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One of the most frightening diagnoses a canine guardian can be given is an autoimmune disease known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This condition (known as AIHA) involves the pet’s own immune system destroying its red blood cells, leading to life threatening anemia with risks of blood clot formation and death. While most of the cases have unknown causes, there has been evidence that the overuse of multiple modified live viral vaccinations can predispose some pets. In addition, this disease can cause rare reactions to tick-borne infections, drugs, or pesticides. |
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Symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia can include pale or white gums, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and little energy. Diagnosis is made by blood tests at your veterinarian. Even with aggressive early treatment, mortality can range as high as 50%, even with some of the newer immune suppressive drugs available like Atopica or Cyclosporine.
The cornerstone of treatment of this potentially life threatening disease uses immune suppressive doses of cortisone, and in some cases, stronger drugs like aziothioprine or Cyclosporine. Some vets will include a 3-4 week course of Doxycycline antibiotic to the regimen, in case a hidden tick infection is involved. If a pet can be stabilized, drug doses are then gradually reduced over several weeks to months, with periodic monitoring of blood counts necessary to be done at your vet. In some occasions, blood transfusions are needed; however, I have found that those patients who need blood transfusions often have a poorer prognosis.
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One Comment
my pug of oeyar is diagnosed with AHA nd started treatment with steroids,is there any ateratieve method of tratments avilable?
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