Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
(IMHA), is a complex disease in which hemolysis occurs because
of antierythrocyte antibody production. This article explores
the pathophysiology of primary and secondary IMHA and diagnostic
and treatment options, as well as prognosis in dogs and cats.
Our review of the recent literature regarding IMHA in veterinary
patients reveals a focus on individual cases and a lack of
controlled clinical studies, which makes a detailed review of
IMHA triggers and treatment options difficult. HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA
VS. IMHA Many causes of anemia exist in dogs and cats, so a
clear distinction should be drawn between hemolytic anemia and
IMHA. Hemolytic anemias are conditions in which red blood cells
(RBCs) are destroyed at an accelerated rate and a normal
regenerative response is seen in the bone marrow. In these non-
immune-mediated conditions, RBCs can be destroyed as a result of
inherited membrane and enzyme defects, increased fragility from
oxidative damage, or