Pancytopenia: what is it and what are the symptoms of the rare pathological condition that has led to the death of dozens of cats in the UK
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Pancytopenia: what it is and what are the symptoms of the rare pathological condition that led to the death, in an apparently inexplicable way, dozens of cats in the United Kingdom
The toll of cats with feline pancytopenia in the UK has risen to 443. And, unfortunately, as many as 284 have died, many of them within the same family unit. The Royal Veterinary College described this disease as "excruciating", explaining that it tends to affect puppies more easily.
Following all these suspicious cases, registered since last April, in Great Britain, the precautionary withdrawal of several batches of cat food, including treats and other tuna and salmon-based cans, has been triggered. According to British veterinarians, in fact, there is a link between the onset of the disease and nutrition. But it is still too early to say whether the cause is to be attributed precisely to the lots recalled.
Working with the Royal Veterinary College, the Animal Plant and Health Agency and other government departments we are investigating a possible link between specific cat food products and feline pancytopenia. - announced a spokesman for the Food Standards Agency. - There is no definitive evidence to confirm a link at this stage. No unsafe cat food has been identified, but the manufacturer and brand owners concerned, based on investigations to date, are taking the precautionary action of recalling the cat food products consumed by animals with the disease. There is no evidence to suggest that this feline pancytopenia outbreak poses any risk to human health.
Symptoms of pancytopenia to watch out for
But what is this disease that is frightening cat owners across the UK? Feline pancytopenia is a very rare condition that causes a sharp decrease in red, white blood cells and platelets, leading to serious consequences including the death of the animal. To be precise, the term pancytopenia means the simultaneous presence of anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.
As also reported by the Food Standards Agency, pancytopenia manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- White gums
- Wheezing
- Bleeding from the nose and / or mouth
Do you own a cat? Then we are reminding you to check if your cat food is affected by a recent product recall.
This is due to a potential link to feline pancytopenia, a serious illness in cats.
The affected cat food products are listed here: https://t.co/s8lE5peTm6
1/6 pic.twitter.com/YPU45tBgCA
— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) June 25, 2021
The recalled cat food batches were also available online. If you have purchased food for your pets in the last few months, we recommend that you consult the complete list of recalled lots.
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