Introduction
Polycythemia is a condition which can occur in cats when the concentration of their red blood cells rises above normal levels. The condition causes numerous effects, one of the most dangerous being oxygen toxicity; if untreated, polycythemia can cause lethargy, confusion, trouble walking, and seizures. In order to successfully treat polycythemia, it is important to find out why the condition developed in the first place.
Treating Polycythemiain Cats
Relative Polycythemia
Polycythemia conditions that develop as a result of dehydration, for instance if the cat has been experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhea, is treated by replacing lost body fluids and keeping the cat calm. This type of polycythemia is diagnosed as relative polycythemia; a sudden moment of extreme fright or excitement can also cause relative polycythemia. Once the cat’s fluids levels are back to normal, and the cat has calmed down, the condition will be resolved.
Primary Absolute Polycythemia
Another type of polycythemia condition, primary absolute polycythemia, is the result of a rare bone marrow disease. This type of disease causes the body to produce too many red blood cells. To treat this condition, the cat is periodically bled and given intravenous fluids. If the condition is severe, hydroxyurea medications and chemotherapy medications, such as chlorambucil, can be given by mouth; these types of medications suppress the immune system, including bone marrow production, and reduced the amount of red blood cells in the body.
Secondary Absolute Polycythemia
Secondary absolute polycythemia is a condition that occurs when the kidneys produce high amounts of the hormone erythropoietin. This hormone regulates red blood cell production. Secondary absolute polycythemia can occur as a side effect of conditions such as kidney disease, kidney failure, heart disease, or heart failure. In order to treat secondary absolute polycythemia, the cause of the condition must be diagnosed. Once the cause is treated or controlled, the polycythemia will be brought under control as well. In some cases, if severe symptoms of polycythemia occur the cat can be periodically bled to treat the condition.