Coping with Cat's Abnormal Bleeding: Causes & Treatment

Abnormal bleeding in cats can be associated with a multitude of systemic diseases or imbalances. Clinical symptoms can range from mild, such as small bruises on the skin, to severe, even lifethreatening. Unexplained or abnormal bleeding should never be overlooked. If your pet exhibits symptoms like pallor, drowsiness, weakness, or pain, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.

When evaluating a cat for abnormal bleeding, it's vital to make an accurate diagnosis of the type of clotting abnormality and determine its underlying cause. Each clotting disorder requires a unique treatment approach, which not only addresses the underlying cause but also treats the specific defect in clotting.

Causes of Abnormal Bleeding in Cats

There are numerous potential causes for abnormal bleeding in cats. While occasional minor bruising or blood spots in feces may be normal and harmless, widespread, persistent, severe, or recurrent bleeding is not and requires prompt medical attention.

The most direct cause of abnormal bleeding is often a platelet disorder. When platelet counts are low or platelets are not functioning properly, a platelet disorder occurs. Causes of low platelet counts include insufficient production of platelets in the bone marrow, platelet destruction, or premature removal of platelets from the bloodstream. Generally, cats with platelet counts below 25,000 may experience spontaneous bleeding and are at risk of lifethreatening hemorrhages. Platelet dysfunction can be a congenital, inherited condition or a condition that develops later in life.

Specific diseases that can cause abnormal bleeding in cats include:

Immunemediated destruction of circulating platelets or bone marrow cells responsible for platelet formation

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

Viruses, such as canine distemper virus and parvovirus

Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella

Parasitic infections, such as heartworm disease and malaria

Presence of tumors (cancer)

Drugs that alter platelet production or function, such as estrogen, methotrexate/sulfonamides, chemotherapy drugs, phenytoin, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Splenomegaly

Vasculitis

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a complex, lifethreatening bleeding disorder that can occur secondary to many systemic diseases

Congenital platelet dysfunction, known as ChediakHigashi syndrome in cats

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Administration of modified live virus vaccines, which can also lead to abnormal bleeding

Adrenal hyperplasia, a condition where the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol

Diabetes

Uremia

Hemophilia caused by hereditary deficiencies in clotting factors

Products related to warfarin, which can inhibit the presence of vitamin K, as clotting factors depend on vitamin K for their activity

Liver diseases that prevent the production of clotting factors

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 several tests that are recommended by veterinarians. Here are some preliminary diagnostic tests that may be performed on a cat with abnormal bleeding:

Complete blood count (CBC)

Platelet count

Chemical analysis

Urinalysis

Thoracic and abdominal Xrays

Stool examination

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

Serological tests. These tests can be used to diagnose certain infectious diseases that affect clotting function.

Abdominal ultrasound

Bone marrow aspiration and cytology analysis

Clotting factor determinations

Treatment of Abnormal Bleeding in Cats

While the diagnosis is ongoing, your veterinarian may recommend several treatment methods for cats with abnormal bleeding. These treatment options include:

Discontinuing any medications that may cause bleeding

Reducing activity to minimize the risk of injury

For cats experiencing severe anemia or weakness due to excessive bleeding, hospitalization may be necessary. During treatment, the veterinarian may provide intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or other measures to stabilize vital signs, such as oxygen therapy, vitamin K treatment, and antidotes.

Home Care for Abnormal Bleeding in Cats

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 your veterinarian and keep them away from rodenticides and other drugs that can cause bleeding.