In veterinary clinical pathology, what does a differential white blood cell count help to evaluate?

The differential white blood cell count is an important tool in veterinary clinical pathology as it allows for the evaluation of the proportion of different types of white blood cells (WBCs) present in a blood sample. This count helps veterinarians determine the overall health status of an animal, identify potential infections, allergies, or inflammations, and even diagnose specific conditions based on the types and ratios of WBCs. Each type of white blood cell plays a distinct role in the immune response, and changes in their proportions can indicate various pathological processes.

For instance, an increase in neutrophils might suggest a bacterial infection, whereas a rise in lymphocytes could indicate a viral infection or chronic inflammation. The ability to differentiate and quantify these cells provides valuable insights into the animal's immune response and aids significantly in clinical decision-making.