Research overview: FeLV-induced anemia and bone marrow suppression

Beyond cancer, FeLV frequently causes severe nonregenerative anemia and broader bone marrow suppression, making hematologic disease a leading cause of death in infected cats. The subgroup C variant specifically disrupts red cell precursors by impairing heme export, producing pure red cell aplasia, while other mechanisms suppress multiple cell lines. Myelodysplastic changes and secondary infections compound the problem. This overview compiles the hematology literature rather than one citation, describing how viral infection of marrow progenitors undermines blood production, why these cats often present with pallor, weakness, and recurrent infections, and why anemia management, transfusion support, and treatment of secondary disease form the core of supportive care for affected cats with limited curative options.