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Background Vector-borne diseases are of increasing importance in Germany. Since 2015, autochthonous cases have been increasingly documented in Berlin/Brandenburg. Objectives Describe autochthonous Babesia canis infection in the Berlin/Brandenburg region. Animals Forty-nine dogs with autochthonous B. canis infection. Methods Evaluation of history, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, treatment, and outcome. Results Dogs were presented between March and August (9) and September and January (40) in the years 2015-2021. Historical and clinical findings were lethargy (100%), pale mucous membranes (63%), fever (50%), and pigmenturia (52%). Common clinicopathological findings were thrombocytopenia (100%), anemia (85%), intravascular hemolysis (52%), pancytopenia (41%), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS; 37%). Babesia detection was based on blood smear evaluation (n = 40) and PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasms (n = 49). Sequencing indicated 99.47% to 100% identity to B. canis sequences from GenBank. All dogs were treated with imidocarb (2.4-6.3 mg/kg; median, 5 mg/kg); 8 dogs received 1, 35 received 2, and 1 dog each received 3, 4, or 5 injections, respectively. Continued PCR-positive results were detected in 7 dogs after the 1st, in 5 after the 2nd, in 2 after the 3rd, and in 1 28 days after the 4th injection. Four dogs were euthanized and 3 dogs died. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Autochthonous B. canis infections in Berlin/Brandenburg were associated with severe clinicopathological changes, SIRS, and multiorgan involvement. Testing by PCR during and after treatment is advisable to monitor treatment success. Screening of blood donors in high-risk areas and year-round tick protection is strongly recommended.

An 8-year-old male Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented with fever and severe thrombocytopenia. Clinical and laboratory examination, echocardiography, blood culture, and pathohistology revealed evidence of infective endocarditis, ischemic renal infarcts, and septic encephalitis. Treatment was started immediately but the dog’s condition worsened, and the dog had to be euthanized. The causative Streptococcus canis strain was detected by blood culture and MALDI-TOF MS and analyzed using whole-genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing did not detect any resistance. The affected heart valve was analyzed using FISH imaging, which showed a streptococcal biofilm on the heart valve. Bacteria in biofilms are recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment. Early diagnosis could be beneficial to treatment outcome. Treatment of endocarditis could be improved by researching the optimal dosage of antibiotics in conjunction with the use of biofilm-active drugs.

Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis (Piana & Galli-Valerio, 1895) is emerging in new regions in Europe since its vector Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794) is expanding its geographic range. In the Berlin/Brandenburg area in northeast Germany, D. reticulatus is highly abundant but in the past only one autochthonous B. canis infection was reported. Since 2015, autochthonous cases were occasionally diagnosed but numbers increased since autumn 2019. The aim of the study was to genotype autochthonous canine Babesia spp. infections from Berlin/Brandenburg. Between 04/2015 and 01/2022, 46 dogs with acute babesiosis were presented to the small animal clinic (one dog was infected twice resulting in 47 samples). There were 32 dogs that had never left Berlin/Brandenburg and 14 others that had not left the region in the 6 weeks prior to disease onset. PCRs targeting the 18S rRNA and the Bc28.1 merozoite surface antigen were positive in 47 and 42 samples, respectively. Sequencing of cloned PCR products identified all samples as B. canis with 17 18S rRNA and 12 Bc28.1 haplotypes. Based on network analysis for 18S rRNA sequences and a previously described polymorphic dinucleotide, samples were assigned to two distinct clusters. One contained 31 and the other 16 samples. Using network analysis, the Bc28.1 haplotypes could also be separated into two clusters differing by at least five polymorphisms. Analyses of sequences from multiple clones indicated the presence of up to five 18S rRNA and eight Bc28.1 haplotypes and thus high parasite variability in an individual host. The genetic diversity could suggest that the parasites in the region have multiple origins, but diversity in individual dogs and dog populations from endemic regions is unknown. The suitability of both markers for genotyping is questionable due to potential intragenomic diversity for the rRNA and high intergenomic variability for the Bc28.1 marker.

