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Desciption
An infectious disease of the cat caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis which until recently was known as Haemobartonella felis. The organism is found on surface of erythrocytes and is common in roaming tom cats of 1-3 years old. It is possible to be transmitted via bite wounds or biting arthropods. Recoverd cats become carriers
Clinical signs
The peracute disease is associated with severe anaemia and immunosuppression, and can be rapidly fatal. Fever, anaemia, depression, weakness and jaundice occur in the acute form. In the chronic form animals present with anaemia, lethargy and weight loss. Recovery can occur with a regenerative bone marrow response however severe feline infectious anaemia may occur in the presence of feline leukaemia virus. (FeLV)
Diagnosis
- Organism intermittently seen on the surface of red blood cells in Giemsa-stained blood smears
- Immunofluorescence of blood smears
- Reduced packed cell volume; regenerative anaemia
Treatment
- Doxycycline for 3 weeks early in the course of the disease
- Blood transfusion
- Flea control