Companion Animals

Companion Dog Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia

Management of IMHA in dogs, a life-threatening immune condition destroying red blood cells.

Key Facts

IMHA causes the immune system to attack and destroy red blood cells
Signs include pale gums, weakness, collapse, and jaundice
Blood transfusion may be life-saving during acute crisis
Immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone and other agents is the mainstay of treatment
Prognosis is variable with mortality rates of 20-70% in different studies

Welfare Considerations

IMHA causes acute severe welfare crisis and requires urgent aggressive treatment, with rapid diagnosis and hospitalisation being critical welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately for dogs showing pale gums or extreme weakness
Know that blood transfusion may be lifesaving for dogs with severe IMHA
Monitor carefully for relapse in dogs recovering from IMHA