Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / July 2004

I have 2 seven year old cats with low white cell counts.  We first noticed
Zoey's in 1999 when it was around 1.2 - normal being 4.6 (or something like
that).  Zoey has fluctuated between 1.1 and 4.4 over the last 6 years.  She
has been to several specialists and is on Interferon and Lysine.  There is
no diagnosis.  My vet does think we can rule out any cancer.  She says that
Zoey seems to be able to lead a healthy life with a very low white cell
count.

Norma, her littermate, recently had bloodwork done  because I thought I saw
blood in her vomit.  Her white cell count is 3.2.  She also has one high
liver value and her thyroid is in the gray area.  Last year and the year
before she had lost weight but this year she gained a little.  My vet said
she's not really concerned because the liver value is only slightly high and
she gained weight.  She wants me to retest in a month and monitor Norma's
weight.

At the moment I am most worried about cancer in Norma.  I will talk with my
vet again - maybe before the month is up.  Would anyone else worry?  Any
idea what might be going on with my cats?

Thanks
Becky