What to do if a cat has low leukocytes in the blood?

Sometimes, when conducting a blood test, which cats have to take for one reason or another, a low level of white blood cells is detected. If such a result is confirmed upon repeated analysis, this is a sign indicating health problems. In such cases, the veterinarian usually prescribes additional examinations of the animal to identify and treat the disease that has led to a drop in the level of white blood cells. It is useful for a cat owner to know what leukocyte count is considered normal, and what to do if it is less or more abnormal.

Predisposing factors

Viral infections are the most common cause of leukopenia in cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) are the most dangerous in this regard. Their peculiarity is that infectious agents can penetrate into the leukocytes themselves, where they successfully reproduce and destroy protective cells.

Of course, the number of the latter is sharply decreasing. Other causes of leukopenia may include:

• Bacterial infections. Moreover, this cause refers to almost everything: from abscesses to sepsis.

• Any inflammation causes a decrease in the number of leukocytes (and neutrophils in particular) if it has become chronic.

• All types of bone marrow diseases, including severe injuries, poisoning, exposure to radioactive materials.

• Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas will “pull” white blood cells from the bloodstream, which over time will lead to leukopenia.

• Certain medications. Corticosteroids, used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory pathologies, suppress the production of white blood cells when used long-term. As a rule, the pathology in this case is reversible.

• Stress. Long-term stress leads to many negative consequences for the body, including disruption of the bone marrow.

What you need to know about white blood cell levels in cats

Let's start with the fact that the normal number of leukocytes is 5.5-18.0 * 109/l. It is ideal if the level remains in this range. Unfortunately, with various diseases it can change significantly. For example, if the white blood cell count is elevated, this is an alarming sign - most likely there is some kind of inflammation in the body. But there is no need to worry right away. The cause may well be a mild cold.

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It is much worse if the level is significantly below normal. Then the diagnosis is simple - leukopenia. And this is already very bad. Often this disease is a consequence of sepsis - a serious reaction of the body to an invading infection. In this case, even the best medicines and high-quality treatment may not save the cat. However, there is no need to sound the alarm prematurely. Sometimes the white blood cell count drops simply because a large number of blood cells die in areas of inflammation. But if a critical decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood persists not for several days, but for weeks, then the veterinarian will definitely prescribe serious treatment.

Treatment

What to do if your cat has low white blood cells? Leukopenia is not a separate disease, it is only a sign that a pathological process is underway in the animal’s body. Therefore, the treatment of this condition will depend entirely on the etiology. The level of white blood cells returns to normal after the cause of leukopenia is eliminated.

It is necessary to treat the underlying disease. If low white blood cells in a cat are associated with infection, then antibiotics and antiviral medications are prescribed. For pancreatitis, following a diet and taking medications to relieve inflammation and normalize pancreatic secretion are indicated.

The most difficult case is leukopenia associated with bone marrow damage. Unfortunately, such diseases have a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and blood transfusions stop the pathological process, but do not eliminate the disease. Most cats die, even with good treatment.

Norm of analysis

To find out the number of leukocytes in an animal, you need to take a routine clinical blood test. Veterinarians often prescribe such a study when diagnosing various diseases or during a preventive examination. White blood cell levels can tell a lot about your pet's health.

The norm for cats is considered to be a leukocyte content from 5.5 x 10 3 / l to 18 x 10 3 / l. If the number of white blood cells is below acceptable values, then veterinarians call this condition leukopenia.

How to identify the disease

A low level of leukocytes in a cat’s blood can only be detected by the results of clinical tests. And it is advisable to identify any disease as early as possible - often the success of treatment depends on this. Therefore, it is very important to know what signs can be used to detect a decrease in leukocytes. We list the main symptoms:

• The animal often suffers from colds. In the most advanced cases, a cat can even catch pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
• Indigestion that does not stop for a week or more even with a change in food.
• Inflammation of the gums - the cat refuses to eat because it hurts to eat.
• Deterioration of the condition of the coat and skin.

In the most advanced cases, conjunctivitis and bloody vomiting may appear. But this happens relatively rarely.

