Low white blood count in cat and virus

Eosinophils increase during infections with parasites such as fleas. Eosinophilia also may occur with inflammation of the intestines, kidneys, lungs, or skin. Hypereosinophilic syndrome —with persistent and excessive levels of eosinophils, which accumulate in various organs—has been reported in cats.

The cause is unknown. Diagnosis may require several blood tests. Less commonly, eosinophilia may be associated with cancer. In some cats, eosinophils collect in skin or mouth sores. A decrease in eosinophils is known as eosinopenia and may occur due to stress or treatment with corticosteroids. Leukemia is a malignant cancer that is characterized by an increase in abnormal white blood cells in the bloodstream. Veterinarians may consider leukemia as a potential cause of disease when there is an increase in the number of white blood cells in your cat's bloodstream.

The severity of leukemia varies. Acute short-term leukemia often causes generalized signs of illness and has a poor outlook. These animals have abnormal, immature white blood cells in the blood, as well as decreased numbers of other normal types of blood cells red blood cells or platelets.

In contrast, a chronic long-lasting leukemia often causes few if any signs and may be discovered by chance, have a longer course, and be more responsive to treatment. These animals usually do not have deficiencies of other types of blood cells.

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These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. It includes stopping blood loss as well as treatment of bacterial, viral, toxic, and autoimmune conditions. If the anemia is severe, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Skip to main content. A low red blood cell count can result from many causes: blood loss; the destruction of the red blood cells, such as with Feline IMHA , a variation of anemia in which your cat's immune system attacks red blood cells; or an inadequate production of new red blood cells There are many causes of anemia, including excessive blood loss due to trauma, immune-mediated diseases when the body attacks its own cells or organs , cancer, genetic defects, disease of the kidneys and other major organs, infectious diseases, and bone marrow disease.

Signs Warning signs that your cat is anemic or becoming anemic include: Pale gums Acting tired, weak, or listless Faster-than-normal pulse Lack of appetite Weight loss Black, tarry stools These signs can vary from pet to pet and really depend upon the underlying cause of the anemia. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms Low white blood cell count. Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.