Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Immune Haemolytic Anaemia

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in cats requires aggressive diagnosis and treatment - outcomes are variable but good welfare is achievable.

Key Facts

Feline IMHA is rarer than canine but similarly serious - mortality without treatment approaches 100%
Haemotropic mycoplasma infection must be excluded as a treatable trigger
Blood transfusion supports welfare while immunosuppression takes effect
Doxycycline is added empirically to cover occult haemotropic mycoplasma infections
Packed cell volume monitoring guides transfusion timing and immunosuppressive dose adjustment

Welfare Considerations

IMHA causes acute and severe welfare compromise through haemolysis and immune activation. Aggressive initial treatment combined with appropriate monitoring gives individual cats the best chance of survival with welfare maintained.

What You Can Do

Seek emergency care immediately for cats with pale gums or extreme lethargy
Discuss transfusion options if PCV falls below critical levels
Monitor closely for 4-6 weeks post-diagnosis as relapse risk remains significant