Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia is a life-threatening emergency in dogs where the immune system destroys red blood cells, with welfare challenges from both the acute crisis and long-term treatment.
IMHA causes acute severe welfare compromise from profound anaemia. Extreme weakness, pallor, tachycardia, and breathlessness from oxygen deficiency cause severe distress and disability. The haemolytic crisis can progress to death within hours without treatment. The clots that form from haemolysis cause additional complications including pulmonary thromboembolism that is acutely painful and life-threatening. Long-term immunosuppressive treatment causes chronic adverse effects including increased infection susceptibility, muscle wasting, and behavioral changes from corticosteroid use. The high relapse rate means that owners and dogs face repeated cycles of welfare crisis and recovery, with significant ongoing welfare monitoring requirements.