8/9 Max AMPS 407 +4 374 +7 359 PMPS 284 +3 271 +4 226 +5 198

Well this has been a yucky day for Max. I got a lot done today though. I hope this is just a bounce and he’s not planning on hanging out too long up there.
 
Hi Lori. I am finally settling down this evening and wanted to tell you that I did speak with my vet today about the Budesonide and low lymphocytes. She said that, yes, not only can the Budesonide cause lymphopenia but also neutropenia.

I guess it’s not surprising that it suppresses bone marrow production of these white cells. I’m thinking that we want it to suppress overproduction of certain leukocytes like eosinophils that are commonly implicated in IBD, but then it ends up suppressing production of others like the neutrophils and lymphocytes. And now I find myself wondering if it equally suppresses production of T cells, B Cells and Natural Killer cells… but I doubt if I am going to find a paper on it.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Hi Lori. I am finally settling down this evening and wanted to tell you that I did speak with my vet today about the Budesonide and low lymphocytes. She said that, yes, not only can the Budesonide cause lymphopenia but also neutropenia.

I guess it’s not surprising that it suppresses bone marrow production of these white cells. I’m thinking that we want it to suppress overproduction of certain leukocytes like eosinophils that are commonly implicated in IBD, but then it ends up suppressing production of others like the neutrophils and lymphocytes. And now I find myself wondering if it equally suppresses production of T cells, B Cells and Natural Killer cells… but I doubt if I am going to find a paper on it.
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Thanks for checking on that. That makes perfect sense. I already knew that corticosteroids can suppress the immune system but I guess I’d never really seen it in labs quite to that extent. My son has Crohns colitis and has been on immunosuppressive meds since he was a child. His labs were always a little off but just barely. My WBCs are always slightly low but I had some damage to my spleen from my childhood. I know I won’t have Max forever, but I try as hard as I can to keep him as healthy as possible. The Budesonide has really helped his IBD so he does need it. Thanks again!
 
I’m sure there are some articles out there about how steroids suppress the t- cells, etc. A lot of immunosuppressive meds could cause cancer over time unfortunately.
 
Max & Lori said:
Thanks for checking on that. That makes perfect sense. I already knew that corticosteroids can suppress the immune system but I guess I’d never really seen it in labs quite to that extent. My son has Crohns colitis and has been on immunosuppressive meds since he was a child. His labs were always a little off but just barely. My WBCs are always slightly low but I had some damage to my spleen from my childhood. I know I won’t have Max forever, but I try as hard as I can to keep him as healthy as possible. The Budesonide has really helped his IBD so he does need it. Thanks again!
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Well, he stays indoors and isn’t around other cats. I would think his risk of infection is low. Hopefully, your vet will shed light on how low is too low and when it is cause for concern. You definitely do a great job caring for Max.
 
Max & Lori said:
I’m sure there are some articles out there about how steroids suppress the t- cells, etc. A lot of immunosuppressive meds could cause cancer over time unfortunately.
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I know. It’s such a dilemma. It’s used to suppress cancer, yet can also create the circumstances where cancer can proliferate. :banghead: But in some cases, it’s absolutely necessary- like your son, or Max.
 
Looking like Max is trying to clear his bounce tonight. I’m debating on whether I need to set an alarm to check him later or just leave food in his feeder. I will try to get up later I suppose, since I need to see how low he is getting. These big bounces over night are making me wonder how low he gets.
 
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