My cat's blood test showed a low white count two weeks ago.

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My cat's blood test showed a low white count two weeks ago. We found after a complete CBC nothing else out of the ordinary. Her personality had changed and after treating her with Amoxicillin, fluid, and B12, a few days later she was herself again. Two weeks later she was showing the same sign again (lethregy, lack of interest, no vomiting, she was still eating). I took her back for another count and her white count had actually increased 1,000 points. I don't know what a cat's normal white count should be. Have you ever experienced this? Do you have any ideas what could be happening. We just had a serious condition with one of our cats Chrissy and had to lay her down. She and Amanda were buddies. I thought she was depressed but then the low white count did not support that. In addition to the antibiotic, I'm giving her 2 tablets of Feline Enteric Support by Standard Process daily. Two days ago, her white count had increased a 1,000 from two weeks ago. What might cause this? Is there anything that can raise my cat's white count. Have you ever heard fleas possibly lowering the white count? Though, she is an indoor cat I do let her out for a few minutes and haven't noticed fleas.
Sincerely,
Alice D.
XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Hi Alice,

Fleas don't lower the white blood cell count, they would lower the red blood cell count and in extreme cases, cause anemia.

Low white cell count could indicate feline distemper (feline panleukopenia), viral infection, bone marrow abnormalities, overwhelming infections and blood poisoning. Is Amanda vaccinated against distemper? Is she up to date on all her vaccinations?

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your Chrissy! Was she vaccinated and up to date on her vaccinations?
Do you know what illness caused her serious problem? It's possible that if Chrissy had a serious viral infection, Amanda now has it, as these infections can be very contagious.

Has Amanda been tested for FeLV, FIV and toxoplasmosis?

The treatment that she's receiving--antibiotics, fluids and B-12, makes sense, considering the symptoms.

This website explains white blood count (scroll down a little) and gives parameters for normal ranges:

http://www.petplace.com/cats/understanding-blood-work-the-complete-blood-count-cbc-for-cats-2/page1.aspx

Please discuss these possibilities with your vet, and I sincerely hope Amanda starts showing signs of improvement, soon!

Please keep me updated on how she's doing.

Cher

Edited by Cerecita on August 4 2006 at 10:17 PM

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Reply to Jessesmom's Post: Hi Cher,
Thanks so very much for your information. All the cats are up to date for vacines. Chrissy's death was a shock, sudden and unexpected. Even the vet was shocked. She died after being treated for giardia. She did not have giardia but since 2 of our cats did, all were treated. We're not sure if her condition was preexisting and just a coincidence. We had her liver examined and this was the following comment in the report: Both kidneys feature changes which appear to be the result of thrombosis of renal vessels. The animal may have suffered from DIC or thrown emboli to the kidneys from some other location like the heart.
We have 8 cats 3 are strickly indoor cats. Both Chrissy and Amanda are indoor. Amanda's Bun and creatinine are normal and Chrissy's was not. Chrissy was 8 and Amanda is 10.
Amanda right now seems her old self. She has always been a quiet cat. But 3 weeks ago she was not a happy camper. The weather has been very hot and though I have air conditioning, I had kept it at 79 and thought that might be it. Anyway, I did not notice the "normal" white count on the site and will look again. If you have any other thoughts, I welcome your wisdom and suggestions. I have given second thoughts to the blood test the Vet recommended as I was wondering about the "flea" possibility. She appears ok and has a heart appetite. I will possibly have her blood rechecked the third time in a week or two. She does not handle stress well and don't want to add more. She and Chrissy were pals and I thought she was missing her friend. But when the count came back low then began rising after antibiotic, fluids, etc. I may discount that idea. Molly, Amanda's sister, did not like Chrissy as Chrissy was the baby and demanded my attention. There was jealousy and Molly now could care less where my baby went. But Amanda was like a mother to Chrissy.
Sincerely,
Alice D.

Hi Alice,

You're very welcome!

Thanks for your response and additional information.

I agree that it would be a good idea to have her blood rechecked in a week or two. It's very likely that her body IS reacting in this way because of the stress Chrissy's passing has had on her. If you don't want to subject her to the added stress of another vet visit, do you have a 'mobile vet' in your area? This is a like a vet office on wheels and they come to YOU! Also, ask at your vet or any local vet if a vet tech will make a house call to take the blood. I know my vet does this, but of course it does cost more.

If she's acting more like herself and has a hearty appetite, that's very good! Just keep an eye on her for any unusual symptoms (I know you will!) and have the blood tests repeated as you wanted to. Ask for a detailed explanation of the blood tests from the vet and ask what his plan of treatment might be from this point on.

Cher : )

If my answer is helpful please click ACCEPT. Click reply for further clarification. My only goal is to provide 100% helpful answers. Thanks for the opportunity to help!

Reply to Jessesmom's Post: Thanks Cher for your response. We do have mobile vet "somewhere" in this area as I've seen the van. I will check on the number and will have her retested. You've saved us some money as Chrissy's condition was very costly as you can imagine. My babies are worth it but why add the stress to either of us at this time. I've had four cats laid down in the last two years. One from throat cancer, one got hit (now no one can escape my yard after much begging my husband made it so they can't escape the yard. One we laid down because he couldn't eat anymore from a condition called Stomatitis. The last one being Chrissy and she was my baby - demanding much of my attention which I so miss. We also lost our grandson two years ago as he died in our daughter's womb in the 8th month. So I'm tired and my heart always seems heavy with grief. I can understand now why my parents (I'm 59) struggled getting us pets as I am not able to deal very well with their passing. I'm unable to hold them as they leave me as I feel so hypocritical. I force them in the carrier as they trust me. I hold them, love on them, weep uncontrollably, and then leave. I can't stand the idea of loving them one moment and killing them the next. It grieves me to see them suffer and grieves me to force them . . . .
Anyway, see I'm weeping again. Oh wait, you can't see me hahahaha Thanks Cher for your attention and love. Your knowledge is so appreciated. God Bless. . .
Alice D.

Hi again Alice,

You and your family have certainly had your share of grief in the past few years and my heart goes out to you! I know how difficult it is to lose the cats we love and the loss of your unborn grandson is a senseless tragedy no one expects nor deserves. I'm no stranger to tragedy myself, so I can fully understand where you're coming from and where your heart is.

I can identify completely with you not being able to hold your furbabies when they were put to sleep. I'm the same way and I totally understand why you can't do this. It's very normal and 'human' and everyone has to do what they feel is best in the way they deal with this. You're NOT being hypocritical!

I do hope Amanda continues to improve and would love it if you would keep me posted on how she (and you all) are doing!

Purrrs,
Cher : )

If my answer is helpful please click ACCEPT. Click reply for further clarification. My only goal is to provide 100% helpful answers. Thanks for the opportunity to help!

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feline low white blood count

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