Blood test question

clpeters23

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Rocky's blood test results were "great" per the vet, but I have a question on what an elevated Eosinophil reading could mean. The reference range is 2 - 12% and Rocky's was 12. From what I've been able to determine it could mean parasites, and I will be dropping off a fecal sample tomorrow.

The vet didn't seem to attach any relevance to the high Eosinophil, so I suppose I shouldn't second guess, but I want to know what everything means.

Rocky's eating great, playing and seems in all around in great shape. He's lost 1/2 lb in the last two months after I switched from Purina dry food to Bluff Buffalo dry and to Wellness canned from FF.

Any information would be appreciated!
Thank you,
Cathy
 

strange_wings

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Rocky could be dewormed just in case, the vet could also try a round of antibiotics. It would be up to the vet through.
 
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clpeters23

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

Rocky could be dewormed just in case, the vet could also try a round of antibiotics. It would be up to the vet through.
She didn't think any treatment was necessary. I don't have the results from the fecal yet, however.
 
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clpeters23

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Rocky's fecal test was clear. The vet can't find any reason why he's losing weight, except his new diet. I am at a loss on where to go next.
 

strange_wings

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All of this is rather vague so it's difficult to say do A or try B.

Again, you could try deworming just in case. Fecals can miss worms, especially tapeworms.

What's Rocky eating? Any vomiting? Any stool issues?

Has he shown any vague symptoms of a viral infection? Does he have a history of having had a URI? He's been tested for Felv/FIV, correct?
 
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clpeters23

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A little history: In late June I started the slow switch from Purina Naturals Dry and FF to Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry and Wellness Wet and other grain free canned foods.

Rocky (age 12) lost a 1/2 lb in a month and I want to rule out any illness. He had a senior blood screen done last week and the only abnormality was Eosinophil which was 12, at the high range of normal. I asked the vet to do a fecal, which came back normal today.

I am probably worrying needlessly: Rocky's got more energy, his fur looks better and he's got a good appetite. He is playing more now than he has in a long time. There are no litter box problems, no vomiting. He's an indoor only cat and was Felv/FIV negative the last time he was tested.

The vet doesn't believe there's anything wrong with him, but after experiences I had many years ago with a sick cat, I am skeptical and wouldn't hesitate to get another opinion.
 

sharky

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Originally Posted by clpeters23

A little history: In late June I started the slow switch from Purina Naturals Dry and FF to Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Dry and Wellness Wet and other grain free canned foods.

Rocky (age 12) lost a 1/2 lb in a month and I want to rule out any illness. He had a senior blood screen done last week and the only abnormality was Eosinophil which was 12, at the high range of normal. I asked the vet to do a fecal, which came back normal today.

I am probably worrying needlessly: Rocky's got more energy, his fur looks better and he's got a good appetite. He is playing more now than he has in a long time. There are no litter box problems, no vomiting. He's an indoor only cat and was Felv/FIV negative the last time he was tested.

The vet doesn't believe there's anything wrong with him, but after experiences I had many years ago with a sick cat, I am skeptical and wouldn't hesitate to get another opinion.
IMHO only... it is likely he is digesting more and eating less for the wt issue...

some cats have infections that are only caught on the bloodwork like some people
 

strange_wings

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Hm, 1/2lbs in a month would worry me, too. So it's not just you. Like sharky said, it could just be because the food is better. You could try adding another small wet meal (snack) in to see what happens.

Maybe he has a low grade infection he's fighting off. Just keep an eye on things. His teeth are in good shape, too? (though, I think that would have some other white blood cells showing up on bloodwork..)
 
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clpeters23

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Teeth and gums are great (I brush them daily). I know how adept cats are at hiding illness, but he's go so much energy, in a lot of ways he's acting like a kitten again.

I should add that he could stand to lose a pound or two (per the vet), but I want it to be for the right reasons.
 

strange_wings

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That's great then! Both to the brushing and that he does need to lose it.


As long as he doesn't go too fast and your vet is keeping up with his care he should be ok. You can always have some blood work repeated in a month or two to check.
 
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clpeters23

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

That's great then! Both to the brushing and that he does need to lose it.


As long as he doesn't go too fast and your vet is keeping up with his care he should be ok. You can always have some blood work repeated in a month or two to check.
That makes sense to me. Next time I may go with another veterinaran for a second opinion. Thank you
 
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