Haemobartonellosis - contd.

ClinicalSigns
The severity of clinical signs associated with Haemobartonella infection usually corresponds to the degree of anemia present, or the speed with which it develops. Cats with mild anemia may show no overt signs of illness. In severely anemic cats, or in cats that rapidly become anemic, signs can include depression, lethargy, inappetance, pallor, jaundice and splenomegaly. The temperature may be elevated, but in cats with life-threatening anemia, the body temperature is often subnormal.

Symptoms
Cats with mild, Haemobartonella-induced anemia may not show any symptoms of disease. In cats with severe anemia, or in cases where the anemia develops quickly, symptoms include weakness, depression, reduced appetite, decreased activity, and pale or jaundiced mucous membranes. Cats that are severely ill may be in shock, with below normal body temperature.