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Polycythemia vera in a cat and management with hydroxyurea
1All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare feline condition diagnosed in a young cat with neurological and mobility issues. Hydroxyurea treatment effectively managed the PV symptoms in this case.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by excessive red blood cell production.
- Diagnosis in felines is uncommon, with limited clinical reports on management strategies.
Observation:
- A four-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with hind-limb ataxia, claw extension, and difficulty jumping.
- Physical examination revealed mild cardiac hypertrophy and polycythemia (packed cell volume [PCV] of 75%).
Findings:
- Definitive PV diagnosis was confirmed by excluding other causes of polycythemia and measuring low serum erythropoietin concentrations.
- Bone marrow biopsy showed erythroid hyperplasia, indicative of a myeloproliferative disorder.
- Treatment with hydroxyurea (12.2 mg/kg) and phlebotomy controlled clinical signs.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful management of feline polycythemia vera using hydroxyurea.
- The findings contribute to the limited literature on treating this rare condition in cats.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal hydroxyurea dosing and long-term outcomes in feline PV.