High white cell count

[Basket Case]

I posted under another thread but wanted to ask another question here. Some of Hatchets blood tests came back. They showed a very high white cell count and the stool sample showed almost no bacteria. She goes back to the vet tomorrow. Not all her tests are back but the vet wants her back right away. It there any questions I should make sure I ask the vet?

[KimBear]

What you'd ask probably depends on what they find. At this point, I'd just let them do what they need to do. Because until they know more, any questions you ask are likely to be met with "We won't know until the tests come back". A high white cell count usually indicates that the body is fighting something off, so they probably want to do some more tests to see what's going on. You could ask them what they suspect, at least. Does the fact that there's no bacteria in her droppings mean anything? Or did they mean there's no harmful bacteria?

They may have questions for you. They may want to know what she's been eating lately, and her sleeping habits, that sort of thing. Stress lowers the body's immue system, so they may want to know about her "issues" with your son lately, and anything else that's been going on.

They should explain what tests the want to do and why, and give you specific instructions about what to do for her at home. For example, she may need to be kept quiet and calm, or may need to be extra warm, or something like that.

Just make sure they explain everything to your satisfaction and tell them you may be calling back later with some questions. Hopefully they're not one of those clinics that make you feel guilty for asking questions, like you're just in the way.

[Basket Case]

Thank you Kim. We have her in her crate and ready to go. It's very cold out (34F) so we have the car warming up. I just hate taking her out in this weather. I will make sure the vet knows about how she has been acting with Alex. Thanks again.

[Basket Case]

The vet was awsome! I posted an update under the Cockatoo's board.