What is anemia in dogs?
Anemia is a sign that your dog may be suffering from an underlying disease or condition. Anemia in dogs occurs in four different ways:
- The pet's body does not produce enough red blood cells (Aplastic or non-regenerative anemia).
- Your pet's body produces the correct number of red blood cells, but other systems within the body attack and destroy those cells (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), or non-immune mediated).
- When your pup suffers severe blood loss due to conditions such as cancer or stomach ulcers, or trauma such as an injury or accident (blood loss anemia).
- Too much methemoglobin is in their blood because of a genetic disorder, or exposure to toxins such as some human medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and benzocaine.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs
Primary or secondary autoimmune anemia can be seen in dogs.
Primary Autoimmune Anemia
Dogs develop primary autoimmune anemia when their immune system creates antibodies to incorrectly fight off and destroy its own red blood cells. This form of anemia occurs due to a problem with your pet's immune system.
Secondary Autoimmune Anemia
Secondary autoimmune anemia in dogs happens if the structure of their red blood cells is changed in such a way that your pup's immune system believes that the cells are foreign invaders that need to be destroyed. Secondary autoimmune anemia can occur in dogs due to an underlying condition or the ingestion of a toxin.
Conditions that can lead to secondary autoimmune anemia in dogs include cancer, infections such as Ehrlichiosis or Leptospirosis, parasitic infections including Babesiosis, snakebites, drug reactions, toxins, or even bee stings.
Signs of Autoimmune Anemia in Dogs
Typically, dogs with autoimmune anemia show more severe symptoms than other forms of anemia. If your dog has autoimmune anemia, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Very pale gums
- Lethargy
- Easily tired
- Fainting
- Disorientation
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Dark urine
- Yellowish skin or mucous membranes
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite
If your canine family member is displaying any of the symptoms listed above, it's time to head to the vet.
Diagnosing Autoimmune Anemia in Dogs
Blood tests can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of autoimmune anemia including, a complete blood count (CBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) to determine the type of anemia causing your pet's symptoms.
If autoimmune anemia seems likely, your veterinarian will run further diagnostic testing to help determine the cause of the anemia. Tests may include chest and abdomen X-rays or ultrasounds, as well as further blood tests to look for parasites or toxins, and urinalysis to check kidney function.
Treatment for Autoimmune Anemia in Dogs
If your vet is unable to determine an underlying cause for your dog's anemia, or if your dog is suffering from primary or idiopathic autoimmune anemia, immunosuppressive therapy may be prescribed. This form of treatment typically includes immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids (prednisone). In more complex cases, a combination of immunosuppressive medications may be necessary to get the condition under control.
For dogs suffering from secondary autoimmune anemia, treatment will focus on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. Depending on the cause of your dog's anemia, treatment may include toxin antidotes, heartworm treatment, or antibiotics.
If your dog is suffering from a life-threatening case of autoimmune anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary to stabilize your dog's condition while other treatments take effect.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.