Polycythemia

Hi there, 

my cat was just diagnosed with Polycythemia absolute.

They are going to put him on a medication (chomo-like) that humans take. He is going to take really small dosages.

Is there anyone out there who has a cat with the same condition who is taking that medication?

How is your cat doing? Side effects? Did the seizures stop?

When Ash was at the emergency they drew blood to lower the red cell count while adding fluids.

Could this blood drawing procedure be done more often to help him...maybe do the drawing of the blood instead of the pill?

Any advice welcome! Thank you, 

Paola

I'm so sorry to hear about Ash.  I wish you were joining TCS under happier circumstances, but....welcome.     I hope we can be a good resource for you while you go through this.  I personally have never had a cat with Polycythemia but you might be interested in reading the following thread which addresses many of your questions.  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/252046/feline-polycythemia-vera  It has a lot of information in it.  

Do you know the name of the medication Ash will be taking?  Is it hydroxyurea?  This seems to be the usual treatment.  

I'd recommend you call your vet and ask him or her your question about drawing blood more frequently instead of treating Ash with the medication.  Also ask about side effects.  Although the recommended thread above does touch on these issues, you really want to get this information directly from your vet.  Do you have a good relationship with him or her?   It would be very beneficial if you could communicate with your vet via email during this difficult time.  That way you can get written answers to these questions and also ask additional questions when something comes up that worries you.    

Hopefully someone who knows more about this disease than I do will chime in with the voice of personal experience.

 Fingers crossed that Ash does well with his treatment and feels better soon.