Why would prednisolone cause high white blood cells in my pet?

Question

Trixie was on a trial of prednisolone for about 17 days due to irritable bowel issues&had bloodwork the day after that 17th day. could being on that medicine have caused hi white blood cell count.? One doc says yes, but why would a drug meant to treat inflammation cause elevated white blood cell count that the pathologist feels was hi due to an inflammatory response? She also had an abdominal ultrasound right after the hi white blood cell count finding and the vet found nothing abnormal. thx. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 years and 8 months old | 11.5 lbs

Catherine Stecyk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. We do not typically see prednisolone cause an elevation of white blood cells, as this is an corticosteroid which is anti-inflammatory at most doses, and even immunosuppressive at higher doses. Elevated white blood cell counts can be due to inflammation alone, such as that from irritable or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Long term use of steroids can cause liver damage, which may result in inflammation and increased white blood cell counts. Generally cats with IBD will have thickened intestines on an abdominal ultrasound, but this can be subtle and hard to detect without a veterinary radiologist performing the ultrasound. I hope this is helpful - best of luck managing Trixie's IBD!

Why would prednisolone cause high white blood cells in my pet?

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