A retrospective study of feline pancytopenia

To better define the incidence and causes of feline pancytopenia we reviewe d cases of pancytopenia submitted to the University of Minnesota, Veterinar y Teaching Hospital over an 18-month period. Pancytopenia was defined as a combination of anaemia (packed cell volume < 26%), neutropenia (segmented n eutrophils < 3000/mu l), and thrombocytopenia (platelet counts < 200 000/mu l). Of 2011 complete blood counts reviewed, pancytopenia was detected in 5 6 (2.8%). Associated clinical disorders included drug-associated disorders (n = 9) infectious diseases (n = 14) immune-mediated haematological disease s (n = 3), chronic renal failure (n = 3), idiopathic aplastic anaemia (n = 3), and other causes (n = 5). Results of this study indicate that feline pa ncytopenia has multiple causes and that the prognosis is dependent on the c ause of the pancytopenia. Differentiation of the various causes of pancytop enia requires a systematic approach that includes evaluation of infectious, drug-induced, and immune-mediated causes, and examination of bone marrow.