Introduction
Polycythemia, a condition in which the number or concentration of red blood cells in the cat’s bloodstream is increased, will produce a number of different symptoms. When a cat experiences polycythemia, the symptoms that develop depend on why the condition occurred in the first place. The treatment is then based upon what caused the polycythemia condition to occur and addressing the symptoms that developed as a result of the condition.
Symptoms
Relative Polycythemia
Relative polycythemia will occur when the number of red blood cells is increased due to dehydration, loss of plasma, or a sudden contraction of the spleen. Polycythemia of this type results in symptoms which include: lethargy, difficulty breathing, small red spots on the skin, shaking, seizures, troubles seeing, and a blue tint to the skin. Dehydration and loss of plasma can occur from severe vomiting and diarrhea; the sudden contraction of the spleen is often caused by extreme fear or excitement. If your cat has experienced any of these conditions, then develops any of these symptoms, an immediate trip to the veterinarian is needed.
Absolute Polycythemia
Absolute polycythemia is divided into two classes: primary absolute polycythemia and secondary absolute polycythemia. Primary absolute polycythemia is a result of a disease in the bone marrow; the symptoms of this condition include drastically increased thirst which leads to an increase in urination, the rupture of small capillaries which causes bleeding, and changes in behavior.
Secondary Absolute Polycythemia
Secondary absolute polycythemia can occur as a result of heart disease, heart failure, kidney problems, and an increase in the hormone, erythropoietin, which regulates blood cell production. This type of polycythemia is by far the most serious. Symptoms of secondary absolute polycythemia include: a lack of interest in play or social interactions, seizures, confusion, and difficulty walking.
If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, an emergency visit to a veterinarian is needed. Relative and primary absolute polycythemia can be treated, and the sooner the treatments are started the better. Sadly secondary absolute polycythemia has a poor prognosis; most cats suffering from this disease need to be euthanized as quickly as possible.