Blepharitis is a common finding in many dogs with various skin diseases.To establish a definition for canine blepharitis versus periocular dermatitis (POD), to evaluate the clinical findings and underlying skin diseases of blepharitis, and to document the effects of blepharitis on tear production in dogs.One hundred and two privately owned dogs with clinical signs of blepharitis and a definitive diagnosis of skin disease.Prospective evaluation of clinical signs and underlying diseases in dogs with blepharitis alone compared to dogs with blepharitis and POD.Brachycephalic dogs were significantly more likely to present with blepharitis than other breeds. Twenty five dogs had blepharitis alone [three dogs (2.9%) without and 22 dogs (21.5%) with cutaneous lesion beyond the periocular skin]. Seventy one of 102 (69%) presented with POD in addition to blepharitis. In six cases a differentiation between blepharitis and POD was not possible. Typical lesions included alopecia/hypotrichosis (97%), erythema (93%), eyelid oedema (50%) and crusts (39.2%). Allergic skin disease (52%) was the most common underlying cause of blepharitis, followed by infectious/parasitic diseases (21.5%), autoimmune disorders (17.7%) and neoplasia (4.9%). Four dogs could not be allocated to any of these disease groups. A diagnosis of parasitism was always accompanied by POD. Reduced tear production was detected in ten of the 53 dogs tested (18.8%).Blepharitis occurring in the absence of other skin lesions is rare. The most common underlying cause of blepharitis is allergic dermatitis. Measurement of tear production should be recommended in all cases of blepharitis.La blépharite est fréquente chez de nombreux chiens présentant des dermatoses.Déterminer une définition de la blépharite canine versus la dermatite périoculaire (POD), évaluer les données clinique et les dermatoses sous jacentes des blépharites et de documenter les effets de la blépharite sur la production de larmes chez le chien.Cent deux chiens de propriétaires avec e signes cliniques de blépharite et un diagnostic définitif de dermatose. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODE: Une évaluation prospective des signes cliniques et des dermatoses sous jacentes chez les chiens avec une blépharite seule comparé aux chiens avec blépharite et POD. RÉSULTATS: Les chiens brachycéphales est significativement plus représentés que les autres races pour la blépharite. Vingt cinq chiens avaient une blépharite seule [trois chiens (2.9%) sans et 22 chiens (21.5%) avec des lésions cutanées dont la peau périoculaire]. soixante et onze sur 102 (69%) présentaient une POD en plus de la blépharite. Dans six cas une différentiation entre la blépharite et la POD n’était pas possible. Les lésions typiques incluaient alopécie/hypothrichose (97%), érythème (93%), œdème des paupières (50%) et croutes (39,2%). La dermatose allergique (52%) était la cause sous jacente la plus fréquente de la blépharite, suivie des dermatoses parasitaires/infectieuses (21,5%), les troubles auto-immuns (17,7%) et néoplasie (4,9%). Quatre chiens n'ont pas pu être alloué à un de ces groupes. Un diagnostic de parasitisme a toujours est accompagné de POD. Une diminution e la production des larmes a été détectée pour dix des 53 chiens testés (18,8%).La blépharite sans autre lésions cutanée est rare. La cause sousjacente la plu fréquente de blépharite est la dermatite