Evaluation of PT, APTT, Fibrinogen, CBC-Derived Inflammation Indices (NLR, MLR, EOLR, PLR) and Clinical Findings in FIV-Infected Cats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v14i5.1305-1312.8600Keywords:
Inflammation indexes, Coagulation parameters, Feline immunodeficiency virus, Clinical findings, CatAbstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a chronic infectious retrovirus that causes immune dysfunction and multisystemic clinical manifestations in cats. This study evaluates the correlations between clinical, hematological, biochemical, and ultrasonographic findings, including coagulation parameters and CBC-derived indices, in PCR-confirmed FIV-infected cats (n=10). Following detailed physical examinations at a Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital, whole blood and saliva swab samples were collected for PCR testing and comprehensive diagnostic workup, with results correlated to clinical observations. Following detailed physical examinations at Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital, whole blood and saliva swab samples were collected for PCR testing and comprehensive diagnostic workup, with results correlated to clinical observations. Gingivitis (100%) was the most common clinical finding in all cases, while vomiting (60%), dermatological lesions (40%), stomatitis (20%), and weight loss (20%) were detected at varying rates. Hematological results revealed a high incidence of thrombocytopenia and low erythrocyte index values in all cats. Elevated urea levels in biochemical assessments, along with low albumin and an albumin-globulin ratio, indicate hyperproteinemia, which suggests renal and inflammatory processes in a significant proportion of cases. Prothrombin time (PT) was prolonged in some cats (50%), but fibrinogen and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) remained within the reference range throughout. CBC-derived indices were: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) mean 2.85±2.29, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) averaged 0.09±0.11, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) averaged 98.45±72.89, and eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio (EOLR) averaged 0.23±0.12. Ultrasonographic examination supported the renal volume changes and medullary rim sign findings reported in the literature. The findings suggest that the infection can have significant systemic effects, even in young cats with no exposure to the outside world. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of considering FIV infection in the presence of risk factors and laboratory abnormalities, as well as the importance of regular retroviral screening and monitoring of organ function and coagulation parameters.
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