Understanding Blood Thickening in Dogs

Blood thickening in dogs, known as polycythemia vera, is a serious disorder. It happens when too many red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. This makes the blood too thick. It mostly affects older dogs. The causes include dehydration, organ tumors, and bone marrow cancer.

This condition can also come from severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing too fast. This leads to too many red blood cells¹. Knowing the signs, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options helps us care for our dogs better.

Key Takeaways:

• Blood thickening, or polycythemia vera, is a blood disorder in dogs characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
• The causes of blood thickening in dogs can range from dehydration and organ tumors to bone marrow cancer.
• Common symptoms of blood thickening in dogs include weakness, depression, lack of appetite, redness of the skin, increased thirst, and increased urination.
• Diagnosis involves a thorough veterinary examination, complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and other diagnostic tests.
• Treatment options for blood thickening in dogs may include phlebotomy to remove excess blood, medication to suppress red blood cell production, and addressing underlying causes.

Symptoms of Blood Thickening in Dogs

Dogs with blood thickening may show several symptoms gradually. These include feeling weak, being sad, not eating, red skin, wanting more water, and urinating more². We should watch our dogs closely and get them to a vet if these signs show up.

Symptoms of Blood Thickening in Dogs

Dogs with blood thickening, or polycythemia vera, show various symptoms. These can range from mild to severe.

Weakness: Dogs often feel weak. They may lack energy and appear less strong. You might notice they are tired and don’t want to play like before.

Depression: Dogs can seem sad or depressed. They may lose interest in their surroundings. Their desire for play or social interaction might decrease.

Lack of appetite: Their interest in food can drop. They might eat less than usual. This can lead to weight loss and health decline.

Redness of skin: Some may get red skin, known as erythema. This happens because of more blood flow. Any skin color change should be checked by a vet.

Increased thirst and urination: Dogs may drink more and need more bathroom breaks. It’s due to fluid balance changes. Keep an eye on their water intake and potty habits.

These symptoms might appear slowly and last a while. If you see any in your dog, get in touch with a vet. They can diagnose and treat your pet.

Causes of Blood Thickening in Dogs

Blood thickening in dogs, known as polycythemia vera, happens when the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. This leads to more blood volume and thicker blood. While we don’t know exactly why this happens¹, some secondary causes are known.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease can cause blood thickening in dogs. Heart defects at birth can mess up blood flow. This makes the body make more red blood cells, making the blood thicker³.

Tumors in the Kidney and Other Organs

Kidney tumors can make the body make too many red blood cells. Tumor signals make the bone marrow respond. So, the blood gets thicker in dogs³.

Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis causes kidney swelling and can lead to thicker blood in dogs. It’s due to urine building up. The body makes more red blood cells to fix blood flow issues.

Hyperadrenocorticism

Cushing’s disease can also make dog’s blood thicker. It leads to too much cortisol. This hormone makes the bone marrow make more red blood cells. So, the blood gets thicker.

Dogs with blood thickening need to be looked at individually. It’s vital to diagnose them correctly to find the cause and treat them right. Vets can help manage the condition by treating the cause.

Diagnosis of Blood Thickening in Dogs

To find out if a dog has blood thickening, a vet will do a detailed check. This includes looking at the dog’s health past and a physical exam.

They might do tests like a complete blood count (CBC) to check blood cell levels. A urinalysis helps check how the kidneys are doing. X-rays and ultrasounds look at the health of organs. A bone marrow sample might also be needed for more tests.

Pets getting treated with hydroxyurea and phlebotomy need close watch. They need regular Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests. At first, it’s weekly for a month, then monthly for three months.¹

These tests tell the vet a lot about the dog’s blood, organ health, and bone marrow. This info helps find the cause of blood thickening. It also helps the vet choose the best treatment.

Treatment Options for Blood Thickening in Dogs

There are different approaches to treating blood thickening in dogs. These depend on the type of polycythemia vera. It’s crucial to know if it’s primary absolute polycythemia vera, secondary absolute polycythemia vera, or relative polycythemia vera.

