Polycythemia Vera in Cats
Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder that involves abnormal blood thickening due to an increase of red blood cell production by the bone marrow. It is primarily seen in older cats.
Symptoms and Types
The following symptoms gradually appear but run a chronic course:
- Weakness
- Depression
- Lack of appetite (anorexia)
- Redness of skin (erythema)
- Increased thirst and urination (polydipsia and polyuria)
Causes
Although the viscosity of the blood is due to an increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow, the cause of this overproduction is currently unknown.
Diagnosis
You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms, to your veterinarian. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination, as well a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count (CBC). Blood testing will typically reveal an increase in red blood cell mass, and in about 50 percent of cats, an increased number of white blood cells (leukocytosis).
To assess the function of the kidneys and cardiopulmonary systems, your veterinarian will conduct X-rays and abdominal ultrasounds. Echocardiography, meanwhile, is used to evaluate the cardiac functions. He or she will also take a sample of bone marrow and send it to a veterinary pathologist for further examination.
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urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
polyuria
Excessive urination
leukocytosis
An increase in the number of white blood cells (abnormal)
erythema
Redness of the skin
polydipsia
A medical condition involving excessive thirst
Courtesy of petmd.com Original Article