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Feline hemoplasmosis

Hemoplasmosis is an infection of the blood caused by very small bacteria that attach to the surface of red blood cells. The body, in seeking to eliminate these bacteria, simultaneously destroys the red blood cells that carry them: the cat b...

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Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Hemoplasmosis is an infection of the blood caused by very small bacteria that attach to the surface of red blood cells.

The body, in seeking to eliminate these bacteria, simultaneously destroys the red blood cells that carry them: the cat becomes anemic, that is to say it lacks oxygen carriers.

This explains a picture that can be confusing: the cat breathes quickly and gets tired as if it had a lung problem, even though its lungs are healthy. It's his red blood cells that are missing.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Pale mucous membranes Fatigue Reduction Fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Rapid breathing Jaundice Dark urine

Gums and inside of eyelids pale, sometimes almost white.

Unusual fatigue: the cat sleeps more, no longer jumps, runs out of breath at the slightest effort.

Breathing rapidly at rest, without cough or flow.

Fever, often in episodes that come and go.

Loss of appetite and progressive weight loss.

In severe forms, yellow discoloration of the skin and the white of the eye, dark urine.

Some infected cats show no signs for a long time.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The infection is caused by hemotropic bacteria, that is, bacteria that live attached to red blood cells. They are not cultivated like ordinary bacteria, which has long complicated their identification.

Anemia results from both the direct destruction of red blood cells and the immune reaction directed against them.

An associated weakening disease, such as feline leukosis, significantly worsens the picture.

Cat with access to the outdoors, especially unsterilized male who fights.

Flea infestation, or lack of regular antiparasitic treatment.

Infection with FIV or feline leukosis, which transforms a discreet carriage into a declared illness.

Stress, other current illness, recent surgery.

History of transfusion without donor screening.

Transmission

Fleas are considered the main vector: they carry the bacteria from one cat to another.

Fights play an important role: bites and scratches bring the blood of two cats into direct contact. This is why entire males that fight are overrepresented.

A blood transfusion from an untested donor can transmit the infection.

Transmission from mother to kittens is possible.

There is no transmission through simple peaceful cohabitation, nor through food bowls.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian looks for anemia: color of the mucous membranes, heart and respiratory rate, palpation of the abdomen.

A blood test measures the degree of anemia and checks whether the bone marrow responds by making new red blood cells.

Examining the blood under a microscope can show bacteria on the surface of red blood cells, but they appear intermittently: not seeing them does not rule out disease.

Direct research of their genetic material by laboratory analysis is the most reliable examination and makes it possible to specify the species in question.

Screening for FIV and leukosis is systematic, because it changes the prognosis and management.

Other causes of anemia are ruled out at the same time: bleeding, kidney disease, poisoning, cancer.

Treatment

Treatment is based on prolonged antibiotic therapy prescribed by the veterinarian, with a family of antibiotics active on these bacteria.

When the destruction of red blood cells is maintained by the immune system, a corticosteroid-type anti-inflammatory can be combined, under veterinary supervision.

A blood transfusion is sometimes necessary to get over the course when the anemia is severe: it does not cure the infection, it gives time for treatment.

Flea treatment is applied to all animals in the household, otherwise the source persists.

Strict rest is important: an anemic cat running around aggravates its lack of oxygen.

Regular blood checks monitor the rise of red blood cells.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Treat regularly against fleas, all year round and for all animals in the household, including those that do not go out.

Sterilize males: this greatly reduces fights, therefore bites and the sharing of blood.

Screen donor cats before any transfusion.

Keep vaccinations up to date and screen for FIV and leukosis, the combination of which aggravates the disease.

Have any bite wound promptly examined, which can transmit many other agents.

Possible complications

Severe anemia with lack of oxygen to the organs, which can be fatal.

Liver damage, with yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes.

Relapses: treatment makes the signs disappear, but does not always completely eliminate the bacteria, which can reactivate during a drop in defenses.

Unfavorable outcome in cats also infected with feline leukosis.

When to see a veterinarian

Your cat's gums are pale or white: consult without delay.

He is suddenly tired, breathes quickly when resting, refuses to move.

The whites of his eyes or his skin take on a yellow tint: emergency.

He has repeated bouts of fever with no obvious cause.

He's been in a fight recently, or you see fleas on him, and his overall condition is declining.

Prognosis

Treated in time, most cats recover well and return to normal blood counts within a few weeks.

The prognosis is much more reserved in cats also carrying feline leukosis or FIV.

Very severe anemia at the time of diagnosis is life-threatening in the short term, hence the importance of consulting as soon as the mucous membranes turn pale.

A cured cat can remain a carrier and relapse later: follow-up remains useful.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if my cat is pale?

Gently lift his upper lip and look at the gum above the fangs: it should be really pink. A whitish, gray or yellow gum requires a quick consultation. Get into the habit of looking when he's doing well, to have a point of comparison.

My cat doesn't go out: can he catch it?

It's much less likely, but not impossible: fleas enter homes, carried on shoes or by another animal. This is one of the reasons why indoor cats are also treated against fleas.

Is this dangerous for me or my dog?

The bacteria involved in cats are specific to them. There is no transmission to dogs under usual conditions, and the disease is not considered a human disease. On the other hand, a flea infestation in the home affects all animals and must be treated globally.

Why does my veterinarian offer an FIV and leukosis test?

Because these infections change everything: they transform silent carriage into serious anemia and modify the prognosis and follow-up. This is not a superfluous examination, it is essential information to treat correctly.