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Conference misery::feline

Title:Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:purrrrr...
Moderator:JULIET::CORDES_JA
Created:Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1079
Total number of notes:28858

251.0. "Haemobartonella Felis" by MUTTON::BROWN () Thu Apr 09 1992 02:57

    I have just recently had a couple of my kittens diagnosed as having
    Haemobartonella and I thought I would share the disease information
    with you so that you might be forewarned.  This illness, if undetected
    and untreated, can be fatal.  Some of what I am entering here is
    paraphrased from the Cornell Book of Cats.
    
    Feline Infectious Anemia (Feline Haemobartonellosis) is caused by the
    rickettsial organism Haemobartonella Felis, which attaches to feline
    red blood cells.  This parasite is thought to be responsible for about
    10% of all feline anemia.  This illness sometimes occurs secondarily to
    an underlying immunosuppressive disease, such as Feline Leukemia or
    FIV.
    
    The disease is most often seen in young male cats, ages one to three
    years.  The risk for males is 2.5 times that for females. 
    Haemobartonella occurs most often in late spring.  It is thought to be
    spread by fleas, and other blood sucking insects.  The infected blood
    must be transmitted from cat to cat.
    
    Most common clinical signs are depression, weakness, loss of appetite,
    and pallor to the mucous membranes.  Weight loss, vomiting, and
    dehydration may also be seen.  Signs are somewhat dependent on the
    rapidity with which the anemia develops.  For instance, if the anemia
    develops gradually, as mine did, the cat may lose a considerable amount
    of weight (my kittens didn't lose weight initially), yet remain bright 
    and alert.  If the anemia develops quickly, a cat will lose little of 
    it's weight, but will be markedly depressed and jaundiced.  Early during 
    the disease, the body temp will rise to between 104-105.
    
    Diagnosis is usually achieved by identification of the organism on
    blood smears.  However, owing to the cyclic appearance of the parasite
    in the bloodstream, several blood samples taken over a period of time
    may be needed.
    
    The thing that makes this disease deadly is the body's response to it. 
    Once the parasite attaches to the red blood cells, the body's immune
    system sees it's own red blood cells as "foreign" and tries to destroy
    them.  This is how the anemia sets in.
    
    My two kittens were diagnosed on their ROUTINE BLOOD PANELS that I do
    on every one of my kittens.  I had no idea that they might have 
    haemobartonella.  Both of the kittens had survived pneumonia as younger 
    kittens, and the clinical pathologist felt that this left them at risk, 
    since their immune systems were "preoccupied" fighting off the pneumonia.
    
    Aside from actually locating the haemobartonella on the blood smears (it 
    was only seen on one kitten's smear, not both), there are other tip offs 
    on the blood panel: low red blood cell count, low PCV or packed cell
    volume and abnormal white blood cell count.  The male kitten had a PCV 
    of 14 when diagnosed (normal for our lab is 28-44), the female had 13.  
    Had we not found this when we did, either could have died.  Anything 
    under 13 is considered life threatening and must be transfused in order 
    to survive.
    
    Treatment of Haemobartonella consists of giving some form of 
    oxytetracycline orally for no less than three weeks.  Prednisolone may
    also be needed to supress the body's immune system in order to control
    the destruction of red blood cells.  No drug appears to totally
    eliminate the organism, so some cats may remain chronically infected
    but clinically healthy for the remainder of their lives.
    
    After just 4 days on Doxycycline, the male kitten's PCV had risen from
    14 to 27, and the female's from 13 to 17.  After 10 days, the male was
    35, and the female 20.  The female has been hit hardest by this as she
    was the runt of the litter, and was still fighting the pneumonia when 
    this hit her.  I am very worried about her still.  
    
    I hope that this information is useful to someone.
    
    Jo
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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251.1Worried about my babyMUTTON::BROWNThu Apr 09 1992 21:0111
    Since my little female kitten appears to be going downhill, the vet has
    just instructed me to begin giving her prednisone to 1)suppress the
    destruction of red blood cells by the immune system, and 2)help
    stimulate her appetite.
    
    She is very tiny, just two pounds, and has stopped eating as of
    yesterday.  Please keep your fingers crossed that this helps.  I am
    also supposed to check her gums for color and if they are pale, bring
    her in for a transfusion tomorrow to help her bounce back from this.
    
    Jo
251.2YOSMTE::CORDES_JASet Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4Thu Apr 09 1992 21:306
    Jo I've got as many fingers and toes crossed as I am capable of.  
    I'll think positive thoughts for the wee babe too and ask the
    clan to cross their paws.  Maybe she's tougher than she appears
    and will be able to fight it off.
    
