Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia in dogs: 12 cases (2001-2008).
OBJECTIVE
To identify and characterize the syndrome of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) with concurrent severe thrombocytopenia (<or=15.0 x 10(9) platelets/L; [15.0 x 10(3) platelets/microL]), and to evaluate prognostic factors, clinicopathologic findings, complications, treatment, outcome, and survival of dogs with this hematologic disorder.


METHODS
Retrospective, observational study.


METHODS
Veterinary teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twelve client-owned dogs with IMHA and severe thrombocytopenia (<or=15.0 x 10(9) platelets/L; [15.0 x 10(3) platelets/microL]), without evidence of overt disseminated intravascular coagulation.


METHODS
The following data were recorded and analyzed from the electronic medical record: signalment, history, concurrent diseases, clinical signs at presentation, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic testing, radiographic findings, treatment modalities, length of hospitalization, complications, and clinical outcome. All dogs were treated with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.


RESULTS
Twelve dogs were identified with the diagnosis of IMHA and severe thrombocytopenia; of these, 9 (75%) survived, 3 (25%) were euthanized, and none died. Dogs that survived were significantly younger than nonsurvivors (P=0.03). There were no specific clinical signs or therapies associated with survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Dogs in this study had a mortality rate similar to reported rates for dogs with either disease alone. Overall, younger dogs were more likely to survive. No association between different treatment modalities and overall survival was identified.
Orcutt
Elizabeth S
ES
Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine, C339 Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108-6192, USA. orcut015@umn.edu
Lee
Justine A
JA
Bianco
Domenico
D
D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015738:Famotidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013392:Sucralfate; D015738:Famotidine; D000667:Ampicillin; D004318:Doxycycline