Content
- What is FIA?
- What are the Symptoms of FIA?
- How is FIA Transmitted?
- How is FIA Diagnosed?
- How is FIA Treated?
- How can FIA be Prevented?
- What is the Outlook for Affected Cats?
What is FIA?
Feline Infectious Anaemia (FIA) is caused by a single celled organism called Haemobartonella felis (H. felis, previously known as Eperythrozoon felis). This organism attaches itself to red blood cells, and is neither a bacteria, virus or protozoa (a protozoa is a single celled animal).
What are the Symptoms of FIA?
This is a disease whose symptoms are largely as a result of a shortened life span of the red blood cell, which in turn leads to a fall in the number of red cells circulating. This is called anaemia, and if severe enough will result in a noticeable paleness to the mouth and conjunctiva. (The conjunctiva is the pink membrane that surrounds the eye). H. felis attaches loosely to the membrane of a red blood cell, but does not penetrate it. However, on passing through the liver and spleen, the infected red cell is removed from the circulation and destroyed.
The classical symptoms of this disease are:
- Raised body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Anaemia
- Lethargy
Over time these symptoms progress to weight loss, and in the more severe cases, the cat can become jaundiced...
How is FIA Transmitted?
There is a lot still to be discovered about the transmission of H. felis. The current theory is that it may be transmitted by biting insects, especially fleas...
How is FIA Diagnosed?
The definitive diagnosis of this condition is quite important as it has serious implications for the long-term health of the cat...
A high proportion of cats infected with H. felis will show no symptoms. It is vital, where this organism has been detected, to look for some other contributory cause to the anaemia, such as FeLV and FIV.
How is FIA Treated?
Antibiotics
Doxycycline (Ronaxan®) – the standard treatment...
Oxytetracycline – cheaper, but generally less effective...
Enrofloxacin (Baytril®) – alternative treatment, but not for kittens under 8 weeks...
Immunosuppressants – in some cases, prednisolone is also used...
How can FIA be Prevented?
The exact mode of transmission of H. felis is not known. Fleas are strongly suspected as being the main method of transmission, and it is therefore essential that all cats that may come into contact with fleas are treated with an effective preparation. Flea prevention is discussed fully here. Flea collars are not effective.
Outlook for Affected Cats
Cats co-infected with FeLV/FIV and H. felis often have a poor outlook. In cats with H. felis alone, the prognosis is much better, though relapse is possible.
