Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
IMHA is a condition in which the immune system destroys the dog’s own red blood cells. The result is severe anemia that can be fatal. As a result, potential symptoms include: loss of appetite weakness panting listlessness dark urine pale gums lethargy What causes IMHA? Sometimes, IMHA can be triggered by immune response to a real problem that gets out…
IMHA is an auto-immune reaction that results in severe anemia because the immune system destroys your dog’s red blood cells. The survival rate is low—a dog needs quick and aggressive treatment to make it. Most of the time, you might never find out what caused it. Certain conditions can trigger the reaction, such as an infection, cancer, or drug reaction.…
What makes immune-mediated diseases so horrible is that the immune system, which should protect your dog from disease, turns on them. Thank you to Alison Kaylor for sharing Annie’s Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia story. Annie’s story My little Maltipoo of 11 years and 11 months, Annie (Snanniebug) was my biggest joy. She was a healthy little pup, had a great appetite…
Pale, gray or white mucous membranes can be a sign of anemia, shock, blood loss or, severe dehydration, and more. In other words, if your dog’s gums are pale, they are in big trouble and could die. Pale gums are always an emergency and your dog needs medical help immediately. Thank you, Dr. Krista, for sharing Bailey’s story. Bailey’s story…
The prognosis for dogs suffering with IMHA is mixed; the mortality rate ranges from 30% to 70% within the first couple of months after diagnosis. The most common IMHA complication that leads to death is a blood clot within vital organs such as the lungs. Thank you, Jenny MacKay, for sharing Pete’s story. Pete’s story It was the evening of…