[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: AIHA...help
- From: MORGAN LEWIS <shadowland22000@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: edwinx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, freelist <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2007 14:37:45 -0800 (PST)
Seems like this is the most common type of auto immune disease, but not
usually in GSD, Morgan
Canine Hemolytic Anemia Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs © Elaine
Moore
Jun 18, 2007
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is one of the most common of the autoimmune
disorders known to affect our canine friends; causes include bee stings,
infections, and vaccines. Canines, like their human companions, are
predisposed to developing many different autoimmune conditions. One of the most
common autoimmune disorders to affect dogs is autoimmune hemolytic anemia
(AIHA), which is also known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). AIHA
can occur as a primary condition or a secondary condition related to other
autoimmune disorders or malignancies. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is
characterized by the development of autoantibodies that destroy red blood cells.
Breeds Affected Females of all breeds, even when they are spayed, have a
higher risk for AIHA than males. Although all breeds can be affected, certain
breeds have a genetic predisposition for developing AIHA due to changes in
their immune system regulation, a deficiency of pyruvate kinase enzymes, or
abnormalities in their red blood cell morphology. Breeds at higher risk for
AIHA include:
Old English Sheepdogs
American Cocker Spaniels
Poodles
Lhasa Apsos
Daschunds
English Springer Spaniels
American Springer Spaniels
Alaskan malamutes
Beagle breeds
Basenjis
West Highland White Terriers
Shih Tzus
Symptoms and Disease Course Symptoms of canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia
vary in severity (from very mild to fatal) depending on the titer of red blood
cell autoantibodies and the dog?s general health. Fatality is most likely to
occur when there is severe and rapid red blood cell destruction or liver
involvement. However, fatality can also result from secondary complications.
These complications include the release of coagulants from dying red blood
cells. These coagulants, in turn, can cause the formation of blood clots that
lodge in the heart or lungs. In addition, fragments of red blood cells or
complexes of red blood cells and autoantibodies can lodge into the kidneys and
interfere with renal function. Symptoms of canine AIHA include:
Anemia, with low red blood cell count, hemoglobin and/or hematocrit
Fever
Depression
Weakness
Fatigue
Pallor of the mucus membranes
Hematuria (presence of blood in the urine)
Enlarged Spleen
Seizures
Peripheral neuropathy
Clinical Signs Used for Diagnosis
Nonregenerative anemia
Spherocytosis seen on blood smear
Positive direct Coombs test
Known and Suspected Causes As in humans, AIHA in canines occurs as a result
of genetic and environmental factors. Dogs who are genetically predisposed
develop AIHA when they?re exposed to certain environmental triggers. There have
been several reports of canine AIHA caused by bee stings due to the
constituents present in bee venom, especially melittin, histamines,
hyaluronidase, hemolysins and phopholipase A. Other causes of AIHA include
infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, and parasites), zinc toxicity from the
ingestion of pennies, vaccinations, and certain medications, including
antibiotics and analgesics.
Canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia may also occur as a feature in canines
with various neoplasms, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and various
tumors. In addition, canine AIHA can occur in dogs with other autoimmune
disorders, especially systemic lupus erythematosus and canine hypothyroidism.
Treatment Treatment consists of corticosteroids such as prednisone and
prednisolone as well as other immunosuppressant medications such as
cyclophosphamide. Most canines respond well to a course of treatment lasting
several months. In cases of relapse, a longer course of medication may be
required. Other therapies for more severe cases include blood transfusions,
splenectomy, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
Resources Pamela Davol, Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, 1998, accessed
November 21, 2006.
S Noble and P Armstrong, Bee sting envenomation resulting in secondary
immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in two dogs, Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association, Apr 199; 214(7): 1026-1027.
J Wysoke, P Bland van-denBerg, and C Marshall, Bee sting-induced haemolysis,
spherocytosis and neural dysfunction in three dogs, J S Afr Vet Assoc, March
1990: 29-32.
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Edwin Hill <edwinx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Has anyone in lister land heard of
"Auto Immune
Hemolitic Anemia"???....my vet, who is very good and
used by many in the San Francisco Bay Area, claims
it's a condition where the body destroys the red blood
cells...my bitch's count was 17, her temp. was 104,
and she was extremely lethargic, my vet discribed her
as critical!, she is as I speak recieveing blood
transfusions....what causes this AIHA?...any of many
spontaneous events...( translation= she doesn't
know)..if you have some info about this please let me
know...life is STILL good!.....Ed
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POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original
author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind
are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the
Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY
MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY
FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE
PROSECUTED.
For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org
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