Disease overview

Polycythemia is a disease defined as an increase in red blood cell count.

Gene name

JAK2

Inheritance

Unknown

Signs and symptoms

This is a chronic, progressive disease with non-specific clinical signs. Some signs may include increased urination, increased drinking, excessive bleeding, behavior changes, weakness, blindness, and seizures.

How is it diagnosed

Polycythemia is diagnosed through the process of exclusion, since clinical signs are non-specific and can be associated with many other disease processes. Laboratory testing may include blood tests to determine if there is an increase in red blood cell counts.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Beurlet S, Krief P, Sansonetti A, Briend-Marchal A, Kiladjian JJ, Padua RA, Chomienne C, Cassinat B. Identification of JAK2 mutations in canine primary polycythemia. Exp Hematol. 2011 May;39(5):542-5. doi: 10.1016/j.exphem.2011.02.003. Epub 2011 Feb 12. PMID: 21320566.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.