Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

Canine hemolytic anemia is a fairly common disease seen in clinical practice, and generally has a good prognosis, but it can lead to really serious health problems if not treated. When this type of anemia occurs, red blood cells are destroyed prematurely (hemolysis), resulting in too few functional red blood cells.

So you can recognize the signs of hemolytic anemia in a dog, at Soyunperro we'll detail some of the most common symptoms and finish this article by covering the main existing treatment options.

Types and Causes of Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

Hemolytic anemia can be classified into two broad groups depending on its origin:

1. Primary: when the drop in red blood cells is due to an autoimmune reaction, known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). In this condition, the body generates antibodies against its own red blood cells, identifying them as foreign cells.
2. Secondary: when red blood cell destruction is due to other causes, such as viral infection (parvovirus), bacteria (Mycoplasma spp.), parasites (Babesia canis, Leishmania infantum), neoplasms, or an iatrogenic reaction due to the adverse effect of certain drugs.

The factors that can be behind hemolytic anemia in dogs vary. One of the main causes is defective hemoglobin in red blood cells, a blood component essential for life, whose main function is transporting oxygen in the blood.

In short, knowing the underlying cause of the anemia is essential for treatment to be effective. Each type of hemolytic anemia in dogs has a different cause and, therefore, requires a different treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Canine Hemolytic Anemia?

The main clinical signs that can make us suspect our dog has hemolytic anemia are the following:

• Fatigue and weakness. The dog tires out from mild exertion
• Hematuria (blood in the urine).
• Tachypnea (rapid breathing). This is usually one of the first symptoms to appear.
• Fever
• Seizures

Other associated signs include decreased folate levels or splenomegaly, enlargement of the spleen, the organ that helps control the amount of blood in the body and is responsible for destroying old or damaged red blood cells. Most of these symptoms, however, show up once the disease is already advanced.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia can affect any type of dog, although it occurs more often in females between 2-8 years old, with the American Cocker Spaniel, Collie, English Springer Spaniel, and Poodle being the breeds most prone to this condition.

To confirm whether our dog has it, we'll need to take it to the vet so they can run diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and bloodwork. This way, they can determine what treatment options are available.

Recommended treatment depends on how severe each case is and the type of hemolytic anemia. In cases diagnosed as IMHA, giving immunosuppressive medications is indicated, such as corticosteroids like prednisone or dexamethasone, or cyclophosphamide.

In cases where the anemia is more advanced, a blood transfusion may be needed. This treatment is only recommended in emergencies, for the most severe patients, since in some dogs it can cause rejection and worsen their condition.

Sometimes the dog may also need extra fluids (fluid therapy) to prevent dehydration. If the hemolytic anemia is secondary to an infection, such as infectious mononucleosis or canine pneumonia, the appropriate treatment needs to be given to fight it if we want the dog's health to improve.

When hemolytic anemia has arisen as an adverse reaction to a drug, our canine friend may need a stomach flush or medication to counteract the toxin's effects.

Care for a Dog With Hemolytic Anemia

Every dog with hemolytic anemia will need a lot of attention. That's why, while it's recovering, it's important for it to stay calm and not engage in excessive physical activity. Keep in mind it's convalescing and, as happens with sick people, what it needs is rest and a special diet.

Finally, don't forget to give it the medication the vet indicates and bring it to every necessary check-up, since hemolytic anemia is a serious disease. At times like these is when your furry friend needs you most… and you can't let it down.

References consulted: Laporta Pastor M, Ortiz Martínez D, Segura Cardona LI. Anemia Hemolítica Inmunomediada. Caso Clínico. Clínica Veterinaria de Pequeños Animales (Avepa). 1996;16(4):206-210.