What Is Low White Blood Cell Count In Cats

Signs of feline anemia.

What is low white blood cell count in cats. These cells vary with regard to where they are produced how long they circulate in the bloodstream and the factors that stimulate them into going in or out of the intricate network of tiny blood vessels that branch out through the tissues of the body. A low wbc count is referred to medically as leukopenia. At home a caregiver may notice the cat is pale when the cat yawns. White blood cells also known as leukocytes defend the body against viruses bacteria and fungi.

Without enough red cells to grab oxygen molecules during their trip through the lungs the kitty is in trouble. A low white blood cell wbc count is a decreased number of white blood cells leukocytes in the blood. When levels drop too low it puts cats more at risk of developing health issues and it put them in danger of catching all sorts of nasty bugs and infections thanks to the fact their immune systems are compromised. The reason for a low wbc count can be revealed by a blood screening.

If there s no clear reason for a low white blood cell count your doctor will probably want to do the test again or do a differential or diff along with the cbc. Low white blood cell count in cats is usually secondary to disease or infection. These labs include a complete blood count a biochemical blood profile a cytochemical staining a fecal flotation test and a urinalysis. Anemia in cats is a condition in when there is a low red blood cell count or poorly functioning red blood cells.

A normal white blood cell count in cats typically ranges from 5 500 to 19 500 per microliter of blood. Your cat s blood contains a militia of white blood cells known as. Low counts of certain types of white blood cells can be caused by. Low levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes circulating the blood indicate that these cells are at the site of an infection or that sepsis has occurred.

A bone marrow aspiration will also be performed. There are many different types of white blood cells in cats. Wbcs which are produced in the bone marrow are an important part of your immune system and your body s natural weapon to fight off bacteria viruses and other germs. Leukopenia is a condition that negatively impacts a cat s white blood cell count.

If the counts of all types of white blood cells are low this is known as feline panleukopenia which is also known as feline parvovirus. Leukocytes or white blood cells in the blood of mammals include neutrophils lymphocytes monocytes eosinophils and basophils. These tests will typically show a high number of white blood cells anemia and organ dysfunction in the affected organs. A normal white blood cell count in cats typically ranges from 4 900 to 20 000 per microliter of blood.

To determine your cat s count the vet will run a complete blood count.