Sam White Blood Cell Count

[Guest kaotic1]

Hello, All,

 

Sam E Bammer is giving my vet fits. His white blood cell count is low consistantly. He has been tested 3 times in the last year and it comes out 2.7-2.8 each time. He doesn't seem sick at all but the vet is very worried that he could easily get an infection.... but never has had one. Even from what I understand greyhound values to be this seems a bit on the low side. The vets seem confused that he hasn't become sick.

 

Any thoughts?

[tbhounds]

Ghs wbc's run low-- can be normal as low as 1800.

[KF_in_Georgia]

Low, but not too low.

 

The famous PDF of greyhound health issues says this:

 

 

Greyhound Bloodwork III: Greyhounds normally have a higher than normal number of red blood cells (PCV, Hct) and a low normal number of white blood cells (WBCs) in their blood. The PCV/Hct of normal Greyhounds can frequently be over 60% and potentially as high as 70% whereas non-Greyhound dogs rarely exceed 45% to 50%. The neutrophils and lymphocytes (both white blood cells) of Greyhounds very commonly are mildly decreased or are on the low end of normal. Total WBC counts of 3.0-10.0 are common and an Auburn study of 50 retired racers (March 2000 Compendium) showed ranges of 1.8 to 14.6. Greyhound eosinophils (another type of white blood cell) frequently lack the typical orange granules seen in other breeds. The eosinophils instead have empty granules which may be confused for “toxic neutrophils” (a type of white blood cell seen in overwhelming infections).

 

While your Sam is a bit below the 3.0-10.0 range, he's safely in the Auburn study range of 1.8-14.6...and not at the rock-bottom of the range.

 

Which is not to say I wouldn't fret if it was my Sam. But, absent any other signs of trouble, I wouldn't fret too much, especially if his other numbers are good. You might want to print out a copy of the PDF and deliver it to your vet.

[Guest kaotic1]

Low, but not too low.

 

The famous PDF of greyhound health issues says this:

 

 

Greyhound Bloodwork III: Greyhounds normally have a higher than normal number of red blood cells (PCV, Hct) and a low normal number of white blood cells (WBCs) in their blood. The PCV/Hct of normal Greyhounds can frequently be over 60% and potentially as high as 70% whereas non-Greyhound dogs rarely exceed 45% to 50%. The neutrophils and lymphocytes (both white blood cells) of Greyhounds very commonly are mildly decreased or are on the low end of normal. Total WBC counts of 3.0-10.0 are common and an Auburn study of 50 retired racers (March 2000 Compendium) showed ranges of 1.8 to 14.6. Greyhound eosinophils (another type of white blood cell) frequently lack the typical orange granules seen in other breeds. The eosinophils instead have empty granules which may be confused for “toxic neutrophils” (a type of white blood cell seen in overwhelming infections).

 

While your Sam is a bit below the 3.0-10.0 range, he's safely in the Auburn study range of 1.8-14.6...and not at the rock-bottom of the range.

 

Which is not to say I wouldn't fret if it was my Sam. But, absent any other signs of trouble, I wouldn't fret too much, especially if his other numbers are good. You might want to print out a copy of the PDF and deliver it to your vet.

 

 

Greyt info THANKS!!! I knew someone here would have some insight into this. I love my vet but I don't think they are as grey savvy as I would like... but they care 3 times more than most vets so I keep seeing them.

 

Jenn

[greysmom]

Jenn, which vet are you seeing in The 'Couv? I *think* the vet who worked at Multnomah Park (when it was still open) works at Orchard Hills. Which I think is technically in Camas, but still relatively close to you.

[Guest cruzNhounds]

Jenn, which vet are you seeing in The 'Couv? I *think* the vet who worked at Multnomah Park (when it was still open) works at Orchard Hills. Which I think is technically in Camas, but still relatively close to you.

 

YES....Dr. Rick (Weidenaar) @ Orchards Veterinary Clinic (not in Camas). Best greyhound vet around "The Couv"