Interesting...
Oct. 31st, 2006 08:55 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wordinistaI just took a look through Bronte's file (photocopied from the vet's office) and saw that the pathology report recommended a bone marrow aspirate, biopsy, and separate ELISA test (which is a special FeLV test for the sample). All of which have been done. (Might even hear back today.)
No mention of the fifty zillion other tests and scans the ER clinic mentioned wanting to run.
*grumbles in the general direction of the ER clinic*
This is the medi-speak from the pathology report, dated 10/5/06:
A reticulocyte count is recommended to characterize this anemia's regeneration, but it is likely nonregenerative. The mild agglutination can result from dehydration or increased globulins. An in-clinic saline test should be done to confirm true agglutination if globulins are not elevated. The anemia appears cytologically non-regenerative, and is twice measured to be macrocytic (note: must look up "macrocytic"). Macrocytosis of erythrocytes can be seen with regeneration, but without regeneration is associated with FeLV infection in cats. Also consider developing pure red cell aplasia, myelophthisis, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative disorders, neoplasia, certain kinds of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, early erythroid leukemia (also known as erythremic myelosis), and disseminated intravascular coagulation. MDS and erythroid leukemias in cats are usually secondary to FeLV infection. If the anemia continues to be non-regenerative, a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy are recommended. A FeLV/FIV by ELISA of a marrow aspirate would also be encouraged at the same time.
So. From what I'm able to pick out of that mass of medicalese is that it is most likely FeLV (though Dr. Godwin notes in the file he suspects hemolytic anemia).
The interesting thing is that the date of the report is 10/6, which was about a week before I had to take Darwin in for his neutering, and then Dr. Young went on vacation after that. I'm wondering if he suspected it was going to be hella expensive, so he didn't try scheduling the aspirate right away (besides, she was responding to the meds pretty well, and at one point had a PCV count of 24%, so at the time, a transfusion wouldn't have been necessary -- but she went downhill fast).
Anyway. She seems to be doing well this morning -- she's stll sleepy-looking and not moving around unnecessarily (she is purring quite happily in my lap), but I'm still a little worried about the litterbox situation (after Kisa pretty much boycotted the litter box LAST time, argh). Might pick up a new thing of litter on my way home from working out and set up a separate box for one of them to use. *glares at Kisa for being a little brat*
Someday there will be a post not related to the health of my cat. I promise. :)
No mention of the fifty zillion other tests and scans the ER clinic mentioned wanting to run.
*grumbles in the general direction of the ER clinic*
This is the medi-speak from the pathology report, dated 10/5/06:
A reticulocyte count is recommended to characterize this anemia's regeneration, but it is likely nonregenerative. The mild agglutination can result from dehydration or increased globulins. An in-clinic saline test should be done to confirm true agglutination if globulins are not elevated. The anemia appears cytologically non-regenerative, and is twice measured to be macrocytic (note: must look up "macrocytic"). Macrocytosis of erythrocytes can be seen with regeneration, but without regeneration is associated with FeLV infection in cats. Also consider developing pure red cell aplasia, myelophthisis, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative disorders, neoplasia, certain kinds of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, early erythroid leukemia (also known as erythremic myelosis), and disseminated intravascular coagulation. MDS and erythroid leukemias in cats are usually secondary to FeLV infection. If the anemia continues to be non-regenerative, a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy are recommended. A FeLV/FIV by ELISA of a marrow aspirate would also be encouraged at the same time.
So. From what I'm able to pick out of that mass of medicalese is that it is most likely FeLV (though Dr. Godwin notes in the file he suspects hemolytic anemia).
The interesting thing is that the date of the report is 10/6, which was about a week before I had to take Darwin in for his neutering, and then Dr. Young went on vacation after that. I'm wondering if he suspected it was going to be hella expensive, so he didn't try scheduling the aspirate right away (besides, she was responding to the meds pretty well, and at one point had a PCV count of 24%, so at the time, a transfusion wouldn't have been necessary -- but she went downhill fast).
Anyway. She seems to be doing well this morning -- she's stll sleepy-looking and not moving around unnecessarily (she is purring quite happily in my lap), but I'm still a little worried about the litterbox situation (after Kisa pretty much boycotted the litter box LAST time, argh). Might pick up a new thing of litter on my way home from working out and set up a separate box for one of them to use. *glares at Kisa for being a little brat*
Someday there will be a post not related to the health of my cat. I promise. :)
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no subject
Date: 2006-10-31 08:16 pm (UTC)What they're saying is that she has abnormally enlarged red blood cells, and this, along with the non-regenerative aspect, is primarily a sign of FeLV in cats. It may also be [insert list here] but it's usually FeLV. If the anemia continues non-regenerative, they need to do a bone marriow asperate and biopsy. The ELISA is apparently a bone marrow test, which I imagine will conclusively determine whether it's FeLV or FIV.
Shit.
no subject
Date: 2006-10-31 08:25 pm (UTC)But... you know? Even if it is FeLV? We'll still be able to have a few more good years with her. And... as weird as this sounds, knowing it's FeLV or FIV will be better than rampant Mystery Anemia, which is what we've been dealing with for three months now.
As bad as the news might be, it still beats not-knowing. Y'know?
no subject
Date: 2006-10-31 08:30 pm (UTC)But... shit.
I concur, though. Knowing is better than not knowing. Knowing Mom had cancer and knowing what her treatment options were and... having a plan was so much better than just going OMGCANCEROMG.
I just felt like a bit of a jerk for reading that over and going "This is what they're saying. ...Fuck." Heh.
no subject
Date: 2006-10-31 08:37 pm (UTC)And there are strains of FeLV and FIV that are sequestered to the bone marrow, which is why they don't show up on the regular blood tests. I do remember reading about the ELISA test at some point, so... yeah.
It sucks, though, because the doc tried ruling out FeLV and FIV right from the start with the basic blood test. If it turns out to be either of those, then I'm pretty much convinced she got it in utero from her mom, and that Kisa is more than likely a carrier, since she's not showing any symptoms. Of course, she may show symptoms later, in which case, if she starts losing weight for no apparent reason, we'll know to jump straight to the FeLV tests.
But, yeah. It'll be good to have a plan. That's exactly it.