Companion Animals

Cat Feline Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia: Recognition

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in cats causes acute welfare emergencies requiring rapid recognition and treatment.

Key Facts

IMHA causes the immune system to destroy red blood cells, causing rapid severe anaemia
Affected cats become rapidly weak, pale, and may require emergency blood transfusion
Immunosuppressive treatment with prednisolone and ciclosporin controls the immune attack
Cats surviving the acute phase often achieve full remission with appropriate treatment

Welfare Considerations

Acute IMHA causes rapid deterioration with weakness, breathlessness, and cardiovascular compromise. Speed of diagnosis and treatment initiation are the primary determinants of survival. Owner recognition of sudden weakness and pallor as emergency signs enables life-saving rapid presentation.

What You Can Do

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately for cats showing sudden weakness and pale gums
Know that gum colour - normally pink - is a rapid welfare indicator in cats
Support your cat through immunosuppressive treatment which may cause secondary vulnerability to infection