Toxic Neutrophil Changes in a Cat with Peritonitis

Clinical case of a cat with peritonitis: toxic neutrophil changes, Döhle bodies, cytoplasmic foaminess, ring-shaped nuclei, and platelet aggregation.

Надежда Мягчихина 1 min March 27, 2022

Cat blood smear: neutrophils with basophilic cytoplasm and signs of toxicity

Cat blood smear: group of neutrophils with toxic cytoplasmic foaminess

Cat blood smear: neutrophil with pronounced cytoplasmic vacuolization and a Döhle body

Cat blood smear: neutrophil with a ring-shaped nucleus in the center of the field of view

Cat blood smear: atypical neutrophil with a closed ring-shaped nucleus

Cat blood smear: left shift and toxic granulocytes

A cat was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of peritonitis and underwent surgery. On day 2 post-surgery, the complete blood count showed: WBC - 12.7x109/L RBC - 5.49x1012/L HGB - 84 g/L HCT - 25.5% MCV - 46.6 fL MCH - 15.3 pg MCHC - 329 g/dL RDW - 15% PLT - 34x1012/L MPV - 8.4 fL PDW - 16.8% PCT - 0.028% When calculating the leukocyte differential count (absolute values): Metamyelocytes - 0.254 Band neutrophils - 1.143 Segmented neutrophils - 10.922 Lymphocytes - 0.254 Monocytes - 0.127 x 109/L

Leukocyte morphology is characteristic of an inflammatory process (pictured): Döhle bodies, cytoplasmic foaminess of neutrophils, basophilia of neutrophil cytoplasm, and occasional neutrophils with rounded nuclei. Platelet aggregation is noted. Romanowsky stain, x1000.