Clinical outcome and associated diseases in dogs with leukocytosis and neutrophilia: 118 cases (1996-1998)

Objective-To describe diseases, prognosis, and clinical outcomes associated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia in dogs. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-118 dogs with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Procedure-Medical records from 1996 to 1998 were examined for dogs with WBC greater than or equal to 50,000 cells/mu l and neutrophilia greater than o r equal to 50%. Signalment, absolute and differential WBC counts, body temp erature, clinical or pathologic diagnosis, duration and cost of hospitaliza tion, and survival time were reviewed. Results-Mean age was 7.7 years, WBC count was 65,795 cells/mu l, and absolu te neutrophil count was 53,798 cells/mu l. Mean duration of hospitalization was 7.4 days and cost of hospitalization was $2,028.00. Forty (34%) dogs w ere febrile, and 73 (62%) dogs died. Overall median survival time was 17 da ys. Dogs with neoplasia or fever were more likely to die than dogs that wer e hospitalized or had systemic or local infections. Clinical Implications-leukocytosis and neutrophilia were associated with hi gh mortality rate and have prognostic value. Given the mean duration and co st of hospitalization, frank discussion with an owner at first recognition of leukocytosis and neutrophilia may be warranted.