title: Idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs: 42 cases (1986-1990)
abstract: Forty-two cases of Coombs' positive or agglutinating immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs were reviewed. Dogs ranged in age from 1 to 13 years, with a mean age of 6.4 +/- 3.4 years. The majority of dogs (74%) tested positive for IgG antibodies without complement. Spherocytosis was seen in 67% of the dogs, but hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria were found in only 10%. Marked bilirubinuria was found in all the dogs. A significant seasonal incidence was observed, with 40% of all cases diagnosed during the months of May and June. Severe anemia, with PCV < or = 20% was observed in 37 dogs (88%). Sixteen dogs (38%) had moderate to severe reticulocytosis and 12 dogs (29%) had mild reticulocytosis. Thus, the absence of reticulocytosis should not be used to rule out a diagnosis of IMHA. Concomitant mild to severe thrombocytopenia was observed in 28 dogs (67%). A mortality of 29% was observed during hospitalization. Risk of death was significantly increased in dogs without marked reticulocytosis, those with lower PCV, and dogs with serum bilirubin concentrations > or = 10 mg/dl. In severe cases of IMHA, rapid and aggressive supportive therapy is required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Klag
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Giger
authors.forename: F S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Shofer
mesh_terms: D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D001947:Breeding; D003298:Coombs Test; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D001663:Bilirubin