Polycythaemia vera in cats: a patient care report

Abstract

This report outlines a case of primary polycythaemia diagnosed in a 2.5-year-old female entire Domestic Short Hair cat following referral for a report of abnormal neurological behavioural signs. Initial work-up included inhouse blood tests, thoracic radiographs, echocardiogram and abdominal ultrasound. The only remarkable result was a packed cell volume (PCV) of 80% and total solids (TS) 8 g/dl. Therapeutic phlebotomy was performed which reduced the PCV to 62%, and TS to 5.8 g/dl. A definite diagnosis of polycythaemia vera was concluded, and long-term management included repeated phlebotomies and hydroxyurea chemotherapy.