Can hyperthyroidism cause low white blood count?
Hyperthyroidism causes mild decreases in total white blood cell count, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and increases, normal or mild decreases in total white blood cell count.
How do I know if my white blood cells are low?
If you have a low white blood cell count, you may: Have repeated fevers and infections. Get bladder infections that may make it painful to pass urine, or make you urinate more often. Get lung infections that cause coughing and difficulty breathing.
What does a low lymphocyte count mean?
A low lymphocyte count makes it hard for your body to fight infections. You may get infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, or bacteria. Treatment for an infection will depend on its cause. You also may need treatment after an infection is gone to help prevent repeat infections.
What kind of medication can I give my Cat for hyperthyroidism?
Medication — typically methimazole (Tapazole) here in the United States — decreases the level of thyroid hormone in your cat’s blood. It is available as a pill or in the form of a gel, which is applied to your cat’s skin.
What causes low thyroid hormone levels in cats?
The low thyroid hormone levels in your cat are most often caused by a treatment for hyperthyroidism that has slowed down the function of the thyroid glands. However, there may also be other causes for low thyroid levels such as: The removal of one or both thyroid glands. Radioactive iodine treatment. A tumor affecting the thyroid glands.
How is methimazole used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Methimazole blocks the production of excess thyroid hormone rather than destroying the abnormal thyroid tissue, so the medication must be given for the remainder of the cat’s life. This type of treatment is appropriate for a cat that is a poor surgical risk due to other health problems or is exceptionally old.
How to diagnose a cat with hyperthyroidism?
In a cat with appropriate clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, a first step would be to perform a feline thyroid profile. Remember signalment is important in considering a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.