Jade’s Health Update: What Her Blood Test Revealed
Yesterday, I took Jade to the vet because she wasn’t eating well and just seemed off. It reminded me a lot of Hazel’s case, and given how quickly things can escalate with rescues, I didn’t want to take any chances. We ran a blood test to check what’s going on inside.
Blood Test Results – What Do They Mean?
Blood tests can look overwhelming, so here’s a simple breakdown of Jade’s results:
1. White Blood Cells (WBC) – Slightly Elevated
- Result: 18.45 (Normal range: 6.0 – 17.0)
- White blood cells help fight infections. A slight elevation like this could mean mild inflammation, stress, or an early infection.
2. Neutrophils – Higher Than Normal
- Result: 13.46 (Normal range: 3.0 – 12.0)
- Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that respond to infections. Since they are slightly high, it could mean the body is dealing with some kind of inflammation or a minor infection.
3. Red Blood Cells (RBC) – Slightly High
- Result: 9.52 (Normal range: 5.0 – 8.5)
- Elevated RBC levels can be due to dehydration or stress. Given that Jade hasn’t been eating much, mild dehydration is a possibility.
4. Hemoglobin & Hematocrit – Borderline High
- HGB: 17.0 (Normal range: 12.0 – 18.0)
- HCT: 57.1 (Normal range: 37.0 – 55.0)
- These levels are slightly above normal, which again suggests possible dehydration or stress.
5. Platelets – Lower Than Normal
- Result: 184 (Normal range: 200 – 500)
- Platelets help with blood clotting. A low count can be caused by infections, immune conditions, or even tick-related diseases.
Treatment Plan – Getting Jade Back on Track
The vet gave Jade Mirtazapine again (the same appetite stimulant that helped Hazel) to encourage her to eat. But because we recently found a tick on her, we also gave Bravecto, which is a flea and tick treatment that protects for several months. Since tick-borne diseases can cause low platelets and general weakness, it was an important precaution.
For now, we’ll monitor her closely, make sure she stays hydrated, and keep an eye on her appetite. If needed, we might run further tests in a few days.
Final Thoughts
Jade’s case seems similar to Hazel’s, but the low platelets make me a bit more cautious, especially with the recent tick. Hopefully, with the treatment, rest, and a bit of time, she’ll be feeling better soon. I’ll keep you updated on her progress!