Page 576 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

568 PART 8 CAT WITH ABNORMAL LABORATORY DATA

SEVERE OBESITY (PICKWICKIAN HIGH ALTITUDE
SYNDROME)
Classical signs
Classical signs
● Mild polycythemia in an otherwise healthy
● Cats are morbidly obese (body condition cat living at altitude.
score 9/9), have chronic dyspnea and ● Decreased O levels in the atmosphere at
2
difficulty with normal ambulation. high altitudes stimulate increased renal
erythropoietin production in response to
tissue hypoxia.
Diagnosis

While the Pickwickian syndrome causing chronic
Diagnosis
hypoxia and resultant erythrocytosis has not been
reported in cats, it is logical to assume that this may Expected signs include mild polycythemia in an other-
occur. wise healthy cat.
Morbid obesity may predispose to tissue hypoxia from A presumptive diagnosis is based on finding mild poly-
inadequate alveolar ventilation because of fat accumu- cythemia in a cat living at high altitude (e.g. > 5000
lation in the thorax and compression of upper airways. feet/1500 m).
Blood O saturation levels are expected to be low
2
(<92%), and there should be slightly to markedly
increased circulating levels of erythropoietin.

RECOMMENDED READING

Giger U. Polycythemia: Is it p. vera? Proc 21 ACVIM Forum 2003: 742–744.
st
Nitchke EK. Erythrocytosis in dogs and cats: Diagnosis and management. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 2004; 26:
104–118.
Veterinary Information Network (VIN) at www.vin.com has many excellent board discussions and conference pro-
ceedings on use of fluids for dehydration and resuscitation including several by J Wohl, L Barton and TM Rieser.