So, if you notice such signs in your pet, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible and get a referral for a complete blood count. The indicators obtained from the formula will allow you to more accurately determine the condition and, accordingly, make a more accurate diagnosis.

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Symptoms

Often, the symptoms of panleukopenia in cats can resemble manifestations of other diseases. The pet becomes drowsy, lethargic, and stops eating. Vomiting appears, at first watery, with brownish or yellow foam, then mucus and blood may appear in the vomit.

Feline distemper is accompanied by fever (up to 41 °C and above) and diarrhea. Feces have a yellowish tint, a very unpleasant smell, and sometimes there is blood in them. The cat has a stomach ache, stands arched, or tries to hide in a dark place.

The mucous membranes become dry, the eyes stop shining. The skin becomes inelastic and slowly flattens out when folded. These signs indicate dehydration, which develops against the background of vomiting and diarrhea.

In small kittens, symptoms of panleukopenia may be absent, especially in the fulminant form of the disease. In other forms, the infection can be identified by the following signs:

• refusal of milk;
• lack of sleep;
• complete immobility or restless behavior accompanied by constant squeaking.

In older kittens (aged 3-7 months) and adults, panleukopenia is manifested by the following symptoms:

• restlessness, lack of sleep;
• refusal to eat and drink;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• heat;
• convulsions;
• paralysis of limbs.

The nature of the course of the disease depends on the age of the pet and the state of its immunity. In adult cats, the infection is less severe.

If you suspect feline distemper, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. You need to transport your pet very carefully. Place her in a carrier with soft bedding. On the road, try to avoid sudden movements, this will bring additional suffering to the cat.

Main causes of the disease

As mentioned above, low leukocytes in cats affect the overall decline in immunity. To ensure successful treatment, you must first find out what is causing it.

First of all, it is, surprisingly, stress. If a cat lives in a state of stress for many months and years, this leads to a variety of negative consequences. These include disruption of the bone marrow and, as a result, a decrease in the number of white blood cells produced.

Another possible cause is certain medications. For example, some drugs used to treat arthritis suppress white blood cells, reducing their numbers in the blood. But in most cases the problem can be solved quite easily - just stop taking the medication or switch to another, safer analogue.

Any inflammation causes leukocytes and especially band neutrophils in the blood to drop sharply. Therefore, you need to fight the inflammation itself in order to solve the problem at the root.

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But there are also specific diseases due to which leukocytes in the blood are low:

• A range of bacterial infections, ranging from a common abscess to sepsis.
• Pancreatitis – with inflammation of the pancreas gradually leads to leukopenia.
• Bone marrow diseases are the most dangerous option, most often ending in the death of the cat.

Causes of leukopenia

Why can a cat's white blood cells be low? The reasons for such a deviation may be the following:

1. Stressful situations. If the animal was frightened on the eve of the study, this may lead to a temporary drop in leukocytes. This is not a dangerous phenomenon. Usually, after the cat calms down, all blood counts return to normal. Prolonged stress can lead to persistent leukopenia. In this case, you need to pay attention to the pet’s lifestyle.
2. Avitaminosis. White cell levels may drop if the animal is not fed properly. With a deficiency of B vitamins in food, a decrease in leukocytes gradually develops. However, this situation can be easily corrected. To do this, it is enough to review your cat’s diet and include foods rich in vitamins or special supplements.
3. Taking hormonal medications. For arthritis and other joint diseases, cats are prescribed corticosteroids. These drugs quickly relieve pain and inflammation, but at the same time reduce white blood cells. After completing the course of treatment, blood test results return to normal.

In these cases, the leukocytes in the cat’s blood are slightly reduced. This deviation is temporary.

However, leukopenia can also be associated with serious pathologies that require immediate treatment. This may be a sign of the following diseases:

1. Bacterial infections. Of these diseases, sepsis is the most dangerous. With this pathology, pathogenic microorganisms constantly circulate in the bloodstream. Panleukopenia (distemper) is also a dangerous infection. With this disease, the level of leukocytes is sharply reduced, as these blood cells are rapidly destroyed.
2. Chronic inflammation. Leukocytes rush to the pathological focus and leave the blood.
3. Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas is often accompanied by leukopenia.
4. Bone marrow diseases. This is the most dangerous cause of leukopenia. Diseases of the hematopoietic organs are difficult to treat and often result in the death of the pet.

