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In dogs with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), the immune
system destroys red blood cells faster than new ones can be produced. The result
is anemia, or reduced red blood cells, which means less oxygen is circulated to the
tissues. This disorder is occasionally seen in the Alaskan Malamute.
AIHA is most common in middle-aged dogs, and it is more often
found in females than in males. Evidence of disease ranges in severity - symptoms
can be mild and hardly noticeable, or severe symptoms may come on suddenly. Vague
symptoms are common and include poor appetite, weakness, listlessness and lack of
energy. The dog's gums may be pale, or they may be yellowish due to jaundice as a
result of the breakdown of red blood cells. A dog with AIHA may have a rapid heart
beat and rapid breathing. One form of AIHA (cold agglutinin disease) causes
circulation problems. The ear or tail tips, or feet may become infected and dark
in color.
A veterinarian will draw blood for testing to determine if a dog
is anemic. Diagnosis of AIHA is made by ruling out other causes of anemia and
identifying antibodies on the surface of the red blood cells. Corticosteroid treatment
can slow the destruction of red blood cells. Blood transfusions are needed when the red
blood cell level is critically low; transfusions can buy the dog some time while his/her
own blood cell levels are recovering. Severely affected dogs may die even with the best
treatment. This mostly occurs in the first few days since the onset of the episode due
to kidney, liver, or heart failure, or because of a bleeding problem. Dogs that recover
from an episode of AIHA may experience future relapses.
Dogs that have been diagnosed with AIHA should not be used for
breeding.
Developed from the
Canine Inherited
Disorders Database. |
