Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, which is also called Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in canines, according to Suite 101. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AHA) is an autoimmune disease that may occur in dogs where the dog's body attacks its own red blood cells. It is important for dog owners to understand the signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in dogs as it can effect your furry friend in many ways.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AHA) in dogs is a condition where the body sees it's own red blood cells as invaders. When the immune system thinks an invader, such as a toxin or infection is inside the body, it creates antibodies that attack and destroy it as well as any damaged or malignant cells. In the case of AHA, a dog's body creates antibodies that attack and destroy red blood cells.

Signs of AHA include lethargy, an increase in respiratory and heart rate, a loss of interest in food, weakness, fever, bloody stool or urine, abdominal pain, and/or vomiting. Additionally, dogs with AHA may appear jaundice because the liver is processing many more damaged red blood cells than usual and is overwhelmed with bilirubin. Your dog's mucous membranes, such as his or her eyes, gums, and ears may also appear pale. The liver may also become enlarged. Since the red blood cells carry oxygen to every part of the body, with the destruction of so many red blood cells, your dog's body may not be getting enough oxygen, which may result in a life-threatening situation. AHA typically presents itself in a gradual and progressive manner, according to The Dog Owner's Guide website, but it can also come on quite suddenly.

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) may be classified as either primary or secondary, according to the Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Client Information Series. In primary IMHA the cause of the disease is unknown. On the contrary, in secondary IMHA, the immune system inadvertently destroys the body's own red blood cells in the process of trying to combat an underlying condition such as an infection, exposure to a drug or vaccination, cancer, or exposure to a toxin. When IMHA is secondary to an underlying condition, it is important to both figure out what the underlying condition is as well as to treat both the underlying condition and the Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.

While all dog breeds can develop Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, certain breeds of canines are genetically predisposed to it. These breeds include Old English Sheep Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Irish Settlers.

If your vet suspects your furry friend is suffering from Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, he or she will do a Complete Blood Count (CBC), a blood test, on your dog. The CBC should show if your dog has a low red blood cell count. Your veterinarian may also conduct a blood smear, which can show common signs of AHA within the blood such as red blood cell clumping and spherocytes, which are small red blood cells that lack central pallor, according to Petside. Additionally, urinalysis and serum biochemistries may reveal an increase in bilirubin in the urine or blood, respectively. Finally, your vet may conduct a Comb's test on your dog, which searches for antibodies attached to red blood cells and is the definitive diagnostic test for AHA, according to WebVet.

Treatment for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia typically begins with high doses of corticosteroids, such as Prednizone. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune system, which in turn stops the destruction of red blood cells. Dogs are generally given lower and lower doses of corticosteroids over several months in order to find the lowest possible maintenance dose to keep the dog in remission.

However, sometimes high doses of corticosteroids do not stop the destruction of red blood cells by themselves. In these cases, other immunosuppressant drugs may be added to corticosteroids to treat the AHA. Other imunosuppressants that may be utilized in the treatment of IMHA include azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and damazol.

Blood transfusions are another possible treatment option for canines with AHA. However, blood transfusions should only be utilized in life-threatening situations, according to Marsha's Hope. If your dog does not respond to other types of AHA treatment, his or her veterinarian may choose to give your furry friend human intravenous immunoglobulin. Finally, sometimes a splenectomy is recommended for dogs who are suffering from this condition. A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, which can benefit a canine as the spleen is the organ in the body that is primarily responsible for the destruction of red blood cells. Additionally, when the spleen is removed fewer antibodies against the red blood cells are created.

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in your furry friend, please take him or her to the vet to get a proper diagnosis. If your dog has AHA, he or she will receive the treatment he or she needs in order to get well.

Sources:

Suite 101: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs:
http://www.suite101.com/content/autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia-in-dogs-a67978

Suite 101: Canine Hemolytic Anemia:
http://www.suite101.com/content/canine-hemolytic-anemia-a23895

Marsha's Hope: A Guide to Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia:
http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/

Marvista Vet: Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia or IMHA:
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_imha.html

Dog Owner's Guide: Autoimmune Diseases:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/autoimmn.html#AHA

Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Client Information Series: Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia and Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia:
http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/imhaitphandout.htm

WebVet: Hemolytic Anemia:
http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=206&med=1

Petside: Health: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (Canine):
http://www.petside.com/health/petvet/autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia-canine.php