Disorder - Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Presenting Signs

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) is an enzyme that helps to break down harmful substances called free radicals in the body, particularly hydrogen peroxide. In G-6-PD deficiency the enzyme is unstable or the activity of the enzyme is reduced. This leads to damage of the red blood cells, which causes a condition called haemolytic anaemia. Signs of anaemia will often only occur when the cat is exposed to a stressful situation such as infection or certain types of drugs. Symptoms to look for include pale mucous membranes (the moist surfaces such as gums), decreased capillary refill time (the gums are slow to return to pink if they are pressed), jaundice, weakness and lethargy. The respiration rate also increases, and there is reduced appetite and an increased heart rate.

Cats at Risk

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is an X-linked trait so occurs mainly in male cats and is transmitted by carrier female cats.

Treatment

Medical: it is important to remove the triggering factor, such as infection, and treat the haemolytic anaemia accordingly e.g. fluids, oxygen, blood transfusion.

PubMed References
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Contributor
Anna Pedersen