In any case, low white blood cells in a cat require attention. If this condition is caused by temporary and random reasons, then it is enough to change the animal’s lifestyle and diet. If leukopenia is associated with pathology, then additional examination and treatment by a veterinarian is necessary.

Prevention

How to prevent leukopenia? Pet owners and veterinarians advise paying attention to the cat's diet. It must be balanced and enriched with B vitamins. You need to give your cat only high-quality food. Vitamin supplements should be used if necessary.

It is very important to protect your cat from frequent and prolonged stress. The pet must be protected from contact with dogs and aggressive relatives. The animal's independent walks should be minimized or completely eliminated.

If your cat is undergoing corticosteroid therapy, regular blood tests will be required. If there are signs of leukopenia, the dosage of medications must be adjusted.

If the animal has frequent colds, intestinal disorders, or deterioration in the quality of the coat, then the pet must be shown to a veterinarian. This will help identify leukopenia and promptly treat the underlying disease.

Good day. The cat is 17 years old, acute pyelonephritis at the age of 5, urolithiasis two years ago. The problem is that the nearest veterinary clinic is 70 km away. Urinari dry food, sometimes fiber. About six months ago I began to lose weight, screaming at first at night, then during the day, and having difficulty bowel movements, which was attributed to age. About 2 weeks ago I started refusing to eat. On February 13, 2022, we were taken to the clinic, had a blood test and were diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Blood test 02/13/2019 Leukocytes (WBC) – 2.1, Eosinophils – 13, Neutrophils J – 2, S/Y – 71, Monocytes (MON) -1 Lymphocytes (LIM) – 13, ALT – 31.9, Urea 13 .3, Creatinine 200.3, Glucose 6.2, Potassium 4.6 Prescription: *Roncoleukin 50,000 units, subcutaneously 1 time per day x 3 days

Causes of increased and decreased levels of leukocytes

A higher than normal level of leukocytes in the blood most often indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. This can be either a mild cold or allergens entering the body, or a serious illness caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. After treatment of the disease, the level of leukocytes normalizes, since an increased number of “fighters against foreign elements” is no longer required.

The cause of the appearance of leukocytes in the urine can be:

• cystitis (inflammation of the bladder),
• urethritis (inflammation of the urethra),
• nephritis or glomerulonephritis (inflammatory kidney disease).

The type of leukocytes and the consistency of urine sediment help determine the diagnosis.

A decrease in the number of leukocytes in a cat’s blood can be caused by the same reasons as an increase, but this phenomenon is more dangerous if it persists for a long time. A deficiency of white blood cells can occur due to their death in areas of inflammation. Severe or chronic diseases give a long-term picture of a low level of leukocytes, that is, the body cannot cope with their production.

In cases where the level of white blood cells is much lower than normal, the cat is diagnosed with leukopenia. The most common reasons for its development are:

• sepsis;
• malignant neoplasms;
• bacterial infections;
• pneumonia (pneumonia);
• infectious peritonitis;
• bone marrow diseases;
• pancreatitis;
• hepatitis (inflammatory liver diseases);
• poisoning;
• injury;
• severe allergies;
• Long-term use of certain medications (for example, corticosteroids), the side effect of which is a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
• chronic disease of any etiology in elderly animals.

Important! The most dangerous causes of leukopenia in cats are the immunodeficiency virus (FIV), infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline distemper (parvovirus enteritis, or feline panleukopenia). Their pathogens penetrate inside leukocytes and destroy these protective cells. The mortality rate as a result of such diseases exceeds 90%.

Types of leukocytes

If the analysis reveals that the cat’s leukocytes are low, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination. It is called a leukogram. This test helps identify which type of white cells are elevated.

The following types of leukocytes exist:

• lymphocytes;
• neutrophils;
• eosinophils;
• basophils;
• monocytes.

