The effect of filgrastim (non-glycosyl recombinant methionyl human granulocyte colony stimulating factor) on haematological and serum biochemical parameters in the treatment of feline panleukopenia

Panleukopenia caused by Feline Parvo Virus is a highly contagious and fatal disease in cats. Vaccines are used to prevent and control the disease. There is no specific antiviral agent in the treatment, hence supportive treatment is used. In this study, Filgrastim, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, was administered to cats spontaneous viral Panleukopenia infection. The effects of Filgrastim on mortality, complete blood count and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated in panleukopenia-infected cats. Cats brought to the clinic with complaints of loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever and weakness were evaluated with a complete blood count. Feline parvovirus antigen test was performed in cats with low WBC count. Fourteen cats of different breeds, age and gender with positive test results were included in the study. The study included 7 FPV positive cats treated with classical supportive treatment, 7 FPV positive cats treated with Filgrastim in addition to classical supportive treatment and 7 healthy cats. Complete blood count and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed from the samples taken from the patients on days 0, 3 and 7. In conclusion, in this study, the administration of Filgrastim in the treatment of panleukopenia resulted in no change in mortality rate. Filgrastim treatment was observed to induce an increase in lymphocyte and granulocyte counts. In addition, it was determined by serum biochemical examinations that Filgrastim can be administered in cats without any side effects. Before administering an immune modulator such as G-CSF, the stage of the disease and the status of the immune system should be taken into consideration.