Very low RBC count - feedback anyone please?

[critters]

You might want to join http://www.vetpetpartners.org/ ; I know at least one parent has experience with this, and probably some of the vets, too. Good luck!

[kb2yjx]

TopCat3!!! How good to see you on the threads again!!!! I am so sorry to hear about Cleo's blood count. Norton was anemic. He is taking PET-TABS with iron(a liquid). His last CBC the RBC's were back in the normal range!!!HUGS and good luck with Cleo!

[kimlovescats]

I do believe the Pet-Tinic is available over the counter. If not, I KNOW that you can order it online ... here is one place http://www.healthypets.com/pet1ozbypfiz.html. It is basically the same thing as Poly-vi-sol w/iron that you give infants.

[Medusa]

I have nothing to share here except encouragement and prayers that Cleo will get back on track. Good to see you back.

[Jessika]

K so I have to say that six weeks ago I would not have understood a single thing in your original post... but you just helped me realize in my clin lab class... I'm actually learning something! I can not believe that I just read that and understood everything, even the processes behind what's happening and why it happens...

I'm very sorry for your kitty though and I have no experience with this except we have practicals tomorrow over PCV and TP and have to calculate the MCH, MCV, MCHC, etc

I will have you in my thoughts and pray that she will recover

EDIT: Yes, excess iron is toxic for cats, so I would hold off on that until you get more information. If you would like, I can talk to my Clin Lab instructor tomorrow and ask her about iron supplements for cats, she should be familiar with it. Though from my understanding the erythropoetin injections should be the most helpful since that's what stimulates RBC creation, not necessarily iron (which only supports hemoglobin). But iron shouldn't hurt in addition. Regardless if you would like I'll talk to my instructor tomorrow to ask her opinion, can't hurt right? She is a DVM.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear about Cleo. I don't have any experience with this but I'd like to say that she'll remain in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she'll feel better soon.

[TopCat3]

Thank you so mych everyone from the bottom of my heart for all your kind replies and caring good wishes.
Jessica yes please see what your instructor says. It is my understanding that the injections are to stimulate the bone marrow to produce the RBC, but the iron is needed as a building block, a vital "ingredient" in the RBCs. A bit like asking a bricklayer to build you a wall but not giving him any bricks, only the cement, I guess! Good luck with your practical!

I will Google Pet-tinic and see if it's available in Australia.

Meanwhile the lady vet at the practice we attend will be back Wednesday and one of the vet nurses is going to ask her what she did for her own cat's iron requirements when he was having the injections.

Jen thank you for sharing Braveheart's story. This has cheered up Cleo and me a lot, and given us hope.

Sandra thanks for the email, and the offer, I'll respond after I've spoken to the vet on Wednesday.

Medusa and everyone else - thanks for your good wishes and the welcome back message.

I was retrenched from my job a couple of months ago and been very busy job-hunting now I am busy learning new job, taking care of Cleo, and recovering from - would you believe - pneumonia - so I don't have a lot of time to come online and chat.

I'll keep you posted on this one though.

Wishing everyone well,
TC, Cleo & Colette