What is Evans Syndrome in Dogs?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – My veterinarian diagnosed "Evans Syndrome" in dogs. Can you tell me what this is?

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Melissa S., St. Louis, MO

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. I'm sorry to hear about your dog. You question was – – what is Evans Syndrome?

Evans Syndrome refers to a condition in which the following two conditions exist at the same time – Immune mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) and Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Both of these are complex diseases that result in destruction of the platelets (thrombocytopenia) and red blood cells (anemia).

ITP is a condition where the body is destroying its own platelets and IMHA is a condition in which the body is destroying its own red blood cells. Subsequently, the result is a low platelet and low red blood cell count (anemia).

A couple articles that might be helpful to you are Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs (IMHA), Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
and Thrombocytopenia in Dogs.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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