Pure red cell aplasia and amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia in a cat

Abstract

A 14-year-old, castrated male mixed-breed cat presented with weight loss and rhinitis for several months and was referred due to anemia and thrombocytopenia. A complete blood cell count (CBC) revealed severe non-regenerative anemia (hematocrit (HCT), 9.7%) and thrombocytopenia (0 /μL). Serology was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies. Bone marrow aspiration showed moderate myeloid hyperplasia, severe erythroid hypoplasia, and megakaryocytic hypoplasia. The cat was diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AMT) and treated with corticosteroids, leading to recovery. On day 242, bone marrow aspirates showed erythroid and megakaryocytic cell production. By day 600, both diseases had not recurred without medication. This is the documented case of concurrent PRCA and AMT in an FIV-infected cat.