Neonatal isoerythrolysis(NI)
Also known as: Neonatale Isoerythrolyse · Hemolytic disease of the newborn · Welpen-Isoerythrolyse · Alloimmune hemolytic anemia of the newborn · Alloimmune haemolytic anaemia of the newborn
Overview
What it is
This is an immune system disorder affecting newborn puppies where the mother's first milk, called colostrum, contains antibodies that attack and destroy the puppy's own red blood cells. This destruction of red blood cells, known as hemolysis, occurs because of incompatible blood types between the mother and her offspring. It rapidly deprives the puppy's body of oxygen and damages the circulatory system.
How it presents
Puppies typically appear healthy at birth but develop severe weakness, pale or yellow gums (jaundice), and dark-colored urine within a few hours to days of first nursing.
Treatment
This is a treatable emergency requiring immediate separation from the mother's milk, alternative feeding, and potentially blood transfusions. It is a one-time crisis intervention rather than a lifelong condition, with treatment costs typically ranging from 500 to 3000 EUR.
How it's tested
Blutgruppenbestimmung und Coombs-Test(Blutgruppenbestimmung)
Primary testClinical examBestimmung der Blutgruppe (insbesondere DEA 1) von Hündin und Welpen sowie Kreuzproben (Crossmatching) und der direkte Coombs-Test zum Nachweis von Antikörpern auf den roten Blutkörperchen.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Neonatal isoerythrolysis?
This is an immune system disorder affecting newborn puppies where the mother's first milk, called colostrum, contains antibodies that attack and destroy the puppy's own red blood cells. This destruction of red blood cells, known as hemolysis, occurs because of incompatible blood types between the mother and her offspring. It rapidly deprives the puppy's body of oxygen and damages the circulatory system.
How is Neonatal isoerythrolysis tested?
Tests currently in our database: Blutgruppenbestimmung und Coombs-Test.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.