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Euthanasia vs. transfusion: Was it the right choice for my sick cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

7yr cat put to sleep. Got progressively sick in a month, during which he was examined by multiple vets. Stopped eating and became anemic. xray and ultrasound normal, neg for FeLV and FIV. Inserted feeding tube. He perked up a bit, then became really weak again on the day of his follow-up. Blood tanked (attached). Vet did not think transfusion would do much for him in the long-term and heavily advised euthanizing instead of treating. Was this for the best, or was a transfusion worth trying?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 6th, 2019

Goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. Based on this bloodwork and on what you’re telling me, I think that euthanasia was a very reasonable and humane decision. Not only were the red cells low, but the white blood cells and platelets as well, and there isn’t any evidence of the body trying to “regenerate” these cells on the bloodwork you’ve attached. A transfusion may have given a temporary “Bandaid” to the situation, but I’m afraid that a cure was likely impossible. I know how difficult these decisions are. Please rest assured that you did the best thing for your kitty. I’m afraid continuing to treat would likely have only prolonged your cat’s suffering. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. Please let us know if you have any other questions we can help you with.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2019

    I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you made the right decision. With the bloodwork looking the way it did, I am afraid that he wasn't producing red blood cells on his own and all of his other blood cells were also really low. I think the transfusion may have made him feel better for a short while but not long term. I think he would have likely crashed again within a week or two. I know this is never easy and always a difficult decision. Please take comfort in knowing that it sounds like you did the right thing for him. Please know you are in my thoughts.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 7th, 2019

    I'm so sorry for your loss. It looks like all of the cell lines on the blood count are significantly decreased which always makes me concerned about bone marrow disease. Occasionally an infection could cause this, but cancer would be much more likely. I would agree that a blood transfusion alone would be unlikely to help much other than buy some time, and there would be risk for serious illness since the white blood cells and platelets (clotting cells) were also so low. It seems to me like this was probably the best decision for your cat given the circumstances, although I know it's always difficult to make this decision and it is not uncommon for people to second guess themselves. This website has some resources for pet loss: https://www.lapoflove.com/community/Pet-Loss-Support

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