Polycythaemia in a dog with renal T-cell-lymphoma

In the present case report we describe a five year old male rhodesian ridgeback suffering from absolute, secondary, inappropriate polycythemia. The dog was presented with a history of apathy, anorexia, polydipsia and polyuria. The mucous membranes were brick red and the episcleral vessels dilated. Laboratory tests revealed increased packed cell volume, red blood cell count and hemoglobin. Results of serum chemistry profile, total protein, albumin, electrolyte balance and blood gas were in the normal range. The erythropoietin level was increased. On the basis of abdominal radiography and sonography a tumor of the kidneys was postulated as the cause of the absolute polycythaemia, histopathology revealed a T-cell renal lymphoma and tumor cell infiltration of the myokard, stomach and spleen.