1. Primary Absolute Polycythemia Vera: For this condition, multiple treatments may be used. Phlebotomy is one, involving taking out excess blood to lower red blood cells. This makes the blood thinner and boosts circulation. Also, intravenous fluids can thin the blood and increase hydration. Drugs like hydroxyurea or chemotherapy drugs might be given to slow down red blood cell production. These help by reducing how fast red blood cells are made. Watching how the dog reacts and any side effects is key during treatment¹.

2. Secondary Absolute Polycythemia Vera: When an illness or condition causes blood thickening, the focus is on treating that reason. For instance, treating dehydration or an organ tumor is crucial. Handling the root cause can often ease the signs of polycythemia vera. It’s important to develop a full treatment plan with a vet for the dog’s health.

3. Relative Polycythemia Vera: This version focuses on fixing the underlying reason. Dehydration, stress, heatstroke, and serious digestive problems can cause it. Thus, treatments aim at hydration therapy and managing the root issue. Handling the root cause helps solve the blood thickening, improving the dog’s health.

Collaborating with a vet is critical to figure out the best treatment for blood thickening in dogs. The treatment choice relies on the details and how severe the condition is. With the right treatment, dogs with blood thickening can have a healthy and active life.

Living and Management for Dogs with Blood Thickening

Dogs with blood thickening need continuous care and watchfulness. Regular check-ups with a vet are key to watch the dog’s condition. These check-ups help adjust the treatment plan as needed.

A vet oncologist may help manage the dog’s condition, especially when using medicines. They give advice on the right doses. They also keep an eye on how meds affect the dog’s blood and health.

Owners must watch their dogs for medicine side effects. These can be vomiting, not wanting to eat, diarrhea, and hair loss. Mouth sores, weak toenails, and more UTIs are also signs¹. Tell the vet right away if you see these or any other changes.

Keep a close eye on your dog at home, too. Watch how much they eat, play, and if they seem different. Tell these changes to your vet..

The aim is to keep a dog with blood thickening healthy and happy. With the right vet care and owner dedication, these dogs can still enjoy life³.

What is Polycythemia Vera in Dogs?

Polycythemia vera is a condition where dogs make too many red blood cells. This makes the blood thick. It usually happens in older dogs.

With this condition, dogs have more red blood cells than normal. This thick blood moves slowly, bringing less oxygen to body parts. It can cause tiredness, weakness, and sometimes seizures³.

Scientists are not sure what causes polycythemia vera in dogs. They think it might be a problem with the bone marrow. Other causes might be not enough water, too much vomiting, or breathing too fast. Finding the cause is key for the right treatment.

Treatment and Management of Polycythemia Vera in Dogs

In treating polycythemia vera in dogs, our aim is to lower the red blood cell count and make the blood thinner. This helps the dog feel better. We use medicines, phlebotomy, and ongoing therapy to do this.

Medication: Suppressing Red Blood Cell Production

Hydroxyurea is a key medicine for polycythemia vera. It slows down red blood cell production in the bone marrow. This keeps the blood from getting too thick. Dogs with primary absolute polycythemia vera often receive hydroxyurea. But a vet must set the right dose and schedule based on the dog’s unique situation. Checking the dog’s blood regularly is vital to see how well the medicine works and to adjust the dose if needed¹.

Phlebotomy: Physically Removing Excess Blood

Sometimes, removing excess blood through phlebotomy is necessary. This process is like giving blood, where a certain amount of blood is taken out. It lowers the red blood cell count and thins the blood. The need for phlebotomy sessions depends on how severe the condition is and the dog’s reaction to therapy. A vet must oversee phlebotomy to ensure it’s done safely and correctly³.

