| A band is an immature Neutrophil (which is one of the white blood
cells). The presence of bands typically means that there's an
inflammatory response going on somewhere. As long as it's within
normal range, it's probably not serious.
The presence of bands can be serious if there are a high number of
immature cells without a proportional increase in the number of
mature cells. Did the rest of the CBC look ok?
fyi - immature RBCs are called reticulocytes, and mature neutrophils
are also called segs.
Hope all is well,
liz
|
| thanks. The bands were at the high end of normal (the reading was 3,
0-3 is considered normal) The rest of the cbc looked good, but I think
that the white cells might have been high normal as well. The cat was
vomiting pink fomy stuff, not hungry, dehydrated, diarreah and has lost
a lot of weight. Xrays at Angell showed an inflamation of the digestive
track, and initially thot it was either a "stomach flu" or an irritable
bowel syndrome type of thing. I know that they ran a few more tests,
but I'm not sure what. Anyhow, the Angell vet is going to speak to his
regular vet today, and he is going to see his regular vet tonight. So, we
will know the course of action after that.
Thanks,
Deb
|
| As explained in an earlier reply, bands are immature white cells. After seeing
the CBC, in human terms ;), kitty is fine, but does have a definite infection
somewhere (elevated WBCs to begin with). Generally speaking, when you do have
an elevated WBC, it *could* also have elevated bands. Just like there might be
an unusual increase in monos (monocytes). If there is elevation in a certain
type of cell, that can help determine what the problem/infection is.
When I did 'difs' (differentials; part of the CBC), there were always bands,
retics, Eos and Basos. The only time one really needs to be concerned is when
these immature cells (and other 'response' cells) are at an elevated level.
Say, if 4 bands were found, no biggie, but if there were 20+, then there would
be cause to worry.
Hope all goes well...
Sandra
|