83 In mice and rats, circulating bands are uncommon, and the degree of the inflammatory response is less pronounced; even mild increases in neutrophils may be significant in these species. 64 Thus, in small mammals, the presence of immature cells like bands and toxic changes or a change in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio are more reliable indicators of inflammation than the total WBC and differential counts. 11 Illness, handling, or trauma may cause a leukocytosis characterized by a neutrophilia and lymphopenia due to endogenous glucocorticoid release. 17 This may occur simultaneously with a compensated inflammatory response, making interpretation difficult.
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