Hi Darlene-

After Jill's first round of chemo, we did bloodwork the day her second round of chemo was supposed to happen (3 weeks later) - I was SHOCKED when Jill's bloodwork came back and her whiteblood cells/neutrophils were EXTREMELY low.  She was showing NO signs of anything - she was a happy, healthy kitty.  We had to wait and re book chemo for two weeks later and at that time, her bloodwork was all fine.

From that time on, I always brought her to the vet 3 days prior to chemo to do the bloodwork.  That way, I wouldn't show up with her for chemo only to be told she wouldn't be able to have treatment that day.  She had to have chemo postponed twice due to low neutrophils, and both times I was surprised - you would never have known anything was "wrong" with her.

It's now two years post amputation for Jill and she is doing great

Keep us posted!!

Nixon's WBC was always low after chemo and I think we had to postpone 3 out of 5 treatments because of this.  I'm pretty sure the first two rounds of chemo had us check his blood 2 weeks after as well as the day of his chemo.  His chemo was supposed to be every 3 weeks but it was often every 4 weeks.  The last round, I did chest xrays too.  If there had been mets, I would have not gone through with it.  As it is now, we're 10 days away from being 24 months post amp so it worked.

Johnnie had blood work only before each chemo treatment.  His WBC from round 2 to round 3 went down a lot, but after this, I believe because of the supplements, he was able to maintain good rates and we didn't have to reschedule any chemo.

I believe this all depends on the oncovet.  Each one has a different M.O.

I was fortunate to not have CBC variation with my girls IV chemo. she was on carboplatin and doxi alternation every 3 weeks for the max dosage plus another 2 dosages . But I was told that her platelets could drop a couple days after chemo and her gums could look a bit pale not to be alarmed. Which is why they recheck the same day of every IV infusion. I opted out of any steroid they often give dex as counter for any allergic reaction, but I opted out of it as I felt it could supress her immune system more and she had a wierd rxn to predisone when she younger. She did fine with out it, I just gave benedryl to counter act any allergic rxn. As long as the #'s bounce back, I wouldnt worry too much. Platelets can fluxuate alot before it will show physical signs. Good luck.