Disorder - Methaemoglobinaemia

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Pyruvate kinase deficiency

Presenting Signs

The congenital form of this disorder is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme, methaemoglobin reductase. This enzyme is important in making haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells, from methaemoglobin. A deficiency of this enzyme causes a reduction in haemoglobin, so that the blood is unable to carry as much oxygen as in normal cats.

Affected cats may show no clinical signs or they be mildly lethargic, less able to cope with exercise, and have dark blue tongues and gums, or unusually dark brown-coloured blood.

Cats at Risk

No breed or gender predilections have been identified. However, the deficiency is recessive, meaning that offspring of two carrier or affected parents are at risk.

Treatment

None. Affected cats do not require treatment and are thought to have a normal life expectancy.

PubMed References
Methaemoglobinaemia

Contributor
Emily Surgeon