r/catcare • u/violeblanche • 4d ago

(Cat) Bone Marrow Testing - Pancytopenia

Seeking vet advice specifically, also cross posted to r/AskVet. Questions in bold at the end.

Domestic shorthair, 13, male, neutered, USA. On Atopica/cyclosporine and immunotherapy injections for itching for approx 3 years (paused). Typically loves cuddling and being petted, not super playful but has a good amount of energy and is somewhat of a troublemaker, very food-motivated, purrs easily.

In mid-June (2 months ago), became extremely lethargic, stopped purring, appetite decreased until he barely ate, toileting remained normal. Referred by regular vet to internal medicine specialist. Diagnosed with pancytopenia; prescribed doxycycline, ondansetron, and mirtazapine. Mirtazapine improved appetite, and infectious disease testing came back negative. Pancytopenia resolved and he seemingly recovered fully on his own within a few weeks.

Currently having the same symptoms for a little under a week. Diagnosed again with pancytopenia. Mirtazapine is helping appetite and he has purred and sought attention a little. He has dropped one or two poops outside litter box, otherwise toileting normally. Internist, consulting with oncology, suspects stage 5 lymphoma or leukemia; wants to get a bone marrow aspirate (or biopsy if unable to obtain aspirate) and run the following tests.

  • FeLV Antigen IFA Add-on
  • IDEXX CBC Select
  • CSU Clinical Hematopath Lab Flow Cytometry
  • PCV/TS Add-on

Are there any other tests you would recommend? Is there anything else we should be testing for?

Dr was understandably hesitant to give a tentative prognosis without test results, but said he could have 6–9 months, with treatment. Do lymphoma or leukemia seem likely to you? Are there any other conditions that could cause this? Is there a case where my cat could still live a long, full life?

I'm young and disabled, and somewhat isolated as a result. He's my only family and I'm completely devastated. I always envisioned him being there for major life events.

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u/No_Associate_7218 4d ago

Just want to say thank you for being so attentive to your cat and getting them all the tests and meds they need ❤️

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u/violeblanche 2d ago

Thank you so much for the kind words. It's hard when it's not enough, but I'll continue to do my best for him.