    Jan
251.3USDEV1::NDCPutiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313Fri Apr 10 1992 08:4411
    Jo,
      Thanks for posting that information.  I have been a little bit
    concerned about the latest litter since they were hit with that
    URI so early in life and some of them just don't seem to be growing.
    They all have excellent appetites and plenty of energy tho.
    
    Keep us posted.  Do me a favor and EMAIL me anything you post here.
    I can't always get into the file these days.
      I'll be thinking of you.
      Nancy
    
251.4LEDDEV::LAVRANOSFri Apr 10 1992 09:165
    
    I'll be thinking about you and your kitty.  Hope she starts to eat and
    get healthy.
    
    ...Rania
251.5MAGEE::MERRITTFri Apr 10 1992 09:265
    Little tiny kitty prayers coming your way for the little girl!
    If she is a little fighter...she is in the best of hands to make it
    through this.  Keep us posted....
    
    Sandy
251.6SANDY::FRASERErr on a G StringFri Apr 10 1992 09:346
	If anyone can bring her through this, it's you, Jo!  We'll be keeping
	our paws...ahem...fingers crossed and sending positive thoughts your
	way.

	Sandy
251.7STUDIO::PELUSOPAINTS; color your corralFri Apr 10 1992 09:525
    fingers and paws crossed here!  This weekend is supposed to be real
    nice, so I hope it will bring you luck.
    
    Michele
    
251.8Thinkin' good thoughts!JUPITR::KAGNOKitties with an AttitudeFri Apr 10 1992 10:364
    Hang in there, Jo, and Baby Kitty.  We are rootin' for ya!
    
    Is this Laci's little baby girl?
    
251.9Kitty PrayersWR1FOR::RUSSELLPE_STFri Apr 10 1992 12:4610
    After meeting little Suzy Q last night and seeing how tiny she is
    compared to her littermates, Bob and I are sending loads of kitty
    prayers her way.  If anyone can pull her through, you can Jo.  I was
    thrilled when she jumped up on my shoulder when I was sitting on the
    floor.  
    
    Fingers and paws crossed,
    
    Steffi, Bob + 4
    
251.10Kitty PrayersYOSMTE::CANTONI_MIFri Apr 10 1992 13:145
    Healing thoughts coming your way.  You are so devoted to your kitties;
    if anyone can pull her through, it's you!
    
    Best,
    --Michelle
251.11Today's updateMUTTON::BROWNFri Apr 10 1992 13:3610
    This is little Suzy Q that is sick.  She is from my Joui x Mush litter. 
    She is about 4.5 months old, and has had health "challenges" at every
    turn.
    
    She ate pretty well last night, but was back to being finicky this
    morning.  We decided to forego the transfusion for the time being.  I
    am still giving her fluids.  Will let you know.  Up until a few days
    ago I wasn't worried about her ability to fight this off, but now I am.
    
    Jo
251.12OXNARD::KOLLINGKaren/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.Fri Apr 10 1992 14:254
    My thoughts are with you, too.
    
    karen
    
251.13SANFAN::BALZERMAFri Apr 10 1992 15:588
    
    hang in there jo.  you know that i am here if you need me...
    
    hugs,
    m                           
    
    
    
251.14SANFAN::FOSSATJURed DoorFri Apr 10 1992 20:396
    Jo:
    
    Sending you lots of good thoughts and prayers.  Hang in there.
    
    kitty hugs and affirmations from
          Giudi +3
251.15EMASS::SKALTSISDebSun Apr 12 1992 23:186
    Jo,
    
    is this the blood problem you described to me when Argus took sick?
    
    I hope the little one pulls thru,
    Deb
251.16MUTTON::BROWNMon Apr 13 1992 18:435
    Yep, Deb it is.  Suzy Q is still holding her own.  I won't feel safe
    about it until she starts gaining some weight though.  She goes in
    tomorrow for another PCV check up.
    
    Jo
251.17not out of the woods yet, but...MUTTON::BROWNWed Apr 15 1992 15:598
    The Q-meister saw the vet again yesterday for her weekly PCV checkup
    and her PCV is now 21.  That is still subnormal, so she is still on
    meds for the time being.  All my books say that you must treat for at
    least 3 weeks, but it looks like she will have to be treated for
    longer.  The good news is that she gained about 1/4 of a pound in the
    last week!
    
