Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a potentially fatal condition where a dog's immune system destroys its own red blood cells, requiring rapid immunosuppressive treatment and intensive monitoring.
IMHA dogs experience the severe weakness and breathlessness of profound anemia - struggling to breathe, unable to rise, dying from lack of oxygen to tissues. The rapidity of deterioration means that hours matter: dogs that are mildly weak in the morning can be in crisis by evening. Intensive care hospitalization with blood transfusion and aggressive immunosuppression saves many dogs who would otherwise die. Owners who recognize the pale or yellow gum signs and seek emergency care immediately give their dogs the best chance of survival.