allergique. La mesure de la production de larme devrait être recommandée dans tous les cas de blépharite.INTRODUCCIÓN: la blefaritis es un hallazgo común en muchos perros con diversas enfermedades de la piel. OBJETIVOS: establecer una definición de blefaritis canina frente a dermatitis periocular (POD), evaluar los hallazgos clínicos y las enfermedades subyacentes de la blefaritis y documentar los efectos de la blefaritis en la producción de lágrimas en perros. ANIMALES: Ciento dos perros de propietarios particulares con signos clínicos de blefaritis y un diagnóstico definitivo de enfermedad de la piel. MÉTODOS Y MATERIALES: EVALUACIÓN PROSPECTIVA DE SIGNOS CLÍNICOS Y ENFERMEDADES SUBYACENTES EN PERROS CON: blefaritis sola en comparación con perros con blefaritis y POD. RESULTADOS: los perros braquicefálicos fueron significativamente más propensos a presentar blefaritis que otras razas. Veinticinco perros tenían blefaritis sola [tres perros (2,9%) sin y 22 perros (21,5%) con lesión cutánea más allá de la piel periocular]. Setenta y uno de 102 (69%) presentó POD además de blefaritis. En seis casos no fue posible una diferenciación entre blefaritis y POD. Las lesiones típicas incluyeron alopecia/hipotricosis (97%), eritema (93%), edema del párpado (50%) y costras (39,2%). La enfermedad alérgica de la piel (52%) fue la causa subyacente más común de la blefaritis, seguida de enfermedades infecciosas/parasitarias (21,5%), los trastornos autoinmunes (17,7%) y la neoplasia (4,9%). Cuatro perros no pudieron ser asignados a ninguno de estos grupos de enfermedades. Un diagnóstico de parasitismo siempre estuvo acompañado de POD. Se detectó una reducción en la producción de lágrimas en diez de los 53 perros analizados (18,8%). CONCLUSIÓN: la blefaritis que ocurre en ausencia de otras lesiones cutáneas es rara. La causa subyacente más común de blefaritis es una dermatitis alérgica. La medición de la producción de lágrimas debe recomendarse en todos los casos de blefaritis.Eine Blepharitis tritt häufig bei vielen Hunden mit verschiedenen Hauterkrankungen auf.Eine Definition für die Blepharitis des Hundes zu erstellen im Kontrast zu einer periokulären Dermatitis (POD), eine Evaluierung der klinischen Befunde und der zugrundeliegenden Hauterkrankungen einer Blepahritis, und eine Dokumentation der Auswirkungen einer Blepharitis auf die Tränenproduktion bei Hunden.Einhundertzwei Hunde in Privatbesitz mit klinischen Anzeichen einer Blepharitis und einer definitiven Diagnose einer Hauterkrankung.Eine prospektive Evaluierung der klinischen Zeichen und der zugrundeliegenden Erkrankungen bei Hunden mit einer Blepharitis alleine im Vergleich zu Hunden mit Blepharitis und POD.Brachycephale Hunde wurden signifikant häufiger mit einer Blepharitis präsentiert als andere Rassen. Fünfundzwanzig Hunde zeigten nur eine Blepharitis [drei Hunde (2,9%) ohne und 22 Hunde(21,5%) mit Hautveränderungen über die periokuläre Haut hinaus]. Einundsiebzig von 102 (69%) wurden mit POD zusätzlich zur Blepharitis präsentiert. Bei sechs Fällen war eine Unterscheidung zwischen Blepharitis und POD nicht möglich. Typische Veränderungen waren Alopezie/Hypotrichose (97%), Erythem (93%), Ödem des Augenlids (50%) und Krusten (39,2%). Eine allergische Hauterkrankung war die häufigste Ursache für eine Blepharitis, gefolgt von infektiösen/parasitären Erkrankungen (21,5%), Autoimmunerkrankungen (17,7%) und Neoplasie (4,9%). Vier Hunde konnten keiner dieser Krankheitsgruppen zugeordnet werden. Die Diagnose eines Parasitenbefalls war immer von einer POD begleitet. Eine reduzierte Tränenproduktion wurde in zehn von den 53 getesteten Hunden festgestellt (18,8%).Das Auftreten einer Blepharitis in Abwesenheit anderer Hautveränderungen ist selten. Die häufigste zugrundeliegende Ursache für eine Blepharitis ist eine allergische Dermatitis. Eine Messung der Tränenproduktion sollte in allen Fällen von Blepharitis empfohlen werden.