Severe anemia in cats with urethral obstruction: 17 cases (2002–2011)

Abstract

Objective -To characterize clinical parameters of cats with severe anemia due to suspected urinary bladder hemorrhage associated with urethral obstruction. Design -Retrospective case-control study. Setting -University teaching hospital. Animals -Seventeen cats with urethral obstruction and severe anemia (group "UO-A") that required transfusion were identified via medical record database search. Thirty cats with urethral obstruction and mild or no anemia (group "UO") were included as controls. Interventions -None.Measurements and Main Results -The median PCV of all cases at presentation was 28% (range, 9%-47%). Seven cats had PCV ࣘ20% at presentation, and all transfused cats had PCV ࣘ20% at the time of transfusion. Three cats did not receive a transfusion despite PCV ࣘ18%. Cats in the UO-A group had a significantly longer duration of clinical signs (P = 0.001), and were more likely to have a history of previous urethral obstruction (P = 0.011), have a heart murmur (P = 0.002), have a gallop rhythm (P = 0.005), and have lower blood pressure (P = 0.007) compared to those in the UO group. Additionally, UO-A cats had significantly lower pH, more negative base excess, higher BUN, and higher creatinine compared to UO cats. Duration of urinary catheterization was significantly (P = 0.016) longer in UO-A cats. All UO cats survived to discharge, whereas 4/17 (23.5%) UO-A cats were euthanized (P = 0.013).Conclusions -A history of previous urethral obstruction and longer duration of clinical signs may be important risk factors for severe anemia in UO cats. Additionally, UO-A cats appeared to be more severely affected, as evidenced by lower blood pressure, more severe metabolic acidosis, higher BUN and creatinine, and worse outcome. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2016; 26(3): 393-397) CIconfidence interval OR odds ratio UO cats with urethral obstruction and PCV >20% UO-A cats with urethral obstruction and PCV ࣘ20%

Retrospective evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors associated with red blood cell transfusions in cats with urethral obstruction (2009–2019): 575 cases

“…11 Although the overall incidence of severe anemia in the current study was low, the mortality rate of cats with severe anemia was substantially higher, at 23.5%, than previous reports of FUO alone, concluding that severe anemia may affect the outcome of cats with FUO. 11 Because of the potential effect on outcome and prognosis, the risk factors associated with severe anemia and RBC transfusions in FUO may guide therapeutic interventions and clinical decision-making. The objective of the current study was to identify the prevalence of severe anemia in a cohort of cats with FUO across multiple teaching institutions and to determine the risk factors associated with anemia and the need for RBC transfusion in this patient population.…”

“…2,5,10 A less frequently reported abnormality associated with FUO is severe anemia. 11 One singleinstitution veterinary study reported the incidence of severe anemia in FUO, defined as a PCV ≤ 0.20 L/L (20%), as 0.8%, with 14 of 17 (82%) cats diagnosed with severe anemia receiving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during hospitalization. 11 Although the overall incidence of severe anemia in the current study was low, the mortality rate of cats with severe anemia was substantially higher, at 23.5%, than previous reports of FUO alone, concluding that severe anemia may affect the outcome of cats with FUO.…”

“…11 One singleinstitution veterinary study reported the incidence of severe anemia in FUO, defined as a PCV ≤ 0.20 L/L (20%), as 0.8%, with 14 of 17 (82%) cats diagnosed with severe anemia receiving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during hospitalization. 11 Although the overall incidence of severe anemia in the current study was low, the mortality rate of cats with severe anemia was substantially higher, at 23.5%, than previous reports of FUO alone, concluding that severe anemia may affect the outcome of cats with FUO. 11 Because of the potential effect on outcome and prognosis, the risk factors associated with severe anemia and RBC transfusions in FUO may guide therapeutic interventions and clinical decision-making.…”

A prospective randomized study of efficacy of 2 treatment protocols in preventing recurrence of clinical signs in 51 male cats with obstructive idiopathic cystitis

“…Although both female and male cats are affected by FIC, in the latter, it might result in urethral obstruction (UO), which might consequently lead to death . Furthermore, management of obstructed male cats entails urethral catheterization and carries potential complications, including urethral edema, tear and stricture formation, anemia, and catheter‐associated bacteriuria . Overall, recurrence rate is high, greatly varying between studies and follow‐up periods, ranging from 15% to 65% .…”

“…29 Overall, recurrence rate is high, greatly varying between studies and follow-up periods, ranging from 15% to 65%. 3,6,17,20,[30][31][32] Recurrence and refractory cases might ultimately lead to euthanasia in up to 20% of cases, 3,24,28,31 underscoring the need for effective long-term management protocols.…”