Two Feline Cases Which Developed Severe Hemolytic Anemia after Treatment for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Abstract

Two cats with lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and polydipsia were diagnosed as having diabetic ketoacidosis, and were initially treated with insulin. But they developed hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia, and in addition, severe hemolytic anemia probably caused by hypophosphatemia. In one of the cats, heinz body formation was also seen in the red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia of both cats was improved by frequent monitoring and correcting the concentrations of serum phosphates. We found it important to prevent hemolytic anemia caused by hypophosphatemia from occurring in order to treat cats with diabetic ketoacidosis. In other words, we need to measure serum phosphate concentrations frequently and correct their titer during insulin therapy.