Glanzmann thrombasthenia diagnosed in a cat for the first time

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a congenital platelet disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the genes that make the platelet protein integrin, required for a blood clot to form. It has been diagnosed in humans and dogs, but never before in cats.

Now Ronald Li, critical care specialist at the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, has diagnosed a cat with the condition. The cat in question is Miao Miao, a short haired domestic cat of four years, who was brought to the hospital with constant nosebleeds. Following a blood count and ultrasound, it has been established that the cat is not anaemic, has a normal platelet count, no inflammation and no bleeding into other cavities. Analysis of his DNA is being carried out to identify the genetic mutations present in order to test and treat cats in the future.

A UC Davis Veterinary Hospital representative said: “Since Miao Miao is the first cat diagnosed with GT, there is no standard protocol of treatment. It will most likely continue to put him at risk of spontaneous bleeding for the rest of his life. One method that has worked in similar cases is the use of Yunnan Baiyao. This Chinese herbal formula, which has antihaemorrhagic effects, was popularised during the Vietnam War. Vietcong soldiers were known to carry the holistic medicine to stop the bleeding of wounds incurred during battle. Miao Miao’s owners report it seems to be successful in treating his bleeding.”