Mycoplasma haemofelis

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Feline infectious anaemia

  • Caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis ( until recently, known as Haemobartonella felis)
  • Organism found on surface of erythrocytes
  • Common in roaming tom-cats of 1-3 years old
  • Possibly transmitted via bite wounds or arthropods
  • Recoverd cats become carriers

Clinical signs

  • 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
  • Anaemia, lethargy and weight loss occur in the chronic form
  • Recovery can occur with a regenerative bone marrow response
  • Severe feline infectious anaemia may occur in the presence of feline leukaemia virus

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