Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs (IMHA)

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs (IMHA), Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

By: Dr. Leah Cohn

Section: Overview

        Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), also known as auto-immune mediated hemolytic anemia (AIHA), is a disease in which the body's immune system, which is designed to attack and kill germs, attacks and kills the body's own red blood cells. The attack begins when antibodies, which are molecules made by the immune system to target germs, instead attach to and target the animal's own red blood cells for destruction. The red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues, and the animal cannot survive without adequate oxygenation of the tissues.

The causes of IMHA remain largely unknown. While some cases of IMHA may be associated with a triggering event (cancer, infection, and perhaps even vaccinations), these events do not explain why the immune system misdirects its arsenal of weapons against the animal it is meant to protect.



IMHA occurs more often in dogs than in cats, in middle aged animals (3 to 8 years old), and in more females rather than males. While any breed can be affected, certain breeds develop IMHA more often than others do, such as the cocker spaniel, Springer spaniel, miniature poodle, Finnish spitz, Irish setter, Dachshund, bichon frise and Old English sheepdog.

For unknown reasons, there is an increased incidence of disease in the spring, with 40% of cases diagnosed in the months of May and June.

IMHA is a rapidly life-threatening disease. Even with appropriate treatment, this disease can be fatal.

What To Watch For

  • Pale gums
  • Yellow tinged gums or whites of the eyes
  • Dark or dark yellow urine
  • Tiring easily, weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Tachypnea (rapid breathing)

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Anemia in Dogs

      Anemia is defined as a low red blood cell count. Anemia can be caused by a number of different processes, including blood loss, red blood cell destruction, and inadequate red blood cell production.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Thrombocytopenia in Dogs

      Thrombocytopenia refers to an abnormally low blood-concentration of platelets, which are blood cells that promote blood clotting after injury to the lining of the blood vessels. When the concentration...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

      Hemolytic anemia is a disease process in which the red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen and impart a red color to blood, are destroyed, resulting in a decreased number in the bloodstream. This...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1 Anemia in Dogs

      Anemia is defined as a low red blood cell count. Anemia can be caused by a number of different processes, including blood loss, red blood cell destruction, and inadequate red blood cell production.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

      Hemolytic anemia is a disease process in which the red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen and impart a red color to blood, are destroyed, resulting in a decreased number in the bloodstream. This...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Thrombocytopenia in Dogs

      Thrombocytopenia refers to an abnormally low blood-concentration of platelets, which are blood cells that promote blood clotting after injury to the lining of the blood vessels. When the concentration...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1 Anemia in Dogs

      Anemia is defined as a low red blood cell count. Anemia can be caused by a number of different processes, including blood loss, red blood cell destruction, and inadequate red blood cell production.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

      Hemolytic anemia is a disease process in which the red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen and impart a red color to blood, are destroyed, resulting in a decreased number in the bloodstream. This...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Thrombocytopenia in Dogs

      Thrombocytopenia refers to an abnormally low blood-concentration of platelets, which are blood cells that promote blood clotting after injury to the lining of the blood vessels. When the concentration...

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement