Experience of Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Hello all

During an eventful holiday this week I discovered that my 2 year old Whippet has a condition called Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) where her immune system is destroying her red blood cells. After an emergency blood transfusion and subsequent treatment to prevent heart failure our gorgeous little miracle pulled through the worst of the condition and is slowly starting to improve. She remains in a severe condition and we are now preparing ourselves for managing the condition for the rest of her life.

Wondering if anyone on this forum has any experience on this condition as it is quite rare and I cant really find any real life experiences anywhere. Would be grateful if anyone could pass on any advice particularly what changes to expect to our life with our little girl, going forward.

Thank you in advance.

Chris

BTW, this is the amazing charity who provide the blood donation service that saved our girl's life: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org and this is the very determined vets practice that identified the problem and carried out the transfusion and ongoing critical care (they have the full story on their Facebook page): http://www.fishguardvets.co.uk

Rosie would not be here now without them all

Sorry, i have no idea -
but wanted to say i'm sorry to hear of Ur troubles, & hope Rosie recovers.   Apparently it can be secondary [caused by any of a number of things] or primary.

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/immune-mediated-hemolytic-anemia-dogs-imha

 - terry

Thanks Terry, that's useful info. Lab report doesn't specify which type it is so I'll ask Rosie's usual vet how we find that out.

Having had a Whippet with Addisons Disease, another immune mediated condition, I really sympathise with you. Her treatment and management took over our lives. Stress is not good for dogs with Addisons. Not sure about your dog's condition?

Have you told the breeder? It turned out that my dog's dam went down with another immune mediated (skin) condition soon after my dog was diagnosed. The breeder was very supportive and let the stud dog owner know too (just in case).

I used to work in a Vet's and can tell you that your vet will be really focused on treating your dog. They see so many V&D and boosters and nail clips that, sad though it is for the client and their dog, a case that challenges them really fires them up

Are you insured? 

Yes, I think you need to inform Rosie's breeder as any family history of immune conditions really does need noting down and may affect breeding from both parents in future if any other similar conditions arise in close relations.  I wouldn't imagine that a condition this severe would be happening repeatedly, but any other immune conditions could show a tendency which should be excluded from future generations.

I'm afraid I have no fabulous advice for you either as this isn't a condition I've encountered personally, but I did want to congratulate you and your vet on getting Rosie through the acute phase of the disease that she has managed to come through. I hope that she continues to be well, happy and loved