Low lymphocyte count

[lindapalm]

Does anyone know what a low lymphocyte count would mean, and also a low absolute lymphocyte count. Mother in laws cat had a thyroid test and was told everything was fine, but I noticed on the results the two low counts. Are they no big deal?

[kathryn]

How low is low? In an older cat, low WBC wouldn't really suggest much to me If it's just below range, ehhh probably nothing. Also, sometimes CBC's can be skewed a bit depending on how the blood was handled. So, it is probably nothing especially if the vet didn't mention anything. Sometimes low lymphocytes can be a sign of certain cancers, but it all depends on what the cats symptoms are too.

If it were my cat, I'd probably repeat just the CBC in 2-3 weeks and see how the values are this time. If they declined, I'd probably have more tests done.. if they stayed the same or went up, I'd probably just assume my cat is just getting old and has a low blood count.

[lindapalm]

The cat is almost 12, so the low count is probably caused by age. His lymphocytes were 15, and I guess the range is 20-55, and his absolute lymphocytes were 1170, and the range is 1500-7000.

[SamIam]

Does the cat have any known medical conditions, or any symptoms of illness at all?

[kathryn]

Originally Posted by lindapalm

The cat is almost 12, so the low count is probably caused by age. His lymphocytes were 15, and I guess the range is 20-55, and his absolute lymphocytes were 1170, and the range is 1500-7000.

That's not terribly bad, but I would probably investigate further at some point. What are the symptoms that originally had the cat at the vets in the first place? Have they done any x-rays yet to check for masses?

[lindapalm]

We took him to the vet because he lost a ton of fur on his back, since he was there last he lost a pound. She gives him a shot for the fur pulling, but its only good for about a month. way too soon for another one. He's also on fluoxetine for spraying, but was pulling the fur out before he started it so I know that has nothing to do with it, maybe its the cause of the weight loss? Hes never had any x-rays

[mummummum]

What is in the "shot" Lindapalm or did I overlook something in your post?