TITLE:
Case Report on Feline Polycythemia Vera
AUTHORS:
Corinna Beale
KEYWORDS:
Polycythemia Vera, Feline, Phlebotomy, Hydroxyurea
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.7 No.1,
February
28,
2017
ABSTRACT: Polycythemia vera has been reported as a known condition in cats as early
as 1966. This condition manifests as an increased mass in red blood cells and
elevated hematocrit and is defined as an idiopathic chronic myeloproliferative
disorder. The patient described in this paper presented with hyperemic gums and
pinna and an acute onset of progressive ataxia and lethargy. Several possible
underlying primary conditions such as cardiac disease and renal malignancy were
excluded by running basic blood work and radiographic imaging. Initial blood
work revealed a significantly elevated packed cell volume (88%). After
diagnosis, treatment with phlebotomy and chemotherapy lead to a reduction in
hematocrit and elimination of neurologic signs. This case study represents the diagnosis and successful management of this disease in a private practice
setting. Polycythemia vera is relatively uncommon in dogs and cats, but should
still be considered in cases of neurologic disorders, especially with the
presence of bright red ears, paws, or gums.