You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Hyperthyroid symptoms & low WBC count

Advertisement

Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 4/10/2009


Question

Kitty Lab Results
My female cat's blood test results indicate complete low WBC count with neutrophhils, eosinophils, lymphocytes & monocytes all in low end of normal range.  Negative SNAP Feline Triple Test..Neg. for feline leukemia, FIV and heartworms.  Blood test attached.
SYMPTOMS INCREASING FOR PAST YEAR:  
consistently loose stool/diarrhea (never formed),
marked increase in anxiety/nervousness,
excessive hunger/appetite,
unkempt haircoat/hair loss (spiking up of hair),

behavior changes (soiling on carpet at night/early morning hours; but rest of the day uses liter box).  

Some weight loss seem's evident; although not pronounced.  (No vomitting to speak of; maybe 5 times over 3 years; rare.)

QUESTION:  if I take her in for a hyperthyroid blood test, and it's positive and kitty gets treated, will this eventually return her WBC to normal?  Is there any association between possible hyperthyroidism and decreased WBC? Could her low White Blood Cell count be normal for her? There is no other prev. blood test to comapre it to.

Please see copy of Blood Report attached.  
Cat's true age is an extimation, 9 yrs.
Cat's weight 9's.

Answer
Joy -

You should definitely gave your cat tested to determine if the thyroid is overactive.  Hyperthyroidism is very common is older cats.  The symptoms you describe indicate that your cat may possibly have an overactive thyroid.  The excessive thirst and appetite are especially indicative that the thyroid should be tested.

A chronically high thyroid increases metabolism exponentially and increases the heart rate.   Weight loss is a common result of an overactive thyroid.  Your cat is also at risk for developing high blood pressure if the thyroid is not regulated.

I cannot tell you how your cat's WBC count will change if she begins treatment for her thyroid.  There are several disease processes that may contribute to a low WBC count.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

Expertise

General questions about the care and diseases of small animals

Experience

I've been in the practice of veterinary medicine for ten years; Medical Director of Humane Society for nine years

Organizations
American Veterinary Medical Association American Association of Feline Practitioners Association of Shelter Veterinarians

Education/Credentials
B.S. Biology Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University Extensive CE in Feline Medicine

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.