How can a GI blood panel explain my dog's high WBC and appetite?

High white cell counts indicate inflammation or infection and yes, IBD can contribute. IF she seems back to herself you could continue with the new diet and retest in 3-4weeks to see if the white count is returning to normal. Intestinal biopsies are not without risk and if she has stabilised on the new diet I would be include to continue and monitor

With a white count that keeps getting higher despite antibiotics I would be concerned there is cancer hiding somewhere. An ultrasound would be my next test as it can look at the intestine, lymph nodes, liver and spleen. The spleen makes the red blood cells, and if it has a tumor then that can cause that count to drop. An immune disease can also cause a low red count.

The elevated wbc count is common with both inflammation and infection of damaged tissues and although should be monitored is not abnormal given recent pancreatitis. An ultra low fat but not calorie restricted diet is generally considered best for recovery, liquid recuperation supplements are also very helpful as the gut recovers

Thank you for sharing Millie's bloodwork results. She has VERY high white blood cell counts which may be indicative of a severe infection, autoimmune disease, or even cancer. I would have her evaluated for the underlying cause which may require radiographs, an ultrasound, and or a blood smear evaluation by a pathologist.

There are many possible causes for Gracie's recurrent symptoms, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Addison's disease, and cancer. You mention she was tested for parasites and worms, but has your vet run any blood work? Has Gracie had any X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound (sonogram of the belly)? It sounds like some testing is going to be needed to get an answer here. General blood work typically consists of 2 parts: #1)Complete blood cell count (CBC)- red cell count, white cell count, platelets #2)Chemistry panel liver/kidney values, electrolytes, proteins This information can clue your vet into what underlying issues may be going on and how severely her health is being affected. An abdominal ultrasound is a very helpful too as well-- it allows a measure of the thickness of the intestine (a process such as inflammatory bowel disease may cause thickening of the intestine), it allows us to assess the pancreas (pancreatitis-inflamation of the pancreas- will cause intermittent GI signs), we can see the liver and gallbladder, as well as just see overall if anything in the belly appears abnormal. Addison's disease (where the body does not make enough of its own cortisol) can be tested for with a blood test called an ACTH stim test. There is also a less expensive screening test called a "baseline cortisol." If the cortisol is high, then the dog DOES NOT have Addison's disease; that has been ruled out. If the cortisol is normal or low, an ACTH stim test is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Talk to your vet about possible tests fro Gracie to get to a diagnosis. I hope that helps you. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on this bloodwork I can see that she is anemic, has elevated inflammatory cells, has low chloride and sodium and perhaps a slightly elevated creatinine (which can signal kidney issues though I cannot read it well there). These are not indicative of any disease in particular. This can be due to an infection for sure though. Other possibilities include an inflammatory condition, among other possibilities. I highly recommend you contact the veterinarian that has been treating her to discuss this bloodwork and proceed with therapy accordingly as she has not improved completely. They know her case better and would be able to help further. Best of luck!