't mind that is? Head rubs & purrs en route to comfort you both @ this difficult time. TIA, Sheelagh "o" Hi Sheelagh: The test results, alas, were inconclusive. The oncologist thinks there's a good chance that it's lymphoma while my regular vet is leaning more toward an immune-related anemia. I've discussed the options and decided to proceed with chemotherapy...for cats, chemo is less traumatic and aggressive than on humans, with little to no side effects. So I thought I'd give it a try. If there are no results after about a week, the vet said it's either neither of the suspected ailments, or it's bone marrow cancer, which typically doesn't respond to chemo. Thanks to everyone for their heartfelt concern and replies. We wish you all a safe New Year's. Take care. |
#7
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
On Dec 31 2007, 6:24*pm, "David McCracken"
wrote: "Sheelagh"o"" wrote in message news:f7de4428-18d8-47b4-98fe- I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems with your feline family member, especially @ this time of year. It appears that you have done everything that is possible for you to do already. I guess all that you can do, is wait for the blood results to come back, & finding out why she has anaemia? I am sorry that I can't advise from experience, because I have never come across this problem to date. I would be really grateful if you would let us know how you are both progressing though, if you wouldn't mind that is? Head rubs & purrs en route to comfort you both @ this difficult time. TIA, Sheelagh "o" Hi Sheelagh: The test results, alas, were inconclusive. *The oncologist thinks there's a good chance that it's lymphoma while my regular vet is leaning more toward an immune-related anemia. *I've discussed the options and decided to proceed with chemotherapy...for cats, chemo is less traumatic and aggressive than on humans, with little to no side effects. *So I thought I'd give it a try. *If there are no results after about a week, the vet said it's either neither of the suspected ailments, or it's bone marrow cancer, which typically doesn't respond to chemo. Thanks to everyone for their heartfelt concern and replies. *We wish you all a safe New Year's. Take care. Hi David, I was hoping that by now you would have your answer, but as ever with cats, it is difficult to help them when they can't tell us how they feel. What a perplexing problem it must be! Given the news I think I would have made the same decision too. The news about chemo is interesting news to me. I never knew that the side effects of chemo were not nearly so harsh on cats, as it is in humans. You learn something new every day! At least you will get a slightly narrowed down idea of the problem & prognosis is after the chemo is done. Poor old puss "o" I wonder, Just Out of interest, what would the vet advise if it does turn out to be anemia related? Did he give any indication? I wish that I could advise you, but I Can't because I don't have the experience. Still, If your vet would rule it out after treatment, I don't suppose it is relative. You might want to have a look @ Phil's web-site for information. I swear the guy is a walking encyclopedia on cat ailments!! http://maxshouse.com/Database_toc.htm If you can't find what you are looking for, then ask, & one of us will try to guide you in the direction that you need to be, OK? I really do hope that he pulls through this one with you. In the meantime, all I can do is wish you both well & say a little prayer to help ease the strain you must be going through. Treat every day like it is the only day, & enjoy your bond; there is no bond like a cat bond, that is for sure! I look forward to hearing more on how he is doing, as long as you have the time to of course. We are all thinking of you @ this difficult time TIA, & Purrs of peace. Sheelagh "o" I wish you a Happy new Year, filled with peace, & good health. Sheelagh |
#8
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
On Dec 25 2007, 4:39 pm, "David McCracken"
wrote: Hi all: I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks. David, Our beloved cat was diagnosed with severe non-regenerative anemia around the same time as yours. The initial suspicion was feline leukemia but all tests so far are inconclusive. The final test we have not gotten the results of is for parasites. She received a transfusion a week ago after her PCV fell below 10. As a result it climbed to only 14 and settled very quickly at 11. Yesterday's blood test showed only 8. She is getting daily chemo injections and EPO. She is extremely lethargic, with little appetite; though her breathing and heart rate are close to normal, which is giving us some hope that she may have time to react favorably to her treatment. I will post again if we learn anything about her situation. I hope your cat is doing well. Oz |
#9
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Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.
wrote in message ... On Dec 25 2007, 4:39 pm, "David McCracken" wrote: Hi all: I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal cat's is around 30). Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna) and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood. Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is tomorrow afternoon. Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful would be very much appreciated. Thanks. David, Our beloved cat was diagnosed with severe non-regenerative anemia around the same time as yours. The initial suspicion was feline leukemia but all tests so far are inconclusive. The final test we have not gotten the results of is for parasites. She received a transfusion a week ago after her PCV fell below 10. As a result it climbed to only 14 and settled very quickly at 11. Yesterday's blood test showed only 8. She is getting daily chemo injections and EPO. She is extremely lethargic, with little appetite; though her breathing and heart rate are close to normal, which is giving us some hope that she may have time to react favorably to her treatment. I will post again if we learn anything about her situation. I hope your cat is doing well. Oz Hi Oz: My cat seems to have improved since her first chemo and Epogen treatment on December 31st. Her next treatment is Monday. I'm happy that she seems to be feeling better but, alas, it really doesn't give me answers. Was it the chemo that turned her around or was it the Epogen? It's hard to say. How long will the positive effects last? That's also uncertain. Please post an update on your cat...I hope the chemo helps her as it seems to be helping my little on. Take care. |
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