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Thrombocytosis in cats: a retrospective study of 51 cases (2000-2005)
Francesca Rizzo1, Simon W Tappin, Séverine Tasker
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol Small Animal Hospital, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK. frabristol@yahoo.it
Insights
Thrombocytosis, a high platelet count, affects nearly 5% of cats presenting to veterinary hospitals. Inflammatory, infectious, and gastrointestinal conditions are frequently associated with this feline haematology finding.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Haematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Thrombocytosis, defined as elevated platelet counts (>700x10^9/L), is a recognized haematological abnormality in cats.
- Evaluating the prevalence and clinical associations of thrombocytosis in feline patients is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of thrombocytosis in cats presented to a university small animal hospital.
- To identify clinical signs, concurrent haematological abnormalities, diagnoses, and outcomes associated with feline thrombocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of feline haematology profiles from January 2000 to October 2005.
- Evaluation of signalment, clinical presentation, diagnoses (using DAMNITV classification and body systems), and outcomes in 51 cases with complete records.
- Assessment of feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukaemia virus status, thyroxine levels, haemoplasma PCR, and toxoplasma antibody titres.
Main Results:
- Thrombocytosis was identified in 79 cats (4.64% of the feline population), with platelet counts ranging from 703 to 1895x10^9/L.
- Gastrointestinal signs were the most common clinical presentation, and lymphopenia was the most frequent concurrent haematological abnormality.
- Inflammatory/infectious conditions and gastrointestinal disease were most commonly associated with thrombocytosis, with no link found between thrombocytosis severity and outcome.
Conclusions:
- Thrombocytosis is a notable finding in feline haematology, particularly associated with inflammatory, infectious, and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Breed, gender, and specific viral statuses were not significantly associated with thrombocytosis.
- Further research into the specific causes and implications of thrombocytosis in cats is warranted.
Abstract:
Feline haematology profiles of patients presented to the University of Bristol Small Animal Hospital from January 2000 to October 2005 were evaluated for thrombocytosis (defined as a platelets count of >700x10(9)/l and confirmed on smear evaluation). Thrombocytosis was found in 79 cats (4.64% of the hospital feline population), with values ranging from 703 to 1895x10(9)/l. Signalment, clinical presentation, concurrence of other haematological abnormalities, diagnoses and outcome were evaluated in 51 cases in which complete medical records were available. Other variables (feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukaemia virus status, thyroxine level, haemoplasma PCR, toxoplasma antibody titres) were also evaluated. No association was found between the presence of thrombocytosis and breed or gender. Gastrointestinal signs were the most common clinical presentation. Lymphopenia was the most common concurrent haematological abnormality. Based on final diagnosis reached, cats were grouped both according to the DAMNITV classification and according to the body system affected. Amongst the DAMNITV classification, inflammatory/infectious conditions were most commonly associated with thrombocytosis. According to body systems, gastrointestinal involvement was most represented, followed by endocrine cases. No association was found between the severity of thrombocytosis and outcome.
