Polycythemia: primary

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Age predisposition, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Histopathology findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Subsequent management, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Ruthanne Chun DVM DipACVIM
Synonyms Erythroblastic leukemia, Polycythemia vera

Introduction

  • Includes erythroblastic leukemias (extremely rare) and polycythemia vera (rare).
  • Polycythemia without increased [erythropoietin].
  • Signs : brick red mucous membranes, polydipsia, polyuria and signs referable to hyperviscosity.
  • Diagnosis : eliminate causes of secondary polycythemia Polycythemia: secondary ; bone marrow aspiration.
  • Treatment : phlebotomy, cytotoxic agents.
  • Prognosis : reasonable.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Brick red mucous membranes.
  • Hepatosplenomegaly.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Secondary polycythemia Polycythemia: secondary.
  • Dehydration.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Reasonable with ongoing treatment.
  • May survive for many years with regular phlebotomy or cytotoxic therapy.

Expected response to treatment

  • Maintenance of normal PCV.
  • Resolution of clinical signs.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Incorrect diagnosis - secondary polycythemia with underlying cause not addressed.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Comazzi S, Sacchet A, Milani F, Paltriniere A & Agnes F (2000) Some aspects of erythrocyte metabolism in a dog with polycythaemia vera. Vet Rec 147 , 331-334.
  • Campbell K L (1990) Diagnosis and management of polycythemia in dogs. Comp Cont Ed Pract Vet 12 , 543-549.
  • McGrath C J, Krawiec D R & Johnston S D (1982) Canine polycythemia vera, a review of diagnostic features. Vet Med 4 , 611-613.

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