Fleas are certainly very common external parasites seen in all areas of the country. When infestation is heavy, especially in young puppies and kittens, there can always be the risk of flea bite anemia. Because fleas are voracious blood feeders, red blood cell counts can drop dramatically especially in these younger animals. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, low body temperature, and in severe cases death may occur.
Treatment of flea bite anemia includes supportive care as well as specific therapy for the flea infestations, such as products like Frontline Plus or Advantage II. Affected pets may be bathed to remove adult fleas, as well as the oral medication Capstar given, which quickly kills adult fleas within a few hours. Warm subcutaneous or IV fluid therapy may be needed, in addition to supportive vitamin therapy. In severe cases, transfusion may be necessary to restore red blood cell counts to normal. Prevention of flea bite anemia involves using specific products to kill and prevent flea infestation such as the products mentioned above.
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[...] red blood cell count in the circulation. Anemia can have many causes from blood loss (secondary to external or internal parasites, cancer, etc.) to a condition where a pet’s immune system reacts against its own blood cells. [...]