Let's take a closer look at the possible reasons for the decrease in each of these types of blood cells:

1. Lymphocytes are cells that recognize and reject foreign agents. This type of leukocytes can be reduced in chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys and lungs, immunodeficiency states, as well as during treatment with steroid hormones.
2. Neutrophils destroy foreign proteins. A decrease in the number of these cells is observed in bacterial and fungal pathologies, anemia and bone marrow diseases. The cause of leukopenia in this case may also be the use of antifungal drugs or radiation therapy.
3. Eosinophils fight allergens. A decrease in this type of cells is observed during acute infections, injuries, burns, and also after myocardial infarction. Eosinophilia is also seen in older cats.
4. Basophils are rarely detected in the blood of cats. Their presence in the analysis usually indicates an allergy. Therefore, a decrease in basophils or their absence is not a sign of pathology.
5. Monocytes reject dying cells and foreign proteins. A decrease in these blood elements can be observed with sepsis, bone marrow damage, as well as after childbirth and during treatment with corticosteroids.

Clinical manifestations

What are the symptoms of leukopenia in cats? Everything is quite simple here. Firstly, the animal is constantly sick. He is plagued by digestive disorders, and the cat constantly “catch” diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In severe cases, it can lead to chronic bronchitis and even pneumonia. Deterioration of the condition of the skin and coat, as well as inflammation of the gums and other periodontal diseases are often recorded. In addition, you can notice swollen and inflamed lymph nodes, the animal quickly gets tired, it is lethargic and apathetic. There is no appetite, the cat may experience constant cases of conjunctivitis, bloody diarrhea, vomiting... In short, the symptoms correspond to serious diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature.

Let’s take a closer look at what each substance is responsible for and what to look for when interpreting tests in cats. Hematocrit (HCT)

Norm – 24-26%

Hematocrit (HCT). Norm – 24-26%

An increased number indicates a likely increase in the level of red blood cells (erythrocytosis), dehydration, the development of diabetes in the animal, and a decrease in plasma volume in the blood.

A decrease in hematocrit indicates anemia, chronic inflammation of one of the organs, cat starvation, the presence of cancer or internal infusion.

Hemoglobin (HGB). Norm – 80-150 g/l

An elevated hemoglobin level may indicate erythrocytosis or dehydration.

A reading below 80 g/l is a sign of one of several disorders, such as anemia, obvious or hidden blood loss, poisoning, or damage to the hematopoietic organs.

White blood cells (WBC). Norm – 5.5-18.0*109/l

Exceeding the norm: leukemia, development of bacterial infections or inflammatory processes, oncology.

Decreased normal: virus, bone marrow damage, damage to the body due to radioactive radiation.

Red blood cells (RGB). Norm – 5.3-10*10 12 /l

An increased level of red blood cells means the development of erythrocytosis in the body, lack of oxygen, and dehydration of the body. In some cases, it indicates kidney and liver diseases.

A low red blood cell count indicates blood loss (hidden or obvious), anemia, and the presence of chronic inflammation in the body. May appear in the last stages of pregnancy.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Norm – 0-13 mm/h

An increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate clearly indicates a heart attack, the development of cancer, liver and kidney diseases, animal poisoning, and a state of shock. In some cases, it can occur during pregnancy.

There are no reduced indicators in this case.

Neutrophils. The norm for rods is 0-3% of WBC, for segmented ones – 35-75% of WBC

With increased levels, we can talk about the development of acute inflammation (including purulent), leukemia, tissue breakdown due to tumors or poisoning.

If the level of neutrophils is low, then most likely we are dealing with fungal diseases, damage to bone marrow tissue, or anaphylactic shock in the animal.

Important: the first step to diagnosing diseases is testing. Eosinophils

Normal – 0-4% of WBC

Eosinophils. Normal – 0-4% of WBC

Take a closer look at your pet: does he have a food allergy or intolerance to medications? This is what the increased level of eosinophils indicates. Considering that the minimum threshold for this substance is 0% of WBC, there is no reduced amount.

Monocytes. Normal – 1-4% of WBC

An increase in monocytes in the blood often occurs against the background of the development of fungus in the body (including a viral nature), as well as with protozoal diseases, tuberculosis, and enteritis.

An indicator below normal occurs against the background of aplastic anemia or when taking corticosteroid drugs.

