IMHA (Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)

BOOM! CRACK! It’s not thunder, it’s a battle between the red blood and the immune system! And who’s there hiding? INVADERS! SPYS! ATTACKERS! (Also known as viruses, diseases, and infections.) But the immune system doesn’t notice. “Retreat!!!”  yells Captain Red Blood Cell. IMHA wins!

IMHA or Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a disease that, like anemia, lacks red blood cells. Specifically when the immune system and red blood cells go to war. IMHA is most common in cats and dogs. Some ways to help your pet with IMHA are that you can do blood transfusions, antibiotic doxycycline, or supportive therapy. Don’t worry, 75% of dogs with IMHA can fully recover and return to a normal life.

Like I said before, IMHA is a lack of red blood cells which may cause a dog to form blood clots, typically in the brain or lungs. Things that can lead to IMHA are organisms with infection tumors and possibly exposed drugs.

Below there are some symptoms for IMHA to look out for.

• Pale or yellow gums
• Abnormal breathing speed
• Black or red urine
• Fever
• Poor appetite

If you do suspect this harmful disease, bring him/her to the vet, the veterinarian may do any of the things below.

• Blood test 
• Blood smear (To smear blood and look under a microscope)

Some medications you can give to your pet include steroids, Azathioprine, or Cyclosporine. 

As I mentioned before, if the disease is really bad, another option is to do a blood transfusion. This basically means to take blood from one animal to another. And of course, they have to be the same kind of animal. Like a Boxer and a Poodle. Or a Ragdoll and a Siamese. Just like us, dogs have different blood types and when giving a transfusion, veterinarians should give them the same blood type.

To learn more about IMHA in dogs watch this video by Nashville Veterinary Specialists. Warning: This video is more than an hour long and is a little advanced.

https://youtu.be/ucU2tbNmX6o