    Jo
251.18Update on the Q-meisterMUTTON::BROWNMon Apr 27 1992 19:3017
    Suzy Q took a turn for the worst last week.  She caught a URI and
    started going downhill fast.  We got her off the prednisone as quick as
    we could, and took her into the vet for a transfusion.  Her PCV was 20,
    so the tranfusion wouldn't have helped her that much, and it is fairly
    risky so we decided not to do it afterall.  
    
    We pulled a blood panel on her and Dr. Rue examined her.  Seems that
    her liver enzymes were up, and her liver inflammed.  The vet thought
    this could be from the doxycycline, so we took her off it after
    checking her blood to see if we could find any more haemobartonella.
    
    Anyway, she is hanging in there, getting fluids twice a day, Amoxi,
    Terramcyin, Herplex, Winestrol to increase her appetite, and all the
    baby food meat mixed with Nutrical she can eat.  We are hoping for the
    best.  She is very weak still, but hanging in there so far.
    
    Jo
251.19OXNARD::KOLLINGKaren/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.Mon Apr 27 1992 19:454
    Poor baby.  Was she continuing to gain weight before this?  I'd keep an
    eye on the use of amoxi, since it causes vomiting in 2 of my 3;  might
    it also cause enough nausea without vomiting so that it depresses her
    appetite?
251.20Amoxi not a problem so farMUTTON::BROWNMon Apr 27 1992 20:2115
    She has just been hovering around two pounds.  We have had her on the
    Amoxi since last wednesday, with no ill effects.  She eats fine on her
    own, but eats more when I spoon feed her. :')  Spoiled brat!  
    
    Since her immune system was depressed by the prednisone (as part of her
    treatment for Haemobart), her blood panel showed a poor immune response
    to the URI (in other words, white count was not elevated as it should
    have been, but was on the low side instead).
    
    We are taking in a stool sample tomorrow to be certain that she doesn't
    have worms on top of all else.  Just want to cover all the bases.  In
    the debilitated condition that she is in now, any further stresses
    could be serious.
    
    Jo
251.21SANDY::FRASERErr on a G StringTue Apr 28 1992 09:487
	Poor Suzy!  She sounds like quite a little fighter, though.  If
	she survives all this, she's going to be quite the tough cat. :^}

	Fingers and paws crossed for her (and you, Jo)

	Sandy
251.22VORTEX::TPMARY::TAMIRDECforms RoadieTue Apr 28 1992 13:425
OOOOOHHH, Winstrol--my favourite.  She ought to gain weight on that one!
You're a saint, Jo...hang in there!  Our prayers are with you and Ken and
the little one.

Mary, who's still lugging around a few extra pounds from Winstrol...
251.23:'(MUTTON::BROWNset home/cat_max=5 girls 2 boys 2 hhpsWed May 13 1992 19:139
    Things are not looking good for Suzy Q.  She suffered some liver damage
    from the haemobartonella medication so we had to take her off it.  She
    is severely anemic still.  We have done all that we can, but it looks
    like it may not be enough.  I have an appointment for her at the vet's
    tomorrow, but there may not be much we can do for her now.  She isn't
    eating on her own, and she isn't drinking on her own.  I am giving her
    fluids and force feeding her.  Send good thoughts for us.
    
    Jo
251.24OXNARD::KOLLINGKaren/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.Wed May 13 1992 19:242
    Good thoughts coming from me and my crew.  Hugs to you and Suzy Q.
    
251.25CAPITN::CORDES_JASet Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4Wed May 13 1992 20:148
    I was fortunate enough to get to see miss Suzy Q. this past weekend.
    She is such a sweetheart.  For a kitty that feels as bad as she must
    feel, she has sooo much personality.  I rubbed her head and petted
    her tiny little body and she just purred her little heart out.  I'm
    sending all the prayers and good thoughts I can her way in hopes that
    some how she'll beat this thing.
    
    Jan
251.26MAYES::MERRITTThu May 14 1992 09:056
    Sending all my kitty hugs and prayers to little Suzy Q!  Keep us
    posted Jo....hopefully she is a little trooper and can continue
    to fight.
    
    Sandy and the crew
      
251.27SANDY::FRASERErr on a G StringThu May 14 1992 09:344
	Yes, hugs and best wishes to you and Suzy Q from us and our gang,
	too.  Fingers and paws crossed . . .

251.28JUPITR::KAGNOKitties with an AttitudeThu May 14 1992 10:254
    Hugs and prayers to Suzy Q.!
    