背景: 睑缘炎在许多患有各种皮肤病的犬身上常见。 目的: 建立犬睑缘炎与眼周皮炎(POD)的定义,评估睑缘炎的临床发现和潜在皮肤病,并记录睑缘炎对犬眼泪量的影响。 动物: 一百二十只有睑缘炎临床症状和明确皮肤病诊断的私家犬,。 方法和材料: 对患有睑缘炎,与同时患有睑缘炎和POD犬的临床症状和潜在疾病进行前瞻性评估。 结果: 短头犬比其他品种更容易出现睑缘炎。仅有25只犬患有睑缘炎[三只犬(2.9%)没有,22只犬(21.5%)有眼周皮肤以外的皮肤病变]。 102例中有71例(69%)除睑缘炎外还有POD。有6例无法区别睑缘炎和POD。典型病变包括脱毛/ 少毛(97%)、红斑(93%)、眼睑水肿(50%)和结痂(39.2%)。过敏性皮肤病(52%)是睑缘炎最常见的根本原因,其次是传染病/寄生虫病(21.5%)、自身免疫性疾病(17.7%)和肿瘤(4.9%)。四只犬无任何疾病。寄生虫的诊断总是伴随着POD。在测试的53只犬中有10只检测到泪液量减少(18.8%)。 结论: 睑缘炎在没有其他皮肤病变时单独出现是罕见的。睑缘炎最常见的潜在原因是过敏性皮炎。在所有睑缘炎病例中都建议测泪液量。.背景: 眼瞼炎は、さまざまな皮膚疾患を持つ多くの犬において一般的な所見である。 目的: 本研究の目的は、犬の眼瞼炎および眼周囲炎(POD)の定義を確立し、眼瞼炎の臨床所見と根底にある皮膚疾患を評価し、犬の涙液産生に対する眼瞼炎の影響を詳細に記録することである。 被検動物: 眼瞼炎の臨床症状および皮膚疾患の確定診断を受けた飼育犬122頭。 材料と方法: 眼瞼炎およびPODを有する犬と比較した、眼瞼炎のみを有する犬の臨床的徴候と基礎疾患の前向き評価。 結果: 短頭種は、他の犬種よりも眼瞼炎を呈する可能性が有意に高かった。 25頭の犬が眼瞼炎のみを患っていた[眼周囲の皮膚を越えて皮膚病変を有する犬22頭(21.5%)と3頭有していない犬(2.9%)]。眼瞼炎に加えてPODを呈した犬は102頭中71頭(69%)であった。 6頭で眼瞼炎とPODの鑑別は不可能であった。典型的な病変には、脱毛症/貧毛症(97%)、紅斑(93%)、まぶた浮腫(50%)および痂皮(39.2%)が含まれていた。アレルギー性皮膚疾患(52%)が眼瞼炎の最も一般的な根本的原因であり、続いて感染症/寄生虫症(21.5%)、自己免疫疾患(17.7%)および腫瘍(4.9%)が続いた。 4頭の犬をこれらの病気のグループに割り当てることはできなかった。寄生虫症の診断は常にPODを伴っていた。試験した53頭の犬のうち10頭(18.8%)において涙液産生の減少が検出された。 結論: 他の皮膚病変がない場合に起こる眼瞼炎はまれである。眼瞼炎の最も一般的な根本的な原因は、アレルギー性皮膚炎である。すべて眼瞼炎の症例に涙の産生量を測定することを推奨すべきである。.Blefarite é um achado comum em muitos cães com diversas doenças de pele.Estabelecer uma definição para blefarite canina versus dermatite periocular (POD), avaliar os achados clínicos e as doenças de pele primárias de blefarite, e documentar os efeitos da blefarite na produção de lágrima.Cento e dois cães de proprietários com sinais clínicos de blefarite e com diagnóstico definitivo de doença de pele. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Avaliação prospectiva dos sinais clínicos e doenças primárias em cães com somente com blefarite comparado a cães com blefarite e POD.Os cães braquicefálicos foram significativamente mais predispostos a apresentar blefarite que outras raças. Vinte e cinco cães tiveram somente blefarite [três cães (2,9%) sem e 22 cães (21,5%) com lesões cutâneas além da pele periocular]. Setenta e um de 102 (69%) apresentaram POD concomitantemente à blefarite. Em seis casos não foi possível a diferenciação entre blefarite e POD. As lesões típicas incluíram alopecia/hipotricose (97%), eritema (93%), edema palpebral (50%) e crostas (39,2%). As alergopatias (52%) foram as causas primárias mais comuns de blefarite, seguido por doenças infecciosas e parasitárias (21,5%), doenças autoimunes (17,7%) e neoplasia (4,9%). Quatro cães não puderam ser agrupados em nenhum destes grupos de doenças. Um diagnóstico de parasitismo foi acompanhado de POD. Redução da produção de lágrimas foi detectada em dez dos 53 cães testados (18,8%). CONCLUSÕES: A ocorrência de blefarite na ausência de outras lesões cutâneas é rara. As doenças primárias de blefarite mais comuns foram as alergopatias. A mensuração da produção de lágrimas deve ser recomendada em todos os casos de blefarite.

