Effective Diagnostic Methods for Feline Abnormal Bleedi

In assessing animals with abnormal bleeding, it is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis of the type of coagulopathy and determine its underlying cause. Each type of coagulopathy requires a different treatment approach, which not only addresses the underlying cause but also treats the specific defect in blood coagulation.

Causes of Abnormal Bleeding in Cats

There are numerous reasons for abnormal bleeding in cats. Occasional minor bruising or blood spots in feces are normal and not a cause for concern. However, widespread, prolonged, severe, or recurrent bleeding is abnormal and requires prompt treatment.

The most direct cause of abnormal bleeding is thrombocytopenia, a condition where platelet count is low or platelets do not function properly. The reasons for a low platelet count include insufficient production of platelets in the bone marrow, platelet destruction, or premature removal of platelets from the bloodstream. Generally, cats with a platelet count below 25,000 may experience spontaneous bleeding and are at risk of lifethreatening hemorrhage. Platelet dysfunction can be a congenital, inherited disorder or a condition that develops later in life.

Specific diseases that can cause abnormal bleeding include:

1. Immunemediated destruction of circulating platelets or bone marrow cells responsible for platelet production.

2. Various bone marrow diseases, such as cancer, myeloproliferative disorders, and myelofibrosis.

3. Viral infections, such as canine distemper virus and parvovirus.

4. Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella.

5. Certain parasitic infections, such as heartworm disease and malaria.

6. Presence of tumors (cancer).

7. Medications that alter platelet production or function, such as estrogens, methoxsalen/sulfonamides, chemotherapy drugs, phenytoin, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

8. Spleen disease.

9. Vasculitis.

10. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a complex, lifethreatening bleeding disorder that occurs secondary to many systemic diseases.

11. Congenital platelet dysfunction, such as ChediakHigashi syndrome in cats.

12. Kidney disease.

13. Liver disease.

14. Vaccination with modified live virus vaccines can also cause abnormal bleeding.

15. Vasculitis.

16. Hyperadrenocorticism, a disease where the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol.

17. Diabetes.

18. Uremia.

19. Hemophilia caused by hereditary deficiencies in clotting factors.

20. Products related to warfarin, which inhibit the presence of vitamin K, as the activity of clotting factors depends on vitamin K.

21. Liver diseases that prevent the production of clotting factors.

22. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which leads to widespread bleeding due to the consumption of platelets and clotting factors.

Diagnosis of Abnormal Bleeding in Cats

For cats with abnormal bleeding, there are many tests recommended by veterinarians for preliminary diagnosis. The following are some of the initial diagnostic tests that a veterinarian may perform on the affected cat:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)

2. Platelet count

3. Biochemical analysis

4. Urinalysis

5. Chest and abdominal Xrays

6. Fecal examination

7. Coagulation tests. This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot.

8. Serological tests. These tests can be used to diagnose certain infectious diseases that affect blood coagulation.

9. Abdominal ultrasound

10. Bone marrow aspiration and cytology analysis

11. Clotting factor assays

Treatment of Abnormal Bleeding in Cats

While the diagnosis is ongoing, veterinarians may recommend various treatment methods for cats with abnormal bleeding. The following are some of the treatment options:

1. Stop any medications that may cause bleeding.

2. Minimize activity to reduce the risk of injury.

3. If a cat experiences severe anemia or weakness due to excessive bleeding, hospitalization may be necessary. During treatment, the veterinarian may administer intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or other measures to stabilize the cat's vital signs, such as oxygen therapy, vitamin K treatment, and antidotes.

Home Care

1. If you notice any bruising or signs of bleeding in your cat, take it to the veterinarian immediately.

2. Only give your pet medications prescribed by a veterinarian and avoid exposing them to rodenticides and other drugs that may cause bleeding.