The use of Ribavirin to treat chronic hepatitis C in patients receiving azathioprine has been reported to induce severe pancytopenia and may increase the risk of azathioprine-related myelotoxicity. Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMDH) is required for one of the metabolic pathways of azathioprine.
There are several common underlying causes of kidney disease. 1  In older cats Interstitial Nephritis is most frequently seen. 2  Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a very common problem in Persian cats - 20-30% of them can be affected. 3  Tumours are occasionally seen in middle-aged and older cats.
Inflammation is a common cause of anaemia, particularly in cats with chronic diseases such as CKD. Iron status of cats with chronic kidney disease (2015) Gest J, Langston C & Eatroff A Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 29 pp1489-1493 states Of an interesting note, TIBC is decreased in inflammation.