Nonregenerative anemia, characterized by an inadequate production of new red blood cells, is a frequent and serious complication of kidney failure, certain forms of cancer or cancer therapy, and other chronic diseases. Human erythropoietin, a red cell stimulating hormone, has been used in cats, but is not safe. These researchers have synthesized a form of feline erythropoietin and have shown that it induces red cell production in tissue culture and in mice. This study will assess the activity of feline erythropoietin in cats suffering from anemia due to chronic kidney disease.
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