Low WBC in Pomeranian

Question
My 7 year old Pomeranian had her yearly dental this afternoon.  Her blood work results showed a WBC of 2.9.
My vet instructed me to return in 3-4 weeks for new blood work.  Should I be concerned?  From what I have been reading, 2.9 is very low.  She does not have any signs/symptoms of illness. She did have to have one tooth extracted at her dental.

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

The test run on your dog's white blood cells, shows it's on the low side but that can occur as a result of exercise or excitement; this response is mediated by increased epinephrine.
In dogs, the normal blood count ratio is ~3.5:1. A variety of infectious and noninfectious diseases can induce changes in the test.

So try not to read into the test results, and keep calm. Repeat the test as your vet recommends and take it one step at a time.

If you'd like to read more about blood testing in dogs, try here:

http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/BLOOD-TEST-EXPLAINED.HTM

http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/nv.html


Best of luck,

Patti