    -Roe and the gang
    
251.29Crossed fingers and pawsWR1FOR::RUSSELLPE_STThu May 14 1992 12:374
    Jo, hugs and prayers for Suzy Q and you.  I have my fingers crossed for
    some good news from you.
    
    Steffi the 3Ms and L 
251.30Healing thoughts your way.YOSMTE::CANTONI_MIDon't Litter.......SPAY!Mon May 18 1992 14:185
    Add my hugs and prayers as well. Maybe she's just the little trooper to
    beat this thing.
    
    Best,
    Michelle
251.31The battle is overMUTTON::BROWNset home/cat_max=5 girls 2 boys 2 hhpsTue May 19 1992 17:139
    I am very sorry to say that Suzy Q couldn't beat the Haemobartonella
    and it's complications.  I had to put her to sleep on Thursday, May
    14th.  She had begun having seizures and they were becoming more
    frequent and more violent.  The vet agreed that there was nothing else
    that we could do.
    
    Rest in peace, Suzy Q.
    
    Jo
251.32OXNARD::KOLLINGKaren/Sweetie/Holly/Little Bit Ca.Tue May 19 1992 17:207
    I'm very sorry about Suzy Q.  I hope there's some comfort in knowing
    that she felt loved and cared for and that her sweetness brought
    happiness to those who knew her.   She's probably napping on my
    Pussycat's tummy right now.
    
    Karen
    
251.33YOSMTE::CORDES_JASet Apt./Cat_Max=3..uh,I mean 4Tue May 19 1992 17:226
    Sweet, sweet Suzy Q...I wish you much happiness and freedom from
    pain or illness up in kitty heaven.  Please give my love to all
    the Cordes and Cordes Brown kitty family members who went there 
    before you.
    
    Jan
251.34Truely sorryCGOOA::LMILLERhasten slowlyTue May 19 1992 17:433
    I am so sorry - she was an absolute sweetheart.  
    
    Linda
251.35NEST::REEDSometimes we're the windshield, sometimes the bugTue May 19 1992 18:227
    Jo,
    
    I'm sorry to hear about Suzy Q. Hopefully she's happily playing away
    with all our loved ones who've gone on before.
    
    Hugs,
    Roslyn
251.36Sleep Well, Suzy QWR1FOR::RUSSELLPE_STTue May 19 1992 18:4110
    Jo,
    
    I'm so sorry about little Suzy Q.  She was such a love.  She knew how
    much you loved her and how much you cared.  
    
    Hugs,
    
    Steffi 
    
    
251.37SANDY::FRASERErr on a G StringWed May 20 1992 09:166
	So sorry to hear about Suzy Q, Jo.  You did everything humanly
	possible to give her the best chance at life.  It looks like it just
	wasn't meant to be.

	Hugs from New Hampshire . . .
251.38MAYES::MERRITTWed May 20 1992 09:207
    Warm thoughts and kitty prayers for little Suzy Q.  Heaven needed
    her more then you and all are loved ones will take wonderful
    care of her.
    
    Sandy
    
    
251.39We are sorry tooJUPITR::KAGNOKitties with an AttitudeWed May 20 1992 09:207
    Our condolensces as well.  No one can say that Suzy Q. didn't have the
    best possible care and all the love in the world throughout her ordeal.
    
    Rest in peace little kitty.
    
    -Roberta + 5
    
251.40DSSDEV::TPMARY::TAMIRDECforms RoadieWed May 20 1992 14:046
Us, too.  Poor little thing was needed in heaven.  There's a special place
in heaven for people like you, too.

So sorry...

Mary +7 or 8
251.41STUDIO::PELUSOPAINTS; color your corralWed May 20 1992 15:163
    Jo....we're so sorry to hear about Suzy-Q......
    
    Michele & Nippa
251.42DKAS::FEASEAndrea Midtmoen FeaseThu May 21 1992 10:135
    Jo,
    
         My deepest condolences over your loss of Suzy-Q ...
    
    					- Andrea
251.43SANFAN::FOSSATJUI want the wind at my backThu May 21 1992 20:388
    JO,
    
    So sorry to hear about little Suzy-Q.  She fought so hard and so did
    you, 
    
    luv
    
    Giudi
251.44Everything you wanted to know in 0!AIMHI::SPINGLERTue Mar 08 1994 16:369
    
    The first note in this string is more complete than the info that I
    jotted down.  I should have know that this file would come through
    again!
    
    Feline Fine
    
    Sue & Furry Brats