8/8 Max AMPS 406 +3 355 +6 224 +10 140 PMPS 139

I just posted Max's lab results in the lab section of his SS if anyone is interested. The vet didn't mention to me that his lymphocytes were low. They were slightly low last time, but even lower this time. I'm thinking it may be because he takes corticosteroids, but I am not sure if Budesonide does this or not. He's been on Flovent almost his entire life and lymphocytes were normal. @Wendy&Neko @FrostD @Suzanne & Darcy
 
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Max stayed in the mid blues for the afternoon. :cool: I will take it! Wonder what he’s going to do tonight. I’m still waiting to see if anyone has any ideas about Max’s labs, specifically the decrease in his lymphocytes. It may be his corticosteroids, maybe pancreatitis causing it??? It is concerning me a bit. The vet didn’t mention it at all. I guess I could wait and ask when I take him back Friday if nobody has any ideas about the cause of it.
 
Max & Lori said:
Yes I did, and I was charged for it but I did not see that it was done. I will ask about it when I go Friday. I’ve already had to call them 3 times because they didn’t send the labs, then they sent the wrong ones twice.
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So you got to peruse some other cat’s labs!
 
Hey if Suzanne looked at labs I know I don't need to! Glad for a good report. Also curious about the lymphocytes, I know it can be a side effect of meds but I don't think it's a common one with the meds he's on...
 
Max & Lori said:
She didn’t even mention it. I saw it myself.
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Most likely they weren’t low enough to concern her then. Many times you have to interpret one value (such as the lymphocytes) in light of other tests (as I am sure you know with your medical background.) Also, they look for trends. With certain tests in cats, the values need to be many times the reference range (if high) or way below the reference range (if low) to be of concern to the vets. Also, the interpretation depends a lot on the age of the cat because some of these things are common findings in older cats. The reference range encompasses all ages of cats. You could definitely ask your vet about it - if she’s reachable.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Most likely they weren’t low enough to concern her then. Many times you have to interpret one value (such as the lymphocytes) in light of other tests (as I am sure you know with your medical background.) Also, they look for trends. With certain tests in cats, the values need to be many times the reference range (if high) or way below the reference range (if low) to be of concern to the vets. Also, the interpretation depends a lot on the age of the cat because some of these things are common findings in older cats. The reference range encompasses all ages of cats. You could definitely ask your vet about it - if she’s reachable.
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They were more than 20% less than the lower limits of normal. To me, that’s worth addressing, even if it is “normal” to her, it’s not “ normal” if it’s more than 20% off.
 
Max & Lori said:
I just posted Max's lab results in the lab section of his SS if anyone is interested. The vet didn't mention to me that his lymphocytes were low. They were slightly low last time, but even lower this time. I'm thinking it may be because he takes corticosteroids, but I am not sure if Budesonide does this or not. He's been on Flovent almost his entire life and lymphocytes were normal. @Wendy&Neko @FrostD @Suzanne & Darcy
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Since Budesonide is a steroid- I am guessing it can have the same effect on lymphocytes that Pred does. Did the reduction in lymphocytes coincide with starting the Budesonide?
 
Max & Lori said:
They were more than 20% less than the lower limits of normal. To me, that’s worth addressing, even if it is “normal” to her, it’s not “ normal” if it’s more than 20% off.
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I would definitely ask, Lori! In fact, I am going to ask my vet about this today (writing it down) because I want to know. I have one cat and two kittens to take today. But I would definitely encourage you to call her and ask about this.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Since Budesonide is a steroid- I am guessing it can have the same effect on lymphocytes that Pred does. Did the reduction in lymphocytes coincide with starting the Budesonide?
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I considered this too and it does look like the decrease started in April. From looking at my SS notes, he started the Budesonide in January. April was the first labs since then and there was a significant drop in lymphocytes then, though considered mildly decreased. It’s most likely something to do with that, but I don’t know that for sure. I wish she would have at least mentioned it and said it was probably because of his corticosteroids, but by it not being mentioned it makes me wonder if she even noticed it or why it was ignored. I know of other causes of it too and that’s concerning. She should know that I’m going to inquire about it because I’ve put so much time and money into Max’s care. I appreciate you asking your vet too for me. I will ask her when we go Friday for his vaccine. She didn’t even want to hear about him skipping that so he’s got to go back and get it. I definitely will bring up my questions then. Thanks.
 
Max & Lori said:
I considered this too and it does look like the decrease started in April. From looking at my SS notes, he started the Budesonide in January. April was the first labs since then and there was a significant drop in lymphocytes then, though considered mildly decreased. It’s most likely something to do with that, but I don’t know that for sure. I wish she would have at least mentioned it and said it was probably because of his corticosteroids, but by it not being mentioned it makes me wonder if she even noticed it or why it was ignored. I know of other causes of it too and that’s concerning. She should know that I’m going to inquire about it because I’ve put so much time and money into Max’s care. I appreciate you asking your vet too for me. I will ask her when we go Friday for his vaccine. She didn’t even want to hear about him skipping that so he’s got to go back and get it. I definitely will bring up my questions then. Thanks.
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:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: Get some fresh air this morning or get out of the house for a bit while he’s high.
 
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