Lymphocytes. Normal – 20-55% of WBC

Increased: leukemia, toxoplasmosis, viral infection.

Decreased: presence of a malignant tumor, immunodeficiency of the body, pancytopenia, kidney and/or liver damage.

Platelets (PLT). Norm – 300-630*10 9 /l

Exceeding the norm often indicates bleeding, a tumor (benign or malignant), and the presence of chronic inflammation. Often the platelet level increases after surgery or against the background of corticosteroids.

A low platelet count indicates infection or bone marrow disease. However, in veterinary practice there are cases when a low number of platelets in the blood is normal.

General urine analysis

What is a general urine test?

A general urinalysis includes assessment of the physicochemical characteristics of urine and microscopy of sediment. This study allows you to evaluate the function of the kidneys and other internal organs, as well as identify the inflammatory process in the urinary tract. Together with a general clinical blood test, the results of this study can tell quite a lot about the processes occurring in the human body and, most importantly, indicate the direction of further diagnostic search.

Physico-chemical characteristics of urine:

• color;
• transparency;
• specific gravity (relative density);
• pH (acidity);
• protein;
• glucose;
• bilirubin;
• urobilinogen;
• ketone bodies;
• nitrites;

Microscopy of urinary sediment (the study is done in case of pathology in a general urine analysis or at the request of the customer):

Organized urine sediment:

• red blood cells;
• leukocytes;
• epithelial cells;
• cylinders;
• bacteria;
• yeast fungi;
• slime.
• Unorganized urine sediment (crystals).

Indications for the purpose of analysis:

• diseases of the urinary system;
• suspected diabetes mellitus;
• assessment of the toxic state of the body;
• assessment of the course of the disease;
• monitoring the development of complications and the effectiveness of treatment;
• Persons who have had a streptococcal infection (tonsillitis, scarlet fever) are recommended to take a urine test 1-2 weeks after recovery.

Preparing for the study:

On the eve of the study, it is not recommended to eat vegetables and fruits that can change the color of urine (beets, carrots, etc.), as well as diuretics. Before collecting urine, perform a thorough hygienic toilet of the genitourinary organs. Women are not recommended to take the test during menstruation. The container for collecting urine must be clean and dry. To properly collect urine, you need to: during the first morning urination, release a small amount of urine into the toilet, and then, without interrupting urination, place a container for collecting urine, into which to collect about 100-150 ml of urine.

Execution time: 1 working day.

Physico-chemical characteristics.

Color. Normal urine has a straw-yellow color of varying intensities. The color of urine in healthy people is determined by the presence of substances formed from blood pigments (urobilin, urochromes, hematoporphyrin, etc.). The color of urine changes depending on its relative density, daily volume and the presence of various coloring components entering the human body with food, medications, and vitamins.

For example:

• the red color may be due to amidopyrine;
• pink - acetylsalicylic acid, carrots, beets;
• greenish blue - methylene blue;
• brown - bear ears, sulfonamides, activated carbon;
• greenish-yellow - rhubarb, Alexandria leaf;
• deep yellow - riboflavin, 5-NOK, furagin.

Normally, the more intense the yellow color of the urine, the higher its relative density and vice versa. Concentrated urine has a brighter color. However, the normal color of urine does not indicate that it is the urine of a healthy person.

Transparency. Normal freshly passed urine is clear. A small cloud of turbidity may also appear in normal urine due to epithelial cells and mucus. Severe cloudiness of urine can be caused by the presence in it of red blood cells, leukocytes, fat, epithelium, bacteria, and significant amounts of various salts (urates, phosphates, oxalates). The causes of cloudy urine are determined by microscopy of sediment and chemical analysis. Using a three-glass sample, you can roughly answer the question - from which part of the urinary system are leukocytes and mucus released (from the urethra, bladder or renal pelvis). Slightly cloudy urine is often observed in older people (mainly from the urethra). The clouding of urine that occurs when standing in the cold usually depends on the deposition of urates, and in the heat - phosphates. However, clear urine does not yet indicate the absence of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Specific gravity (relative density). Measuring urine specific gravity is a simple test that measures the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine and dilute urine. A decrease in the concentrating ability of the kidneys occurs simultaneously with a decrease in other renal functions. Normally functioning kidneys are characterized by wide fluctuations in the specific gravity of urine during the day, which is associated with periodic intake of food, water and fluid loss from the body (sweating, breathing). The kidneys under different conditions can excrete urine with a relative density of 1.001 to 1.040.

