Feline AB IC
Test for the rapid determination of blood type in cat whole blood.
Feline AB IC is an immunochromatographic test for the rapid determination of blood type in cat whole blood.
10/20 TEST
in 5 minutes
Blood groups in cats consists of two antigens expressed either alone or in combination: A, B and AB, but unlike dogs, cats contain natural iso-antibodies against the antigens on the surface of the red blood cells, which makes blood transfusions problematic.
The frequency of blood groups is variable between the breeds. Most cats have type A antigens and low titers of natural anti-B antibodies. Conversely, type B cats have high anti-A natural antibody titers. Group B is more common in the following breeds British Short hair, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Ragdoll, Burmese, Persian, Hymalaia, Abyssin-Somala and Sphynx.
Group AB cats are rare and have both A and B-type antigens on the erythrocyte membrane and do not develop natural anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
Knowing the blood group in cats is important both in transfusion medicine to prevent blood transfusion reactions, and in the reproductive field, to prevent the onset of neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI).
If type B cats are transfused with type A blood, they develop an immediate systemic anaphylactic, sometimes fatal reaction, since they have high anti-A antibodies titers. Type A cats that have low anti-B antibody titres develop only a weak reaction when they are transfused with type B blood, but the erythrocytes have a shorter biological half-life, which affects the course of the disease. Type AB cats do not exhibit transfusion reactions based on type A or B incompatibility and may receive both type A and B blood.
Neonatal isoerythrolysis occurs when a type A kitten is born to a type B and a type A cat. The anti-A maternal antibodies in the colostrum are absorbed by the kittens in the first 24 hours of life. Consequently, emolytic anemia and death can occur within the first 2-3 days of life.
If blood typing is performed on healthy cats and reproducers, it can preventively reduce the transfusion reactions and minimize the neonatal isoerythrolysis.
Neonatal isoerythrolysis (IN), also known as neonatal hemolytic disease (MEN) or fading kitten syndrome, is a serious condition that affects newborn kittens. It occurs when a cat with blood type B has kittens with blood type A or AB.
Pathogenesis:
During pregnancy, small amounts of fetal blood cross the placenta, exposing the cat to the kitten’s red blood cells. If the kitten has a different blood type (A or AB), the cat produces antibodies against these red blood cells. These antibodies are then transferred to kittens through colostrum, the mother’s first milk rich in nutrients and antibodies.
When kittens with blood type A or AB ingest colostrum containing anti-A antibodies, these antibodies attack and destroy their red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.
Clinical Symptoms:
Kittens with IN appear normal at birth but develop symptoms within the first 24 to 48 hours of life:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Lack of appetite when breastfeeding
- Jaundice
- Hemoglobinuria
- Anemia
- Death in the most serious cases
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of IN is based on the mother’s medical history (blood type B), the kitten’s clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests, such as:
- Blood group typing
- Coombs test
- Full blood analysis
Treatment
Treatment of IN requires timely and aggressive intervention. Treatment options include:
- Suspension of breastfeeding
- Blood transfusion
- Supportive therapy
Prevention
Prevention of IN is based on blood typing of breeding cats and selective mating. Female cats with blood type B should only be mated with males with the same blood type or with blood type A.
Prognosis
The prognosis for kittens with IN varies depending on the severity of the anemia and the timeliness of treatment. Kittens who receive timely and appropriate treatment are more likely to survive, although they may experience delays in growth and development.
Conclusions
Neonatal isoerythrolysis is a serious but preventable condition that requires careful management and timely intervention to ensure the survival and well-being of affected kittens.
