Hi,

I'm new to this forum and hope someone can help.

I recently moved so Einstein, my adult three-toed box, started seeing a new vet. On the first visit Einstein got a Complete Blood Count (CBC). The result of the blood test showed that everything is normal. However, the test did come back saying that his White Blood Cells (WBC) are dark and shrunken eventhough the count is normal. The vet concluded that Einstein must be fighting off an infection.

This is very odd because I thought your WBC count would be HIGHER if you're fighting off an infection. But, this might only apply to humans and turtles might be different. So I followed the advice of the vet and Einstein did one round of antibiotics (10 needles!!) and had his blood tested again. The results of his recent CBC were the same - everything normal, including his WBC count but the WBC are still dark and shrunken. The vet wants to do another round of a different antibiotics, which means MORE needles for poor Einstein.

I was wondering if anyone knows what normal WBC count but the fact that they are dark and shrunken means? Also, if anyone on the forum had similar experiences, I'd appreciate you sharing them with me.

Thanks so much!

PS: Einstein's activity and appetite hasn't changed since doing that first CBC and first round of antibiotics. He's basically been the same for the past year - busy and inquisitive and eats everything I give him.

[ Show Entire Thread ]