pH (acidity). The kidneys excrete “unnecessary” substances from the body and retain necessary substances to ensure the exchange of water, electrolytes, glucose, amino acids and maintain acid-base balance. The reaction of urine - pH - largely determines the effectiveness and characteristics of these mechanisms. Normally, most often the urine reaction is slightly acidic (pH 5.0 - 7.0). It depends on many factors: age, diet, body temperature, physical activity, kidney condition, etc. The lowest pH values ​​are in the morning on an empty stomach and the highest after meals. When consuming predominantly meat foods, the reaction is more acidic; when consuming plant foods, the reaction is alkaline. When urine stands, the pH value tends to increase due to the formation of ammonium by microorganisms (pH 9 indicates improper preservation of the sample). Constant pH values ​​(7-8) suggest the presence of a urinary tract infection. Changes in urine pH depend on blood pH: with acidosis, urine has an acidic reaction; for alkalosis - alkaline. A discrepancy between these indicators occurs with chronic damage to the kidney tubules: hyperchloric acidosis is observed in the blood, and the urine reaction is alkaline.

Protein. Protein is normally absent in urine or there are small traces of it, since protein molecules are large molecules that are not able to pass through the membrane of the glomeruli.

Glucose. Normally, there is no sugar in the urine, since all glucose, after being filtered through the glomerular membrane of the kidneys, is completely absorbed back into the proximal tubules. The appearance of glucose in the blood, glucosuria, can be:

• physiological (under stress, taking increased amounts of carbohydrates in older people);
• extrarenal (diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, diffuse liver damage, pancreatic cancer, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, traumatic brain injury, stroke, poisoning with carbon monoxide, morphine, chloroform);
• renal (renal diabetes, chronic nephritis, acute renal failure, pregnancy, phosphorus poisoning, certain medications).

Glucose is a substance with a high renal excretion threshold. The renal excretion threshold is the concentration of a substance in the blood, exceeding which leads to the cessation of its reabsorption in the tubules. When the blood glucose concentration is more than 8.8-9.9 mmol/l, sugar appears in the urine.

Bilirubin. Normally, bilirubin is practically absent in urine. Formed during the destruction of hemoglobin in the cells of the reticuloendothelial system, about 250-350 mg/day. When the concentration of conjugated bilirubin in the blood increases, it begins to be excreted by the kidneys and is found in the urine. Bilirubinuria is detected in parenchymal liver lesions (viral hepatitis), mechanical (subhepatic) jaundice, cirrhosis, cholestasis. In hemolytic jaundice, the urine usually does not contain bilirubin. It should be noted that only direct (bound) bilirubin is excreted in the urine.

Urobilinogen. Urobilinogen bodies (I-urobilinogen, d-urobilinogen, third urobilinogen, stercobilinogen) are derivatives of bilirubin and are normal products of catabolism, which under physiological conditions are formed at a certain rate, constantly excreted in feces and in small quantities in urine. Normal urine contains traces of urobilinogen. Its level increases sharply with hemolytic jaundice (intravascular destruction of red blood cells), as well as with toxic and inflammatory lesions of the liver, intestinal diseases (enteritis, constipation). With subhepatic (obstructive) jaundice, when there is complete blockage of the bile duct, there is no urobilinogen in the urine.

Ketone bodies. Ketone bodies include acetone, acetoacetic and beta-hydroxybutyric acids. A healthy person excretes 20-30 mg of ketones per day in urine. An increase in the excretion of ketones in the urine, ketonuria appears when there is a violation of carbohydrate, fat or protein metabolism.

