What Is Low White Blood Cell Count In Cats

Anemia in cats is a condition in when there is a low red blood cell count or poorly functioning red blood cells.

What is low white blood cell count in cats.

A low wbc count is referred to medically as leukopenia. Without enough red cells to grab oxygen molecules during their trip through the lungs the kitty is in trouble. Signs of feline anemia. 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.

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. A normal white blood cell count in cats typically ranges from 5 500 to 19 500 per microliter of blood. However that normal range could vary depending on the age of the cat. There are many different types of white blood cells in cats.

Low white blood cell count in cats is usually secondary to disease or infection. A bone marrow aspiration will also be performed. 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.

Low counts of certain types of white blood cells can be caused by. At home a caregiver may notice the cat is pale when the cat yawns. To determine your cat s count the vet will run a complete blood count. 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.

White blood cells also known as leukocytes defend the body against viruses bacteria and fungi. 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. White blood cells wbc are the soldiers of your kitty s immune system so a low count means the army is low on manpower. Your cat s blood contains a militia of white blood cells known as.

A normal white blood cell count in cats typically ranges from 4 900 to 20 000 per microliter of blood. 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. These squiggly leukocytes fight infections head on and sometimes there are casualties. A low white blood cell wbc count is a decreased number of white blood cells leukocytes in the blood.

These tests will typically show a high number of white blood cells anemia and organ dysfunction in the affected organs.