Is the cat pregnant and is there blood on the RBC test, what does this mean in cats? - briefly
If a cat's RBC (red blood cell) test shows the presence of blood, it could indicate anemia or internal bleeding. Pregnancy can also cause changes in a cat's blood profile, including a decrease in red blood cells due to increased fluid volume.
Is the cat pregnant and is there blood on the RBC test, what does this mean in cats? - in detail
Pregnancy in cats, known as queening, can be confirmed through various methods, including observing physical changes, ultrasound examinations, and hormonal tests such as progesterone measurements. However, one of the most straightforward ways is through the presence or absence of blood on a red blood cell (RBC) test.
During pregnancy, a cat's body undergoes significant physiological changes to support fetal development. One notable change is an increase in plasma volume, which can dilute the concentration of red blood cells in the circulatory system. This phenomenon is called hemodilution and it often results in a condition known as physiologic anemia of pregnancy. As a result, the cat's red blood cell count may appear lower than normal on an RBC test.
In contrast to pathological anemia, which is caused by disease or blood loss and typically presents with clinical signs such as lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and weakness, physiologic anemia of pregnancy usually does not cause any overt symptoms in the mother cat. The decreased red blood cell count is a normal adaptation to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to both the mother and her developing fetuses.
If an RBC test shows a lower than expected red blood cell count in a cat, it can be an indication of pregnancy, especially when coupled with other signs such as enlarged mammary glands, changes in appetite or behavior, and nesting activities. However, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis through additional methods, as hemodilution can also occur in non-pregnant cats due to various health conditions.
In summary, the presence of blood on an RBC test in a cat can indicate physiologic anemia associated with pregnancy. While this finding alone is not definitive proof of pregnancy, it is a valuable piece of information that should be considered alongside other clinical observations and diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out feline pregnancy.