Haematology and immunology

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA)

Emergency

Also known as: IMHA; Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia; AIHA

EMERGENCY. This condition can be life-threatening. Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. See the Emergency & first aid chapter for triage.

Overview

The immune system destroys the dog's own red blood cells, and the resulting anaemia can become life-threatening within days. It may arise on its own or be triggered by an underlying problem — in tick-endemic regions, tick-borne infection is a particularly important trigger, so the two are investigated together. Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Poodle, and Old English Sheepdog are among the over-represented breeds, and middle-aged females are typical. Diagnosis rests on blood work; treatment is immunosuppression (a medication class the vet selects), supportive care, and sometimes transfusion. Mortality is significant and clotting complications are the main danger, so this is a condition to present for immediately rather than monitor at home. Pale gums in a suddenly weak dog are an emergency finding.

What you would notice

Very pale or yellow-tinged (jaundiced) gums
Profound weakness, collapse, or exercise intolerance
Fast breathing and a fast heart rate at rest
Orange-brown or dark urine
Fever and loss of appetite

Non-prescriptive. This entry deliberately does NOT name specific drugs, doses, routes, or durations. Treatment decisions rest with a licensed veterinarian who has examined your dog and considered its history.

Draft — vet review pending. This entry has not yet been signed off by a registered veterinarian.

Predisposed breeds

Cocker Spaniel (English)

United Kingdom, 19th century

Sources

Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com)
MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)

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