A fatal case of suspected Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in a domestic–persian mixed cat with severe icterus and thrombocytopenia

Rizky Mastrinda Caesarani (Program of Veterinary Medicine Professional, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)
Trifena Angelina (Program of Veterinary Medicine Professional, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)
Arianto Nugroho (Center for Animal Health and Livestock Services, Jakarta Provincial Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Sus Derthi Widhyari (Division of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)
Koekoeh Santoso (Division of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)

ARSHI Veterinary Letters
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): ARSHI Veterinary Letters - August 2026

Feline hemoplasmosis is an infectious cause of hemolytic disease and should be considered in patients with anemia-associated signs and ectoparasite exposure. This report describes a suspected Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in a 1-year-and-5-month-old female domestic–Persian cat with lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, hypersalivation, flea infestation, and icterus of the skin and mucous membranes. Blood count revealed leukocytosis, microcytosis, and thrombocytopenia, and smear showed basophilic organisms associated with erythrocytes, supporting presumptive hemoplasmosis by M. haemofelis. The prognosis was dubius to infausta because of compromise. Treatment consisted of doxycycline at 5 mg/kg with fluids and hematopoietic support. Despite treatment, the patient deteriorated and died within 24 hours. This case highlights recognition, antimicrobial treatment, ectoparasite control, and supportive care.