low hematocrit and hemoglobin erythrocytes

Black stools can be seen if blood loss occurs in the stomach or intestinal tract, and discolored urine can be a sign of red blood cell destruction. In extreme cases, the cat may have trouble breathing, and respiratory and heart rates can increase as the body tries to compensate for the lowered oxygen delivery by the red blood cells.ĭepending on the cause of anemia, fever and loss of appetite may occur due to an infection or inflammatory response. The cat’s gums may appear almost white or even yellow (a condition called jaundice) due to red blood cell destruction. An anemic cat may have little energy to play or may sleep more than usual. Without enough red blood cells in circulation, cells will not receive enough oxygen or nutrients to survive, so anemia can become a critical or even fatal situation very quickly.īecause anemia starves the body of oxygen (the body’s fuel), the first sign is often lethargy. These cells circulate for about 70-80 days before being removed from circulation and replaced with new red blood cells from the bone marrow. Red blood cells carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues. The normal PCV for a cat is 25-45%, and any PCV below 25% is considered anemic.

Packed Cell Volume (PCV, also often called hematocrit) is the most common way to measure anemia and refers to the percentage of blood volume that is taken up by red blood cells. Lung Ailments: A Widespread Source of Feline WoeĪnemia means a decreased number of red blood cells in circulation.

Low hematocrit and hemoglobin erythrocytes