Primary immune‐mediated neutropenia and precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia in a 4‐year‐old cat

Abstract

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair was presented for acute onset of lethargy. The cat had been diagnosed with and treated for precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia 2 years before presentation. The clinical examination was unremarkable. Haematology and biochemistry revealed neutropenia and hyperglobulinaemia. Electrophoresis revealed polyclonal gammopathy. Toxoplasma spp. IgG/IgM, Bartonella spp., feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus serology were negative. Urine culture was negative. A computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen revealed an enlarged spleen, and cytology was suggestive of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies were supportive of primary immune‐mediated neutropenia and recurrence of precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia. The cat was treated successfully with prednisolone and cyclosporine. The necessity to perform a bone marrow biopsy should be highlighted in this case, as the diagnosis of precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia and immune‐mediated neutropenia was based on bone marrow sampling, exclusion of infectious disorders and response to immunosuppressive medications.