FrançaisNormal white blood cell count in dogs
White blood cells defend the body. The CBC gives the total (WBC), then the number of each type. Vets read the absolute counts, not the percentages: a percentage can change only because another type has changed [1].
| Line | Main role | Example dog interval [2] |
|---|---|---|
| WBC | All white cells together. | 5.0–14.1 × 10³/µL |
| NEUT (neutrophils) | First line of defence, especially against bacteria. | 2.9–12.0 × 10³/µL |
| LYMPH (lymphocytes) | Immune memory and antibodies. | 0.4–2.9 × 10³/µL |
| MONO (monocytes) | Clean up damaged tissue. | 2–10% of white cells |
| EOS (eosinophils) | Allergies and parasites. | 0–9% of white cells |
How to read the WBC line
Here is an example line from the white cell block of the CBC.
- Abbreviation WBC, white blood cells or leukocytes.
- Result 24.6 × 10³/µL in this illustrative line: a leukocytosis.
- Unit 10³/µL, 10⁹/L or G/L: the same number in all three.
- Laboratory interval The example uses the dog interval of the Merck Veterinary Manual [2].
- Flag H: above the interval. The differential tells which cells are increased [1].
High white blood cell count: the common patterns
- Stress pattern (stress leukogram). Cortisol, from illness, pain or a corticosteroid medicine, raises neutrophils (and monocytes in dogs) and lowers lymphocytes and eosinophils. It is the most common cause of a low lymphocyte count [1].
- Excitement (physiologic leukocytosis). Adrenaline at the time of sampling can briefly raise neutrophils and lymphocytes; it is more marked in cats than in dogs [1].
- Inflammation. Infection, trauma, surgery, immune disease or tissue damage increase neutrophil production. Young “band” neutrophils and “toxic change” on the smear suggest strong demand [1].
- Leukemia. A rare cause. A marked lymphocytosis in an older dog can come from chronic lymphocytic leukemia [1].
Low white blood cell count
A low count is usually driven by low neutrophils (neutropenia). The most common cause is severe inflammation that uses neutrophils faster than the bone marrow can supply them, often with young and toxic neutrophils on the smear [1].
- Viral infections such as canine parvovirus destroy neutrophils or their precursors [1].
- Drugs and toxins, including chemotherapy and some anti-epileptic medicines [1].
- Bone marrow disease, or infection with Ehrlichia canis [1].
- Immune-mediated destruction of neutrophils [1].
A low lymphocyte count alone is common with stress or corticosteroids and is often not a concern on its own [1].
Results often read with the white cells
A low red cell count with an abnormal white count is discussed in anemia in dogs.
En français : globules blancs du chien.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Which white cells are high or low in absolute numbers?
- Does this look like a stress pattern, inflammation or something else?
- Was a blood smear examined, and did it show young or toxic neutrophils?
- Could a medicine my dog takes explain the result?
- When should we repeat the CBC?
Get your dog’s full blood count explained, line by line.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a normal white blood cell count for a dog?
Roughly 5.0–14.1 × 10³/µL in the Merck Veterinary Manual table; your laboratory’s interval applies [2].
How serious is a high white blood cell count in a dog?
It depends on the pattern and the dog. A stress or excitement pattern is common and mild; a marked increase with signs of inflammation needs a cause. Your vet reads it with the differential and the smear [1].
Can stress raise a dog’s white blood cell count?
Yes. Cortisol from illness or pain, or a corticosteroid medicine, raises neutrophils and lowers lymphocytes and eosinophils: the stress leukogram [1].
Does a high white blood cell count mean leukemia?
Rarely. Stress and inflammation are far more common causes. Leukemia is suspected when the counts and the cells on the smear look abnormal [1].
What causes a low white blood cell count in dogs?
Severe inflammation, viral infections such as parvovirus, some drugs, Ehrlichia and bone marrow disease are among the causes [1].
Sources
- eClinPath, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Leukocytes. eclinpath.com/hematology/leukogram-changes/leukocytes
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Hematology (complete blood count) reference ranges. merckvetmanual.com/reference-values-and-conversion-tables/reference-guides/hematology-reference-ranges
Laboratory methods and reference intervals vary. This article explains; it does not diagnose. For a decision about your pet, use the original report and talk to your veterinarian. Our editorial policy.