RE: Neutropaenia in a Maine Coon cat

Lisa Gardbaum — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 14:44:12 GMT

Hi Andrew,

Sorry for the delay in responding as only just saw your response

I have actually started on antibiotics as was concerned that neutrophils so low. Interestingly the owner reports that since starting the antibiotics she is super bright and more active so may neutropaenia is consumptive despite lack of left shift or neutrophil toxicity. I am seeing her back tomorrow to recheck her haematology.

The only findings previously when she was referred to me for GI signs was a high fpli of 10.5 but recently it was normal. Other than pancreatitis no abnormalities were see on abdominal ultrasound.

I will monitor neutrophils for now

Thanks for your help

Lisa

RE: Neutropaenia in a Maine Coon cat

Andrew Kent — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:20:08 GMT

Hi Lisa,

I find these cases challenging from a decision making point of view because the neutrophil count is likely high enough that any infection risk is small but clearly not completely normal. I generally tend to find that the primary immune-mediated neutropenia cases will be lower than this so would be more suspicious of something else. If you can't find a cause of increased peripheral consumption its the kind of thing I often monitor for a bit first.

In answer to your specific queries:

- I can't recall any specific genetic diseases in this breed.

- I personally would do bone marrow before considering steroids in a patient like this because I don't think the count is low enough to be definitive.

Do let us know what you find,

Andy