A Retrospective Study of Feline Pancytopenia

To better define the incidence and causes of feline pancytopenia we reviewed cases of pancytopenia submitted to the University of Minnesota, Veterinary Teaching Hospital over an 18-month period. Pancytopenia was defined as a combination of anaemia (packed cell volume < 26%), neutropenia (segmented neutrophils < 3000/μl), and thrombocytopenia (platelet counts < 200 000/μl). Of 2011 complete blood counts reviewed, pancytopenia was detected in 56 (2.8%). Associated clinical disorders included drug-associated disorders (n = 9) infectious diseases (n= 14) immune-mediated haematological diseases (n= 3), chronic renal failure (n = 3), idiopathic aplastic anaemia (n= 3), and other causes (n= 5). Results of this study indicate that feline pancytopenia has multiple causes and that the prognosis is dependent on the cause of the pancytopenia. Differentiation of the various causes of pancytopenia requires a systematic approach that includes evaluation of infectious, drug-induced, and immune-mediated causes, and examination of bone marrow.