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Old 08-21-2010, 10:41 PM   #8
GoFlamesGo89
Crash and Bang Winger
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
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I asked an adult (human) hematologist about this, and here's their take without knowing any other info about other cell counts, and cat-specific knowledge:

1. There may be other reasons why the red blood cell count is lowered, for example in humans, certain viruses (eg. parvo virus) causes this. Also, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency.
2. Other illnesses such as an infection, inflammation, other types of cancers could be the primary issues, and the anemia a side-effect / complication.

She definitely doesn't think the bone marrow is worth it if nothing can be done, but it may worth checking with a vet if any of the other possible effects can be tested for using simple blood test. If nothing else comes up, then she recommends the most humane course of action.

One thing which didn't make sense is the transmission of leukemia to the kitten (although that may be an animal specific thing) which certainly isn't heard of in humans. I would check into that as well.

Hope that helps.
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