Interpreting data - case 1

Whiskers is taken to the veterinarian for a routine check-up. As soon as Whiskers arrives at the clinic, he becomes very anxious and starts to show signs of stress, such as dilated pupils and rapid breathing. During the examination, the veterinarian decides to take a blood sample to check Whiskers' overall health. The blood test results show a mild increase in mature neutrophil count.

History

Whiskers is taken to the veterinarian for a routine check-up. As soon as Whiskers arrives at the clinic, he becomes very anxious and starts to show signs of stress, such as dilated pupils and rapid breathing.

During the examination, the veterinarian decides to take a blood sample to check Whiskers' overall health. The blood test results show a mild increase in mature neutrophil count.

What mechanism do you think the observed neutrophilia is due to and why?

Physiological

Because the neutrophilia in this case is most likely caused by epinephrine release → this is especially common in cats as they have a larger marginal neutrophilic pool compared to dogs

How can you avoid neutrophilia in this case?

By reducing the cat’s stress, either by allowing the cat to calm down before drawing blood or try to collect the blood in a quiet, low stress environment → if needed use sedation

Would you expect left shift in this case?

No → because a left shift occurs with either inflammation or increased bone marrow production