Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
or
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)

What is Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) or Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?

IMHA is a disorder in which the body begins to destroy its own red blood cells. Basically, red blood cells are used to transport oxygen to the tissues within the body. The immune system lets off antibodies that are supposed to kill unwanted germs and virus. When a small dog has IMHA the antibodies will view the red blood cells as foreign and begin to attack them. When left untreated, a serious condition of IMHA can lead to death.


Symptoms

Common symptoms of this disease are the discoloration of the animal’s gums. In essence, the dog’s gums will become pale and eventually yellowish as the disease progresses. In addition, the dog may faint due to a lack of oxygen to the tissues. You may even notice that their urine is quite dark. Other symptoms include lethargy, depression and even vomiting.


Causes

The causes of this disorder are not certain. Some possibilities include:

  • Blood parasites
  • Virus
  • A specific drug
  • A toxin


Treatments

IMHA tends to respond well to high doses of corticosteroid hormone medications such as:

  • Prednisone
  • Dexamethasone
Blood transfusions are another method of treatment for this disease if the condition is severe. It is vital that you see your vet in order to receive mediation and discuss further treatment possibilities.




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