Introduction

Feline infectious anemia (FIA) is caused by a bacterial blood parasite and is best treated with antibiotics, immunosuppressant drugs and aggressive supportive care. In severe cases, whole-blood transfusions may be necessary.

Treating Feline Infectious Anemia

The therapeutic goals for cats with infectious anemia are to resolve the clinical signs and restore red blood cell volume. In acute cases, affected cats may need hospitalization so that intravenous fluid replacement, blood transfusion and nutritional support are readily available. Doxycycline/tetracyclines are the current drugs of choice to clear the infective bacteria from the bloodstream. They should be given for a minimum of 21 days. Doxycycline tends to be better tolerated in cats, although it can contribute to esophageal inflammation and strictures in cats. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are reportedly effective in cats as well, but they can cause blindness in cats if given at high doses. Antibiotic therapy will not actually “cure” feline infectious anemia. However, it can dramatically reduce the number of blood-borne bacteria to the point where the cat is no longer clinically affected.

Because the infectious microorganisms trigger the cat’s immune system to destroy “marked” red blood cells, immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids are often given for a few days. Prednisone, prednisalone and dexamethasone are among the drugs a veterinarian may consider in these cases. Of course, concurrent diseases that might be exacerbated by steroid administration should be ruled out before steroids are given. When feline infectious anemia becomes life-threatening, whole-blood transfusion may be necessary.

Most cats with feline infectious anemia have a good to excellent prognosis, as long as they receive aggressive supportive care and appropriate antibiotic treatment. Cats that have underlying disease, such as feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus infection, have a more guarded prognosis and are more prone to recurrent bouts of anemia. Once infected, whether clinically or subclinically, all cats become “carriers” for life and may become symptomatic during periods of excitement, stress or immunosuppression from whatever cause. Cats with chronic infection but without clinical signs do not require treatment, as no treatment has been identified to completely clear the carrier state.