Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with primary erythrocytosis treated by phlebotomy and hydroxyurea
By Diogo, Camila Cardoso et al.·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2015·State University of Londrina-UEL, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Erythrocytosis in a Dog: A Case Report.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 11-year-old male mixed-breed dog was brought in for rapid breathing and weakness in all four legs. Tests showed a high level of red blood cells, leading to a diagnosis of primary erythrocytosis (a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells). The vet treated him with blood removal (phlebotomy), fluids, and a medication called hydroxyurea. While the dog improved initially and lived for 18 months, he later experienced a sudden return of symptoms and was euthanized.
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Abstract
Primary erythrocytosis, or polycythemia vera, is a myeloproliferative disease caused by the exaggerated increase of erythroid precursor cells in the bone marrow. We report the case of an 11-year-old male mixed-breed dog that had tachypnea and spastic tetraplegia. There was a significant increase in hematocrit. After phlebotomy and fluid therapy, the dog's condition improved. A diagnosis of primary erythrocytosis was supported by serum levels of erythropoietin. The dog responded well to treatment with administration of hydroxyurea (15 mg/kg), phlebotomies, and fluid therapy. However, after 18 months, he had an acute recurrence of clinical signs and was euthanized. We observed that long-term maintenance with hydroxyurea at a dosage of 15 mg/kg every 48 hours was adequate for managing polycythemia vera, with a survival time of 18 months in the present case. However, longer dose intervals are likely not appropriate. We believe that this may be helpful to other veterinarians facing the same problems in the treatment of polycythemia vera.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26359727/