My Cat, Toby, is Sick

Introduction and Presentation

Toby, an 11-month-old cat, has exhibited a lack of appetite and increased fatigue, which was observed by his owners. The first stage of a physical examination would be to determine the history of the patient, especially vaccination records, as Toby is a kitten. Then the cats’ general appearance would have been noted. The cats body condition, mentation, posture/gait and hydration status would be examined before continuing the physical examination. Next, the vet would check Toby’s vital signs, which include: body weight, temperature using a rectal thermometer (normal temperature for a feline is between 100.5 and 102.5°F), heart/pulse (normal heart/pulse rate in felines is 110-200 bpm), respiratory rate (normal rate for felines is 20-40 bpm) and perfusion indicators which include checking the mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time (normal refill time is <2 seconds). The vet would then complete a thorough head to toe examination, palpating essential organs for signs of abnormality (Wojdak, 2013). The vet discovered Toby had pale mucous membranes, a weak pulse, a dull coat, and was lethargic.

Laboratory Investigations

In response to the findings from the physical examination, several diagnostic techniques are required to determine the diagnosis of the suspected anemia (Fleischman, 2012). The required tests are packed cell volume measurement, a reticulocytes count, blood smear examination and a completed blood count. The packed cell volume, which measures the percentage of red blood cells present in the blood, can be determined by centrifuging a small amount of blood using microhematocrit tubes (Fleischman, 2012). On analysis of the packed cell count obtained for Toby, it was apparent that the...

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...tment. It is important to treat the underlying cause of the disease first before attempting to treat the animal for iron-deficiency anemia (Grace, 2011). Retrovirus diseases are more common in Cats that have suffered anemia due to their weakened immune system. Contraction of other infections and diseases whilst undergoing treatment may also affect prognosis. (Brown, 2012)

Conclusion

Toby was suffering from regenerative, iron-deficiency anemia caused by a pathogenic hookworm, Ancylostoma ceylancium, which caused chronic blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract. The underlying infection could have been treated using Profender and Drontal for Cats tablets. Iron supplements should have been administered to correct the red blood cell levels, which would eventually correct the regenerative anemia. If treatment was successful then the prognosis should have been good.