What is the medical term for an increased number of neutrophils?

The medical term for an increased number of neutrophils is "neutrophilia." This term combines the prefix "neutro-" meaning neutrophil, with the suffix "-philia," which indicates a condition of having an excess or a higher-than-normal level of a substance, in this case, neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell essential for the immune response, particularly in fighting bacterial infections.

When the body responds to infection, inflammation, or stress, neutrophils are often mobilized more rapidly to help combat these issues, resulting in neutrophilia. Recognizing the presence and significance of increased neutrophils can help veterinarians diagnose conditions such as infections or inflammatory diseases.

The other terms, while they involve neutrophils, refer to conditions that are not related to an increase in their number. Neutropenia indicates a decrease in neutrophils, neutrocytosis is not a commonly used term in veterinary practice, and neutrosuppression refers to a reduced ability or suppression of neutrophil function, usually seen in immunosuppressive conditions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate interpretation of hematological data in veterinary medicine.