A 5-year old hunting dog was presented with reduced appetite, weight loss and polyuria/polydipsia. Hematology and clinical chemistry revealed anemia, leukocytosis, increased liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia and hypercalcemia. The cytological, pathohistological and microbiological examination identified a disseminated infection with the saprophytic mould fungus Paecilomyces variotii in the biopsies of the spleen and a lymph node. Determination of vitamin D metabolites confirmed a calcitriol induced hypercalcemia. Ein 5-jähriger Jagdhund wurde wegen verminderter Futteraufnahme, Gewichtsverlust und Polyurie/Polydipsie vorgestellt. In der hämatologischen und klinisch-chemischen Blutuntersuchung wurde neben einer Anämie und Leukozytose eine Erhöhung der Leberenzyme, Hypoalbuminämie und Hyperkalzämie festgestellt. Durch zytologische, pathohistologische und mikrobiologische Untersuchungen von Biopsien aus Milz und Lymphknoten konnte eine systemische Schimmelpilzinfektion mit Paecilomyces variotii nachgewiesen werden. Die Bestimmung der Vitamin-D-Metabolite bestätigte das Vorliegen einer Hyperkalzämie infolge einer Erhöhung der Calcitriolkonzentration.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The standard method of detection of ketone bodies is the dipstick method, which detects semiquantitatively acetoacetate, but not β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB). The objectives of the current study were to assess the diagnostic utility of β-HB to diagnose diabetic ketosis (DK) and DKA in cats and to establish a cut-off value for the diagnosis of DKA. Sixty-two cats were included in the study. Eleven cats were healthy (group 1); in the remainder of cats (51), a diagnosis of DM was based on hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and increased fructosamine concentrations. Nineteen of 51 cats suffered from nonketotic diabetes mellitus (group 2). In 11 cats, plasma ketone bodies were detected with the dipstick method (diabetic ketosis, group 3). In 21 cats, plasma ketone bodies and metabolic acidosis were present (DKA, group 4). Plasma β-HB was measured in all cats by an enzymatic method (spectrophotometry). A cut-off value for the diagnosis of DKA was calculated based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. In healthy cats, the β-HB concentration ranged from 0 to 0.1 mmol/l; in cats of group 2, from 0 to 0.9 mmol/l (median: 0.1 mmol/l); in cats of group 3, from 0.6 to 6.8 mmol/l (median: 1.7 mmol/l); and in cats of group 4, from 3.8 to 12.2 mmol/l (median: 7.9 mmol/l). A cut-off value of 2.4 mmol/l revealed 100% sensitivity and 87% specificity to diagnose DKA. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a useful parameter for the diagnosis of diabetic ketosis and DKA in cats.

The purpose of this study was to describe the anemia of inflammatory disease (AID) in cats with naturally-occurring inflammatory diseases, such as abscesses (n = 12), pyothorax (n = 6), and fat necrosis (n = 3). Exclusion criteria were positive FeLV/FIV tests, neoplasia, nephro-, hepato- or endocrinopathies, and blood loss anemia. CBC, clinical biochemistry, measurements of serum erythropoietin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, acute phase proteins, erythrocytic osmotic fragility (OF), and Coombs' tests were performed. A decrease in hematocrit of 1-28% (median, 10%) occurred within 3-16 days (median, 8 days). The anemia was mild (n = 11), moderate (n = 8), or severe (n = 2). In most cases it was normocytic normochromic, non-regenerative (n = 18), or mildly regenerative (n = 3). Sixteen cats had leukocytosis and 5 mild hyperbilirubinemia. The Coombs' test results were negative for 8 cats and positive for 1 cat. OF was increased in 2 out of 14 cats. Hypoalbuminemia (n = 18) and hyperglobulinemia (n = 16) resulted in a lowered albumin/globulin-ratio in 19 cats. Iron and TIBC were low in 2/19 and 6 /19 cats, respectively. The ferritin concentrations were normal in 7 cats and increased in 12 cats. The acute phase proteins alpha1-acid-glycoprotein and haptoglobin were increased in 14/14 and 13/14 cats, respectively. Erythropoietin was normal (n = 4), mildly increased (n = 7) or severely increased (1). Two cats were euthanized due to their underlying disease, 3 cats needed blood transfusions. AID in cats is usually mild to moderate, non-regenerative, and normocytic normochromic. It can be clinically relevant causing severe and transfusion-dependent anemia. AID seems to be multifactorial with evidence of iron sequestration, decreased RBC survival, and insufficient erythropoietin production and bone marrow response. Specific and supportive therapy, including transfusions, can reverse these processes.

