Pancytopenia in cats

Pancytopenia is a relatively rare condition in cats. Underlying causes include infectious, cancerous and immune-mediated diseases as well as intoxication.

©Douglas McCallum

Pancytopenia is a lack of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

If you are in any way concerned book a consultation and examination with your veterinarian – your cat will then likely undergo a full clinical examination and blood tests.

You should make an appointment with your veterinarian if your cat is symptomatic, ie shows any of the following signs:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Spontaneous bleeding or bruising:
  • From mouth
  • Hematochezia (blood in poo)
  • Hematuria (blood in urine)
  • Hematemesis (blood in vomit)
  • Melena (black poo)
  • Blood visible in the eye
  • Swelling/bruising at the site of a blood sample
• Collapse

If one cat in a household has symptoms and is diagnosed with pancytopenia, you should arrange appointments for all of the others.

Your veterinarian will carry out a full clinical examination, blood tests and may want to carry out a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy.

Treatment will involve some or all of:

• Hospitalization for supportive care
• Blood transfusion
• Broad spectrum antibiotics
• Medication to control bleeding if cat has extensive bleeding
• Barrier nursing

Unfortunately, pancytopenia is a serious condition and many cats have sadly died so it is very important to get veterinary attention as soon as possible to give your cat the best chance of survival.