Nitrites. There are no nitrites in normal urine. In urine, they are formed from nitrates of food origin (when eating plant foods) under the influence of bacteria, if the urine was in the bladder for at least 4 hours. Detection of nitrites in the urine (positive test result) indicates infection of the urinary tract. However, a negative result does not always exclude bacteriuria. Urinary tract infection varies among different populations and is dependent on age and gender. The following categories of people are more susceptible to an increased risk of asymptomatic urinary tract infections and chronic pyelonephritis, other things being equal:

• girls and women;
• elderly people (over 70 years old);
• men with prostate adenoma;
• diabetic patients;
• patients with gout;
• patients after urological operations or instrumental procedures on the urinary tract.

Microscopy of urinary sediment. In urinary sediment, organized sediment is distinguished (cellular elements, cylinders, mucus, bacteria, yeast fungi) and unorganized (crystalline elements).

Red blood cells. 2 million red blood cells are excreted in the urine per day, which, when examining urine sediment, is normally less than 3 red blood cells per field of view for women, and 1 red blood cell per field of view for men. Anything higher is hematuria. Highlight:

• gross hematuria (when the color of urine is changed);
• microhematuria (when the color of urine is not changed, and red blood cells are detected only under a microscope).

In urinary sediment, red blood cells can be unchanged (containing hemoglobin) and changed (deprived of hemoglobin, leached). The appearance of leached red blood cells in the urine is of great diagnostic importance, because they most often have a renal origin and are found in glomerulonephritis, tuberculosis and other kidney diseases. Fresh, unchanged red blood cells are more likely to cause damage to the urinary tract (urolithiasis, cystitis, urethritis). To determine the source of hematuria, a “three-vessel” test is used: the patient collects urine sequentially into three vessels. When bleeding from the urethra, hematuria is greatest in the first portion (unchanged red blood cells), from the bladder - in the last portion (unchanged red blood cells), with other sources of bleeding, red blood cells are distributed evenly over all three portions.

Leukocytes. Leukocytes in the urine of a healthy person are contained in small quantities (in men 0–3, in women and children 0–6 leukocytes per field of view). An increase in the number of leukocytes in the urine (leukocyturia) indicates inflammatory processes in the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis). To establish the source of leukocyturia, a three-glass test is used: the predominance of leukocytes in the first portion indicates urethritis or prostatitis, in the third - cystitis, an even distribution of leukocytes in all portions can most likely indicate kidney damage. So-called sterile leukocyturia is possible. This is the presence of leukocyturia in the absence of bacteriuria and dysuria (with exacerbation of chronic glomerulonephritis, contamination during urine collection, condition after treatment with antibiotics, bladder tumors, renal tuberculosis, interstitial analgesic nephritis). Urethral syndrome. This is frequent, painful urination and leukocyturia in the absence of bacteriuria. Occurs predominantly in women. In 30-40% of cases in women with symptoms of urinary tract infection, bacteriuria cannot be detected. The reasons for the negative result are that the true causative agent of this condition, as a rule, is anaerobic bacteria, ureaplasma, chlamydia, gonococcus, and viruses. And they all require sowing on special media.

Epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are almost always found in urinary sediment. Normally there are no more than 10 of them in the field of view. Epithelial cells have different origins:

• cells of stratified squamous keratinizing epithelium (washed off with night urine from the external genitalia);
• cells of stratified squamous non-keratinizing epithelium (from the distal parts of the male and female urethra and vagina, of little diagnostic value);
• transitional epithelial cells (lining the mucous membrane of the bladder, ureters, pelvis, large ducts of the prostate gland);
• cells of the renal (tubular) epithelium (lining the renal tubules).

Cylinders. The cylinder is a protein that is coagulated in the lumen of the renal tubules and includes in its matrix any contents of the lumen of the tubules. The cylinders take the shape of the tubules themselves (cylindrical cast). In the urine of a healthy person, single cylinders can be detected in the field of view of a microscope per day. Normally, there are no casts in a general urine analysis. The appearance of casts (cylindruria) is a symptom of kidney damage. The type of cylinders has no special diagnostic significance. Cylinders are distinguished:

• hyaline (with overlay of erythrocytes, leukocytes, renal epithelial cells, amorphous granular masses);
• granular;
• waxy;
• pigmented;
• epithelial;
• erythrocyte;
• leukocyte;
• fatty.

