A Canine Polycythemia Vera

Abstract

A six-year-old female golden retriever weighing 28.6kg was brought in, unable to sit up straight, with sudden and serious tachypnea. Body temperature was 39.1°C, and tendon reflex was weak. The mucosal membranes were suffused markedly. An enlarged spleen was seen on rediographs. Blood chemistry tests showed remarkable increase of red blood cells, highly concentrated hemoglobin, and a higt value of PCV, although there ware no signs of dehydration. A diagnosis of polycythemia was made, and phlebotomy was performed twice letting 700ml of blood each. The procedure was drastically effective. Then, to find out what had caused the disase, several different kinds of tests including bone marrow tests were done. There were no disorders in the respiratory system, circulation system, or internal organs such as the kidneys. The level of serum erythropoietin was in a normal range, but vitamin B₁₂ level was higher than normal and 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) was lower than normal. On the basis of these findings and hematological results, the possibility of secondary polycythemia was ruled out, and polycythemia vera was definitely diagnosed. On the 7th day, the dog was discharged from our hospital, and is now under control by medication.