Myeloproliferative Disorders in Dogs

Myeloproliferative Disorders are a group of disorders that involve excess cell production originating from the bone marrow. Although they are not associated with neoplastic tissues, like other cancers, myeloproliferative disorders are classified within blood cancers.

Symptoms and Types

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Anemia
• Recurrent infections
• Pale mucous membranes
• Weight loss
• Enlargement of liver and spleen

Causes

The exact cause of myeloproliferative disorders in dogs is unknown.

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms. The veterinarian will then conduct a complete physical examination as well as a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count (CBC), which should glean valuable information regarding the morphology of blood cells and other abnormalities. Blood testing may also reveal severe non-regenerative anemia, in which the bone marrow responds inadequately to the increased demand of red blood cells. Other abnormalities may include megaloblastic red blood cells (abnormally large red blood cells) or leukocytosis or leukopenia.

Abdominal X-rays are usually taken to reveal abnormal enlarging of the liver or spleen, while bone marrow biopsies reveal detailed information related to abnormalities in various cell line production and maturation.