Polycytaemia (Yr 3)

Question 1

what is erythrocytosis also known as?

Answer 1

polyctaemia

Question 2

what is erythrocytosis?

Answer 2

any increase in PCV, RBC count or haemoglobin

Question 3

what is a relative erythrocytosis?

Answer 3

increased RBC count due to changes in plasma water (dehydration) or RBC redistribution (splenic contractions)

Question 4

what is an absolute erythrocytosis?

Answer 4

true increase in RBC numbers due to erythropoiesis

Question 5

what breeds have a higher PCV naturally?

Answer 5

sighthounds

Question 6

how can you determine in erythrocytosis is due to dehydration?

Answer 6

clinical signs of dehydration
increase total protein/albumin

Question 7

what are the two causes of absolute erythrocytosis?

Answer 7

secondary (increased erythropeotin)
primary (not due to increased erythropeotin)

Question 8

what are the two types of secondary absolute erythrocytosis?

Answer 8

appropriate (response to hypoxia)
inappropriate (not response to hypoxia)

Question 9

what can cause inappropriate secondary absolute erythrocytosis?

Answer 9

renal tumours of lesions causing a localised renal hypoxia
non-renal tumours producing erythropoietin-like substances

Question 10

what is the cause of primary absolute erythrocytosis?

Answer 10

myeloproliferative disorder (leukaemia)

Question 11

what are the clinical signs of primary absolute erythrocytosis?

Answer 11

hyperviscosity of blood

Question 12

how is absolute erythrocytosis treated?

Answer 12

remove underlying cause
stabilised with phlebotomy