Understanding White Blood Cell Fluctuations in Dogs: Ri
My dear pet, a Shih Tzu named Bella, who is now 9 years and 8 months old, has been experiencing a concerning issue. About a month ago, we noticed that Bella has been drinking an excessive amount of water. A veterinary checkup revealed an elevated white blood cell count of over 30,000, ruling out diabetes. Ultrasounds failed to show signs of pyometra, and Bella received two weeks of intravenous fluids and medications. Despite this, her white blood cell count continued to fluctuate between 40,000 and 60,000. On December 10th, the vet strongly suspected pyometra and performed surgery. To our surprise, no pus was found, but there was some fluid and numerous cysts. Bella needed a week of intravenous antibiotics postsurgery. By December 13th, her white blood cell count had dropped to 19,000, and her intravenous treatments were concluded. We thought she was on the mend, but to our dismay, on December 16th, her white blood cell count was back up to 23,000, with elevated levels of neutrophils and eosinophils. We're puzzled as to where this inflammation is originating, especially since it's been a week since the spaying surgery.
Before the surgery, Bella had also been diagnosed with pancreatitis and experienced a bout of diarrhea, which has since improved with her stools becoming slightly soft but still formed. Her appetite and spirits remain good, and she's not showing any signs of fever.
Pyometra is a condition where the uterus fills with pus, often seen in older female dogs. It's caused by chronic endometritis or the decay of a dead fetus within the uterus, leading to bacterial overgrowth. Symptoms include a lack of energy, decreased appetite, increased thirst, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, it can lead to septicemia.
Treatment options include conservative methods, such as the use of prostaglandins to empty the uterus, or surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, which Bella underwent. Pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a disease where the pancreas digests itself, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and necrosis. Symptoms can range from sudden, severe abdominal pain to jaundice, depending on whether it's acute or chronic.
In Bella's case, her pancreatitis could be contributing to the persistently high white blood cell count. Treatment for pancreatitis includes both medical and surgical interventions, aimed at restoring fluid balance, limiting bacterial translocation, and managing inflammation and enzymes.
We are committed to finding the root cause of Bella's inflammation and ensuring she receives the best possible care. Her spirit remains strong, and we are hopeful for a full recovery. Bella, our little fighter, we are here for you every step of the way.
