Severe Bacterial Infection and Anemia

by Gail
(Boston, USA)

During her wellness visit, the vet found a large mass around Sadie's kidneys and she lost more weight.

After blood tests, Sadie was diagnosed with a severe bacterial infection and anemia.

She lost another 2-pounds, which put her weight at 4.6-pounds; drastic for what was once a 12-pound feline.

Her thyroid numbers are off too, meaning she's taking too much medicine.

The vet has me halving her meds; since it's a chewy treat, she gets one every other day, rather than daily.

The vet also prescribed the strong antibiotic Orbax, to be taken daily for the next 2 weeks.

Thankfully, Sadie loves Pill Pockets and takes the Orbax without issue - I told her it was another 'special treat' and she gobbles it up.

After 2 days on the Orbax, she has perked up again, is eating like her old self and the spark of life is back in those beautiful eyes. We need to re-check her blood in another week to see how things are progressing.

Question: - what can I do, other than what is already being done, to help address the anemia?

Sadie's food consists of wet and dry Science Diet Prescription I/D due to intestinal issues, whereby she used to vomit store-bought food.

No more hairballs or upchucking since changing to the I/D. Should I be doing anything else?

Gail

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Hi Gail... I hope you are OK and I am sorry to hear about Sadie.

From what you say it seems that the cause of the feline anemia in this case is loss of kidney function. Although you don't actually say that but you do imply it.

Any chronic illness can depress the bone marrow and lead to anemia (insufficient red blood cells in the blood system).

In other words it is not caused by a dietary deficiency. When the disease is resolved the anemia should resolve. That seems to be the plan.

The question is, is there any cat food that can either boost red blood cell production or if there is kidney failure can a certain food assist?

There is a diet for a cat with chronic kidney failure (if that is the case).

In brief the diet should be high quality and lower in protein to minimise the amount of nitrogen that has to be excreted by the kidneys. Hills Feline k/d is indicated. B vitamin supplements are advised¹.

I hope this helps a bit. I think the issue of diet is concerned with tackling the disease that is causing the anemia which is a symptom of the underlying illness.

Best

Note:

1. Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Guide by Drs Carlson and Giffin

Severe Bacterial Infection and Anemia to Cat Health Problems