Excessive Red Blood Cell Production in Cats (Polycythemia)

Excessive red blood cell production in cats is called polycythemia. With polycythemia, the number of red blood cells in the plasma increases, making the blood thick and low in viscosity. When the blood thickens, it cannot flow through the small capillaries in the body, and therefore the amount of oxygen carried to the tissues decreases. If left untreated, polycythemia can lead to very serious coronary problems and even heart failure. It's important to know not only what polycythemia is, but also the problems it can cause. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in the body. A hormone called erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells from the bone marrow when oxygen levels in the blood drop. Low red blood cell levels are quite common in cats, leading to anemia. Polycythemia, the overproduction of red blood cells, is not as common as anemia. You can find answers to frequently asked questions about polycythemia in cats in our article. What are the Symptoms of Polycythemia? Along with the question "What is polycythemia in cats?", it is extremely important to know how this condition manifests itself. Because red blood cells affect the entire body of the cat, the symptoms can be random and unrelated. Symptoms of polycythemia in cats include fatigue and weakness, excessive thirst and urination, seizures, loss of coordination, weakness, blindness, and excessive bleeding. The symptoms of polycythemia in cats develop gradually, making it difficult to detect for months. Early diagnosis of polycythemia is extremely important. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your cat's physical movements or behavior, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. What are the Causes of Polycythemia? Polycythemia in cats can occur without any apparent cause. The reasons for the overproduction of red blood cells are still not fully understood. However, polycythemia can also occur as a result of an underlying condition. This is called secondary polycythemia. Severe dehydration, congenital heart defects, kidney tumors, bone marrow cancer, serious lung diseases, congestive heart failure, and circulatory anomalies can cause secondary polycythemia. If a cat does not have any of these conditions, the polycythemia that develops is most likely primary polycythemia.

Polisitemi Belirtileri Nelerdir?

Along with the question "What is polycythemia in cats?", it is extremely important to know what symptoms this condition shows. Since red blood cells affect the entire body of the cat, the symptoms can be random and unrelated. Symptoms of polycythemia in cats include fatigue and weakness, excessive thirst and urination, seizures, loss of coordination, weakness, blindness, and excessive bleeding. The symptoms of polycythemia in cats appear gradually. Therefore, it can be difficult to notice the disease for months. Early diagnosis of polycythemia is extremely important. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your cat's physical movements or behavior, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

Polisitemi Nedenleri Nelerdir?

Polycythemia in cats can occur without any apparent cause. The reasons for the overproduction of red blood cells are still not fully understood. However, polycythemia can also occur due to an underlying condition. This is called secondary polycythemia. Severe dehydration, congenital heart defects, kidney tumors, bone marrow cancer, serious lung diseases, congestive heart failure, and circulatory anomalies can cause secondary polycythemia. If the cat does not have any of these conditions, the polycythemia that develops is most likely primary polycythemia.

How is Polycythemia Diagnosed in Cats?

To diagnose excessive red blood cell production in cats, a comprehensive physical examination and review of the medical history are necessary. During the physical examination, mucous membranes that appear red are also examined. Veterinarians perform a manual examination of the chest area to calculate the capillary refill time.

Urine and blood tests are also required for a detailed diagnosis. To check the increase in the number of red blood cells in the cat's blood, PCV and hemoglobin levels are examined in the blood test. Urine analysis is not actually used to diagnose polycythemia. However, it is requested to rule out other diseases that may cause these symptoms and to perform a differential diagnosis. On the other hand, urine analysis can check whether polycythemia has started to affect other organs. In cats, excessive production of red blood cells affects the heart and circulatory system, so the veterinarian also checks the cat's heart. This may require auscultation of the heart and chest cavity, X-rays and other imaging systems, and other blood tests. How is Polycythemia Treated? Treatment for polycythemia is evaluated in two ways. First, it is necessary to immediately eliminate the excessive production of red blood cells and remove the excess red blood cells from the body. Secondly, the causes of polycythemia are checked. In cases of secondary polycythemia, treatment of the underlying condition causing the polycythemia is initiated. On the other hand, when primary polycythemia is observed, treatment is started without delay. Blood is drawn from the body using a method called phlebotomy, which involves drawing blood from a vein. During this process, fluids are injected to prevent dehydration or low blood pressure. By drawing blood, the blood in the body is thinned, and the circulatory system is made to function more healthily. Depending on the viscosity of the blood, 5 to 20 ml of blood can be drawn per kilogram of the cat's weight. During this procedure, the cat's PCV values ​​are also monitored instantly. In this way, it can be understood when the cat's blood thickness has reached the target amount. Iron supplementation may be recommended by the veterinarian to reduce the risk of anemia during or after phlebotomy. If polycythemia occurs after an illness such as cancer, removing the tumor from the body can provide treatment for polycythemia.

Because the overproduction of red blood cells in cats affects the heart and circulatory system, the veterinarian will also check the cat's heart. This may require auscultation of the heart and chest cavity, X-rays and other imaging systems, and other blood tests.

How is Polycythemia Treated?

Polycythemia treatment is evaluated in two ways. First, it is necessary to immediately eliminate the excessive production of red blood cells and remove the excess red blood cells from the body. Secondly, the causes of polycythemia are checked. In cases of secondary polycythemia, treatment of the disorder causing the polycythemia is started. On the other hand, when primary polycythemia is observed, treatment is started without delay.

Blood is drawn from the body using a method called phlebotomy, which involves drawing blood from a vein. During this process, fluids are injected to prevent dehydration or low blood pressure. By drawing blood, the blood in the body is thinned and the circulatory system is made to function more healthily. Depending on the viscosity of the blood, 5 to 20 ml of blood can be drawn per kilogram of the cat's weight. During this procedure, the cat's PCV values ​​are also checked in real-time. In this way, it can be determined when the cat's blood thickness has reached the target amount. To reduce the risk of anemia during or after phlebotomy, iron supplementation may be recommended by the veterinarian. If polycythemia occurs after a condition such as cancer, removing the tumor from the body can treat the polycythemia. Post-Treatment Recovery Process Additional phlebotomy procedures may be necessary during the recovery and management process of polycythemia. In addition to iron and fluid supplementation, the cat should also receive hydroxyurea treatment. Hydroxyurea has serious side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, mouth sores, and urinary tract infections. Moreover, the duration of use varies from cat to cat. Some cats need to take hydroxyurea for months or years, while others need to use it for life. Regular check-ups should be performed until the polycythemia is under control. Blood counts are also performed by veterinarians every three months to prevent anemia from occurring as a result of phlebotomy or hydroxyurea use and to ensure that the drug doses are properly administered.

Post-Treatment Recovery Process

Additional phlebotomy procedures may be required during the recovery and management process of polycythemia. In addition, the cat should receive iron and fluid support, as well as hydroxyurea treatment. Hydroxyurea has serious side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, mouth sores, and urinary tract infections. Moreover, the duration of use can vary from cat to cat. Some cats need to take hydroxyurea for months or years, while others need to use it for life. Regular check-ups should be done until polycythemia is under control. To prevent anemia from occurring as a result of phlebotomy or hydroxyurea use, and to ensure that drug doses are properly administered, blood counts are also performed by veterinarians every three months.