What is Polycythemia in Dogs?
Introduction Polycythemia in dogs is a condition in which the number or concentration of circulating red blood cells in the body is increased; polycythemia is also known as erythrocytosis. The symptoms and treatment of polycythemia can vary greatly and depend on why the condition developed. There are two types of polycythemia, relative and absolute, that can occur in dogs. Types of Polycythemia Relative Polycythemia Relative polycythemia is a condition in which the red blood cell numbers are increased due to a large loss of plasma, or water, from the bloodstream, or due to a release of large amounts of red blood cells into the bloodstream. In this condition no extra red blood cells are produced by the dog’s body. For example, severe vomiting or diarrhea can result in dehydration which then causes relative polycythemia. Transient polycythemia is a type of relative polycythemia that occurs when a dog experiences extreme excitement or fear; these emotional states, if severe, can lead to a