Long-Term Therapy: Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Long-term care is usually needed to keep the dog’s red blood cell levels balanced. It includes keeping an eye on the dog’s health and blood tests, and changing medicines when necessary. For the first month, dogs may need a weekly blood test. Then, for three months, they might need monthly tests. Afterward, tests every three months can help check how the therapy is affecting the bone marrow¹. Some dogs might be able to stop taking hydroxyurea after a while, but others may need it for life¹.

Hydroxyurea can cause side effects like vomiting, not wanting to eat, and diarrhea. Some dogs might also lose hair, develop mouth sores, or have brittle toenails. There’s a small chance it could lead to urinary tract infections. If your dog has side effects or if you’re worried about how it’s responding to treatment, talk to your vet. They can help adjust the treatment plan¹.

To wrap up, treating polycythemia vera in dogs involves medicines, phlebotomy, and long-term care, including close monitoring. With a detailed plan and a vet’s help, the aim is to manage the disease and enhance the dog’s life.

Secondary Causes of Polycythemia Vera in Dogs

Secondary polycythemia vera happens when diseases or conditions lead to it. This can happen due to severe dehydration, tumors in organs, or some bone marrow cancers⁴. To manage and treat this condition in dogs, it’s key to find and treat the root causes.

Effects of Polycythemia Vera on Dogs

Polycythemia vera leads to too many red blood cells in dogs. This can thicken their blood, making it hard for oxygen and nutrients to reach body tissues. Thick blood slows down in the veins, affecting how organs work¹. Dogs might feel very tired, weak, or even have seizures because their tissues lack oxygen and nutrients.

This condition makes dogs feel very tired and weak. Because their blood is too thick, it’s hard for oxygen and food to move around in their bodies. They might not want to play or do everyday activities¹. This can really change how happy and healthy they feel.

Some dogs with this condition could get seizures. This happens when their brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, leading to serious issues. These seizures are dangerous and could make a dog’s health worse. Finding out what’s wrong and treating it fast is key to help them¹.

If not looked after, polycythemia vera can also hurt a dog’s heart. The heart must work harder to move thick blood, putting extra strain on it. Over time, this can make the heart weaker and lead to more problems. That’s why treating this issue properly is so important for a dog’s heart health¹.

Phlebotomy and Medication for Polycythemia Vera in Dogs

Phlebotomy helps lower the amount of red blood cells in dogs with polycythemia vera. This makes the blood thinner and better for the dog’s health¹. It’s a way to reduce red blood cells quickly¹. Medicines are also used for this condition. Hydroxyurea slows red blood cell production¹. This control helps keep blood cell levels in check¹.

Starting with a high dose, hydroxyurea needs careful adjustments¹. Blood tests are crucial to adjust the dose right¹. It’s important to avoid too low blood cell production, which can harm the dog’s health¹.

Phlebotomy and medicines like hydroxyurea work together to control polycythemia vera in dogs. While phlebotomy offers quick relief, medicines manage long-term¹. The treatment varies based on the dog’s needs. Keeping a close eye on the dog’s health is key to success.

Conclusion

Blood thickening in dogs, or canine thrombophilia and polycythemia vera, means too many red blood cells are produced. This leads to thicker blood. It can happen for different reasons like dehydration, organ tumors, and bone marrow cancer. Dogs suffering might seem weak, sad, and eat less.

To find out if a dog has blood thickening, vets need to check them carefully. They use tests like a complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis. Treatments may include taking some blood out, medicines to control it, and fixing the root cause.

Dogs with this condition need to be looked after well and see their vet often. Veterinary oncologists are crucial for watching how the medication works. They adjust doses as needed. Watching for any new symptoms or behavior changes in the dog is key.

Learning about blood thickening in dogs helps catch it early. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can make a big difference. It helps dogs live better, happier lives.

⁵⁶

Source Links

1. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/polycythemia-vera
2. https://cvhousevet.com/polycythemia/
3. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/polycythemia-dogs
4. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/hematology/primary-erythrocytosis-in-a-dog/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342140/
6. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mitral-valve-disease-in-dogs