Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)(IMHA)
Also known as: Immunmediierte hämolytische Anämie · Autoimmunhämolytische Anämie · AIHA · Autoimmune hemolytic anemia · Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia · …
Overview
What it is
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a severe condition where the dog's immune system mistakenly identifies its own red blood cells as foreign threats and destroys them. Because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, this destruction leads to a critical oxygen shortage throughout the body's organs. This disease primarily impacts the immune and circulatory systems.
How it presents
Owners will typically notice a sudden onset of extreme weakness, lethargy, rapid breathing, and pale or yellowish gums. While the condition can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged dogs.
Treatment
IMHA is a treatable but life-threatening emergency that requires intensive veterinary care, immunosuppressive medications, and often blood transfusions. Management is typically long-term, with treatment costs generally ranging from €2,500 to €8,000.
How it's tested
Coombs-Test(DAT)
Primary testClinical examDer direkte Antiglobulintest (Coombs-Test) dient dem Nachweis von antikörperbeladenen Erythrozyten im Blut, um eine immunmediierte hämolytische Anämie zu diagnostizieren.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Direkter Coombs-Test(Coombs-Test)
Primary testClinical examDer direkte Coombs-Test (Antiglobulintest) dient dem Nachweis von antikörperbeladenen Erythrozyten im Blut, um eine immunvermittelte Zerstörung der roten Blutkörperchen zu bestätigen.
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 Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)?
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a severe condition where the dog's immune system mistakenly identifies its own red blood cells as foreign threats and destroys them. Because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, this destruction leads to a critical oxygen shortage throughout the body's organs. This disease primarily impacts the immune and circulatory systems.
How is Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) tested?
Tests currently in our database: Coombs-Test, Direkter Coombs-Test.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Dobermann, English Springer Spaniel, Irish Red Setter, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Old English Sheepdog.