| ironjustice@aol.com 2005-03-19, 5:36 pm |
| <<snip>>
simple, non-invasive, well tolerated and effective method
<<snip>>
J Small Anim Pract. 2001 Nov;42(11):554-6. Related Articles, Links
Leeching as initial treatment in a cat with polycythaemia vera.
Nett CS, Arnold P, Glaus TM.
Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, university of Zurich,
Switzerland.
Polycythaemia vera was diagnosed in a three-year-old domestic
shorthaired cat referred because of seizures and a high packed cell
volume (PCV). Laboratory examination revealed severe erythrocytosis
(PCV 79 per cent). Diagnosis was reached by excluding causes for
relative and secondary absolute polycythaemia. As phlebotomy proved
impossible for initial treatment due to hyperviscosity, four leeches
were used to suck blood and the PCV was consequently reduced to 64 per
cent. A further 24 hours later, when bleeding at the sites of sucking
had stopped, the PCV was 56 per cent. Long-term management of the
condition was achieved with hydroxyurea (100 mg/cat once daily) and
intermittent phlebotomy. Initial treatment using leeches in cases of
polycythaemia vera is a simple, non-invasive, well tolerated and
effective method where phlebotomy is not possible.
Publication Types:
Case Reports
PMID: 11721985 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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