Smear of venous blood from a cat
Case Information
An 8 year old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented to an emergency hospital with a 4 day history of vomiting and inappetence. The vomiting was partially responsive to Cerenia® (Maropitant). The owner had also noticed purple mucous membranes. The cat was an indoor cat and may have had access to the bathroom cabinet. On physical examination, the cat had cyanotic mucous membranes, and was hypothermic (97.7ºF), equivocally tachycardic (the heart rate was at upper end of normal limits at 220 beats/minute) and panting (respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute). A venous blood sample was taken for an automated hemogram and biochemical profile and was observed to be brown. Results are shown below (Figures 1-3).
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The blood was then sent to the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory for a blood smear examination and was received 5 days after collection. Examine the images of the Wright’s-stained smear then answer the posed questions.
- What abnormalities are evident in the blood smear?
- What additional stain can be applied to confirm your observation?
- Given the history, what is the likely diagnosis?
- What additional testing would you consider?
- How would you treat the cat?
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