White blood cells count below normal.

[JR0579]

Roy, 10 months old male GSD, has been lethargic for the past 3-4 days. Not himself in terms of activity. He eats, drinks, pees and poops as usual. But because I am not used to him lying down for a long time and not harassing me to play with him, I took him to the vet. She took his temp. and examined his ears and all was just fine. At the clinic he was evry alert running around, sniffing and playing with people. I was still concerned with him being lethargic so I asked the vet. to do blood works although she didn't think it was necessary... she was trying to save me the expenses. The results came back this morning. All his organs, kidney, liver and pancreas, are just fine. Only thing that his white blood cells' count is below normal .... i.e. anemia.
What could have caused this ? Food ?
My vet wants to do another blood test next week and if the blood cells count isn't improving she wants to test his marrow.
I am really worried, can someone help with an opinion or an experience.

Thanks

 

[bubbatd]

It could be a few things... I'll be think of you !!!! I'll be happy when the tests come in for Roy. We worry so about our " kids ".

 

[doberkim]

well, first - anemia isnt a low white blood cell count - anemia is a low RED blood cell count.

a white blood cell count is leukopenia. how low was it? do you have the actual results/

id actually be pretty worried - because roy has a history of a lot of GI troubles (how is this going right now ) - maybe his bloodwork is somehow reflective of that too.

keep us up to date.

 

[JR0579]

well, first - anemia isnt a low white blood cell count - anemia is a low RED blood cell count.

a white blood cell count is leukopenia. how low was it? do you have the actual results/

id actually be pretty worried - because roy has a history of a lot of GI troubles (how is this going right now ) - maybe his bloodwork is somehow reflective of that too.

keep us up to date.

Sorry, I might have mis-heard what the vet. said but I am pretty sure it's white blood cells. She told me over the phone. No I don't have the actual results but I can try and get them. The last poop tests came back negative to Coccidia, Giardia and Clostridium bacteria intestinal overgrowth. Right now he's kind of on and off. Sometimes he's energetic and playful but most of time just lying down, yawning and stretching a lot. The vet. is guessing that leukopenia is due to some medication he had taken for his GI problems. But he was done with those drugs at least a month ago. would that still have an effect ? Do you think a week is enough to determine whether or not the white cells count is improving ?
I sure will keep you all posted.

 

[JR0579]

I just spoke to the vet. again. It's not just the white blood cells that are low but also the red cells. The vet. sounded really really concerned .... what does she mean by "not clinically ill" ? I am taking him in tomorrow.

 

[JR0579]

Weird !!!!!!

I took Roy to the vet. They did a 2nd blood work test and everything turned out OK ... Normal ... the vet is puzzled and couldn't explain what happened.
Any ideas ?

 

[SummerRiot]

power of prayer?

i'm really not sure, but PHEEWW!! Must be a relief for you!

 

[JR0579]

power of prayer?

i'm really not sure, but PHEEWW!! Must be a relief for you!

God, yes, a huge relief .... you have no idea what kind of thoughts were going on in my mind .... it was terrible... But thank God, all is well that ends well. Thanks for all those who prayed for us.

 

[bubbatd]

Amen !!!