Elevated white blood cell count in a cat: causes and treatment

When animals become ill, examination almost always begins with a blood test. Elevated white blood cell counts in a cat's blood indicate an inflammatory process. White blood cells are colorless, anuclear blood cells. Their primary function is to fight foreign elements and destroy waste products, so the white blood cell count serves as a useful indicator of inflammation caused by allergies, infections, or illnesses.

Types of leukocytes, leukogram

The norm for cats is considered to be the content of leukocytes within the range of 5.5•10³ ÷ 18.5•10³ U/L. Leukocytosis (an elevated level of these blood elements) can be caused by dozens, even hundreds, of factors. Leukocytosis can be caused by physiological factors such as stress, pain, and pregnancy. In this case, the abnormal blood count does not persist for long. However, if a repeat blood test shows a leukocyte level above the acceptable norm, the veterinarian will refer the cat for a full laboratory and imaging examination.

There are several types of white blood cells, and their percentage ratio is called a leukocyte count or leukogram. Previously, each type of leukocyte was counted visually: a dried and stained blood smear was placed under a microscope, and the number of cells within the field of view was counted. Today, a leukogram is obtained using a specialized analyzer that accurately calculates the ESR and leukocyte count in just a few minutes.

The following indicators are considered acceptable:

If an excess of the general level of leukocytes is called leukocytosis, then an excess of the norm for individual types of them is called granulocytosis, lymphocytosis, thrombocytosis, monocytosis, etc.

Good to know: A person cannot contract leukocytosis from a cat. However, since some diseases are common to humans and animals, the disease that causes leukocytosis in a cat may pose a risk.

Diagnostics

A leukogram significantly narrows the search for the cause of leukocytosis, as it helps determine whether the pathology is infectious or parasitic. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made based on a leukogram alone, as elevated leukocyte levels in cats can develop not only as a result of non-infectious processes but also in many acute and chronic systemic diseases. It should also be remembered that increased red blood cell production is often a temporary response to a physiological factor.

Therefore, differential diagnosis of the causes of leukocytosis, in addition to collecting anamnesis and a thorough examination of the animal, may include:

• clinical blood test (study of the morphology of formed elements, determination of biochemical composition and physicochemical properties);
• urine analysis;
• stool analysis;
• PCR analysis (an ultra-sensitive method based on the polymerase chain reaction, which makes it possible to detect even a small number of infectious agents);
• Blood ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) allows for the detection of fragments of bacteria and viruses, as well as the products of their vital activity or decay;
• Ultrasound of internal organs;
• X-ray examination.

Treatment of the underlying disease

Leukocytosis is not a disease, but a symptom. An elevated blood count is a signal of a pathological process in the body. Therefore, talking about treating leukocytosis is incorrect; the underlying condition should be treated.

If a cat's high white blood cell count is the result of physiological factors (pain, stress) or medication, this level will return to normal on its own after the underlying cause is eliminated.

Important! Each case requires its own treatment strategy to eliminate an infection or treat a systemic disease. Therefore, cat owners should never rely on their own efforts to relieve the symptoms of leukocytosis; only a qualified veterinarian can make a prescription.

Depending on the type of pathology detected during examination, the cat may be prescribed:

• Antiviral agents Anandin, Camedon, Neoferon, Fosprenil;
• Antibacterial agents Amoxicillin, Gentamicin, Clamoxil, Engemicin;
• Antihistamines Diazolin, Tavegil, Loratadine, Cetirizine;
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs Cantaren, Liarsin, Ketofen, Rimadyl, Flexoprofen.

With some illnesses, pronounced leukocytosis in cats eventually gives way to leukopenia: the body can't cope with the increased production of "invader-fighting" proteins, and the white blood cell count drops below normal. Therefore, veterinarians often prescribe immunomodulatory medications to cats with leukocytosis, which increase the immune system's resistance, such as Gamavit, Vetozal, Immunovet, Kinoron, and Fosprenil.

Read also:

• Low White Blood Cells in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment
• Leukemia in cats: symptoms and treatment
• Distemper (panleukopenia) in cats: symptoms and treatment