Figure 1 . Classification and origin of anaemia in cats . ( DIC , disseminated intravascular coagulation ; FeLV , feline leukaemia virus ; FIV , feline immunodeficiency virus ; RBC , red blood cell .)
Although obtaining a PCV may seem unnecessary and simply a means to confirm and quantify the extent of disease , it is important when making decisions relating to blood transfusion , which are discussed later .
A full haematology profile is less frequently requested , normally due to the limited availability of blood , but in larger cats or less severe cases this may be more feasible . When this is available , a flea-anaemic patient will show markers for a regenerative anaemia , including a normal / increased mean corpuscular volume ( MCV ), decreased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration ( MCHC ) and increased reticulocyte production [ 7 ] .
Figure 2 . Manual PCV of 9 % from a flea-anaemic kitten .
In addition to measuring the PCV , VNs should be encouraged to examine a blood smear for the patient with any remaining blood . A blood smear will aid in verifying whether the anaemia is regenerative or nonregenerative , which is particularly helpful when a full haematology profile cannot be run .
Volume 38 ( 2 ) • April 2023
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