Thank you for your email. Without knowing more details about Larra's actual situation and test results, I'm not sure what more you can do to help her. Since you have had her seen by a veterinarian, they will be able to help guide you as to what her prognosis is, what her chances of survival are, and if there are any other things that can be done for her. I hope that she recovers.

Carolyn, thank you for contacting us about Gilbert today - I am sorry for your loss, that is very sad. A cat suffering from aplastic anemia will begin to experience a lack of oxygen in the body. This prevents all organs from operating at their full capacity. Certain bone marrow issues that lead to aplastic anemia involve underdeveloped bone marrow being replaced by fat. In other cases, kidney failure may result in minimal or no production of erythropoietin, which is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell creation. Aplastic anemia represents 80 percent of all anemia diagnoses in cats. Cats need a specific amount of red blood cells in the body to transport the hemoglobin molecule to all body parts for oxygenation. The average life cycle of a red blood cell is approximately two months. At this point, bone marrow (spongy tissue inside the bones) recycles the hemoglobin molecules, while the liver and spleen purify and produce more red blood cells. If the cat is suffering from a condition that damages the bone marrow, the stem cells inside the marrow may be adversely affected and slow or halt hemoglobin production. This results in an abnormally low amount of red blood cells in the body; a condition known as aplastic anemia. Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia in Cats If a cat is severely anemic, it will begin to exhibit signs of oxygen starvation. General exhaustion is often the first notable symptom, as the cat does not have enough red blood cells for normal bodily functions. Signs to watch for are listed as follows: Loss of appetite Pale or white gums Rapid breathing Elevated heart rate Inability to exercise Lethargy Confusion Collapse Causes of Aplastic Anemia in Cats Any condition or external source that leads to bone marrow issues or poor kidney function can cause insufficient red blood cell production. Known causes include: Bone marrow disease Benign or malignant tumors of the bone marrow or kidneys Chronic kidney disease Toxin exposure Chemotherapy Radiation Medication Hormone administration Viral infections (such as feline leukemia virus) Bacterial infections (such as ehrlichia) Genetic predisposition As you stated, HCM is more common in purebred cats, including Ragdoll cats. Given the signs that you described and the length of time that he was affected, in my mind, HCM is more likely - unfortunately this disease can only be diagnosed by ultrasound, and is often undetected until it is too late. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.