Bacteria. Normally, urine in the bladder is sterile. When urinating, microbes from the lower part of the urethra enter it, but their number is not > 10,000 in 1 ml. Bacteriuria is defined as the detection of more than one bacterium in the field of view (qualitative method), which implies the growth of colonies in culture exceeding 100,000 bacteria per 1 ml (quantitative method).

It is clear that urine culture is the gold standard for diagnosing urinary tract infections. The presence of bacteria in the urine in the absence of complaints is regarded as asymptomatic bacteriuria. A similar condition often occurs with organic changes in the urinary tract; in women who are promiscuous and in older people. Asymptomatic bacteriuria increases the risk of urinary tract infection, especially during pregnancy (infection develops in 40% of cases). The detection of bacteria in a urine test indicates an infectious lesion of the urinary system (pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis, etc.). The type of bacteria can only be determined through bacteriological examination.

Yeast fungi. The detection of yeast of the genus Candida indicates candidiasis, which most often occurs as a result of irrational antibiotic therapy, the use of immunosuppressants, and cytostatics. Determining the type of fungus is possible only through bacteriological examination.

Slime. Mucus is secreted by the epithelium of the mucous membranes. Normally absent or present in urine in small quantities. During inflammatory processes in the lower parts of the urinary tract, the mucus content in the urine increases. An increased amount of mucus in the urine may indicate a violation of the rules of proper preparation for taking a urine sample.

Crystals (disorganized sediment). Urine is a solution of various salts, which can precipitate (form crystals) when the urine stands. Low temperature promotes the formation of crystals. The presence of certain salt crystals in the urinary sediment indicates a change in the reaction towards the acidic or alkaline side. Excessive salt content in urine contributes to the formation of stones and the development of urolithiasis. At the same time, the diagnostic value of the presence of salt crystals in urine is usually small.

How is leukopenia treated in cats?

An increased level of leukocytes in the blood of cats does not require separate treatment; this indicator is normalized after treatment of the disease that caused its disturbance. When an infection or other provocateur of inflammation is destroyed, a large number of “fighters against foreign elements” are no longer required.

In the case of a low white blood cell count, treatment will be much more difficult and lengthy. It will be necessary not only to eliminate the cause of the development of the pathology, but also to take measures to restore the normal level of leukocytes. Therefore, treatment of leukopenia is usually complex.

Treatment of the underlying disease

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

• For a bacterial infection - antibiotics of the penicillin, tetracycline or cephalosporin group (Amoxicillin or Clamoxil are most often used);
• For viral diseases - drugs Neotim, Neoferon, Camedon, Anandin, Fosprenil, Dostim;
• To neutralize toxins of anaerobic microbes - hyperimmune serums Vitafel, Globulin;
• For pancreatitis - painkillers and antienzyme drugs Aprotinin, Sinulox, Cefazolin;
• To eliminate the gag reflex - Verakol or Cerucal.

Regenerative therapy

To help your cat's body restore normal levels of white blood cells and strengthen its defenses, it is usually prescribed a course of treatment with drugs that stimulate the production of immune cells and increase the resistance of the immune system. The former are called immunostimulants, the latter - immunomodulators. For leukopenia, Gamapren, Gamavit, Vetozal, Immunovet, Salmozan, Globfel, Kinoron are used.

In case of severe dehydration (due to prolonged diarrhea or vomiting), the cat is administered isotonic solutions, thus replenishing the amount of fluid in the body. The animal also receives nutrients (glucose) through intravenous administration. The cat is transferred to normal food after the attacks of vomiting have completely stopped and the gastrointestinal tract has been restored. For several days, the cat's food should be easily digestible, and it should be given to the animal often, but in small portions.

The cat has low leukocytes

How is blood drawn?

In cats, blood is taken from the front or back paw, depending on the pet's temperament and for the convenience of the doctor.

Before taking the test, the injection site is treated with alcohol, a tourniquet is applied to the limb, after which the necessary tests are collected in test tubes.

The most important thing in this matter is to reduce the cat's stress as much as possible. Stroke her, calm her down. Although the procedure itself is not painful, cats are freedom-loving creatures and, as a rule, do not tolerate any interference. If it is not possible to calm your pet with affection, the doctor will help to secure it using special means (fixation bag, blanket, protective collar).