Background Urinary dipsticks are the most frequent method used for screening of ketones in animals, but this method has many drawbacks. In human medicine, portable meters that measure ketones in whole blood have largely replaced urinary dipsticks. Objective The aim of this prospective study was to validate a portable whole-blood ketone meter for use in cats. Methods Sixty-two cats (11 clinically healthy, 51 with diabetes mellitus) were included in the study. The concentration of β-hydroxybuyrate (β-HB) was measured in venous and capillary blood with a hand-held ketone meter (Precision Xceed; assay range 0–8 mmol/L) and compared with a spectrophotometric method. Precision, accuracy, and the effects of hematocrit and anticoagulants were evaluated. Results Between-run precision using low- and high-concentration control solutions was 8.1% and 2.6%, respectively; within-run coefficient of variation determined using 12 feline blood samples was 2.8%. In the 62 cats, β-HB concentrations measured with the portable ketone meter ranged from 0–7.4 mmol/L (median 0.9 mmol/L). When β-HB concentrations measured by the portable meter were 4.0 mmol/L were lower than those obtained by the reference method in 20 of 24 cats (83%). There was good correlation between capillary and venous measurements. Results were not affected by hematocrits from 0.17 to 0.50 L/L, but EDTA was not a suitable anticoagulant. Conclusion Measurement of β-HB concentration in peripheral or capillary blood by an easy-to-use portable ketone meter was suitable for detecting ketonemia in cats. Underestimation of β-HB concentration was observed at higher values, but results were sufficiently high to aid in diagnosing diabetic ketoacidosis.

In transfusion medicine, blood typing is an integral part of pretransfusion testing. The objective of the current study was the clinical evaluation of an automated canine cartridge dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 blood-typing method (QuickVet®/RapidVet®) and comparison of the results with a gel column–based method (ID-Gel Test Canine DEA 1.1). Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid–anticoagulated blood samples from 11 healthy and 85 sick dogs were available for typing. Before blood typing, all samples were tested for agglutination and hemolysis. All samples were tested once or multiple times with both methods according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. With the gel method, 53 dogs tested DEA 1.1 positive and 42 dogs DEA 1.1 negative; blood typing was not possible due to erythrocyte autoagglutination in 1 dog. With the cartridge test, 53 samples tested DEA 1.1 positive, 34 samples tested DEA 1.1 negative, and 6 results were inconclusive (3 samples were not included due to autoagglutination or severe hemolysis). Without taking the inconclusive samples into account, the agreement between both methods was 96.5%. The sensitivity and specificity for samples that were definitively typed by both methods were 100% and 91.9%, respectively. The cartridge test was suitable for in-clinic canine DEA 1.1 blood typing, although some discrepancies compared to the gel method existed. The cartridge test is software-directed, is easy to use, and does not require user interpretation, but preanalytical guidelines (sample evaluation for agglutination and hemolysis) have to be followed. For inconclusive results, an alternate blood-typing method should be performed.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) occurs less frequently in cats than in dogs. The value of the Coombs' test (CT) has been questioned, but detailed surveys of its use are lacking. The objective of this study was to describe 19 cats with primary IMHA (pIMHA) and to examine the diagnostic value of the direct CT. The CT was performed in 92 cats; it was negative in 5 healthy, in 9 sick nonanemic, and in 55 cats with different types of anemia. The CT was positive in 18 anemic cats (2 feline leukemia virus (FeLV) positive, 1 with cholangiohepatitis, 15 with no underlying disease). Moreover, agglutination persisted after saline washing in 5 anemic cats (1 lymphoma, 4 pIMHA). Inclusion criteria for pIMHA were a positive CT (15) or persistent agglutination (4), and the exclusion of other diseases. The age of the 19 cats ranged from 0.5 to 9 years (median, 2 years); male cats were overrepresented. The PCV on admission was 6-22% (median, 12%). The anemia was nonregenerative in 11 cats. Additional abnormal laboratory results were leukocytosis (2), lymphocytosis (6), hyperbilirubinemia (13), hyperglobulimemia (10), and increased liver enzyme activities (10). Initial treatment consisted of blood transfusions (10), crystalloids (11), prednisolone (19), antibiotics (19), and H2-blockers (11). Four of 17 cats were euthanized 9, 63, 240 and 2,160 days after initial presentation (mortality rate, 23.5%). Relapses were reported in 5 of 16 cases (31%). Thus, pIMHA appears to occur more frequently than recognized previously, with a more favorable prognosis in cats than in dogs. The CT was useful in identifying immune-mediated pathogenesis.