Unit #4 - Leucocyte Disorders

These flashcards cover the key concepts and information related to leucocyte disorders as discussed in Unit #4.

What does a left shift indicate in a blood smear?

An increase in the number of immature white cells, often neutrophils.

In most animals, except cows, leukocytosis usually involves which WBCs?

Neutrophilia.

Which type of WBCs are reduced in a stress leukogram?

Eosinophils and lymphocytes.

True or false: In a regenerative left shift the immature cells outnumber the mature cells.

False.

What is meant by regenerative in the context of leukocyte disorders?

An increased WBC count and an increase of immature WBC in circulation.

Define degenerative as it pertains to leukocyte disorders.

Normal or low white cell count where immature cells out-number mature cells.

In the case of a sick dog with a degenerative left shift, what would the vet typically find?

Leukopenia with band neutrophils outnumbering the mature neutrophils.

What should be checked if there are low numbers of Doehle bodies on a cat's blood smear?

Look for evidence of toxic granulation, toxic vacuolation or cytoplasmic basophilia within the neutrophils.

Name three potential causes of neutrophilia.

1) Short term physiologic change (epinephrine)

2) Prolonged stress (Corticosteroid)

3) Inflammation (most common cause).

What do the CBC results suggest for a 3-year-old chocolate lab with WBC of 22.5? Should we be concerned?

Physiologic Neutrophilia; No – Normal Response.

What does the CBC reveal for a 5-year-old golden retriever with a degenerative left shift?

Leukopenia with Degenerative left shift; Yes, poor prognosis with Degenerative left shift.

What effect does elevated cortisol have on WBC margination?

Increases the relative 'stickiness', making cells not marginate as readily.

When do we commonly see monocytosis?

When inflammation is more long standing or resolving (chronic).

What two descriptions can characterize the CBC with a WBC of 24.6?

Stress Leukogram or Stress Neutrophilia.