Immune mediated hemalytic anemia (IMHA/ AIHA)

Question 1

What may IMHA be associated with?

Answer 1

Bacterial Infections
Corticosteroids
Ingestion of toxins (red maple)

Question 2

What can cause IMHA?

Answer 2

Bacterial Infections
Age (more middle aged)
Breed ( more cocker span, mini snousters)
Sex (more f)
Spayed/ Unspayed ( Unsoayed higher)
Entire/ neutered (Entire higher)
Time of yeaar (more so in may/ june by 50%)

Question 3

What symptoms are seen with IMHA?

Answer 3

• RBC lysis
• Lethagy
• Anaemia
• Icterus
• Increased HR
• Enlarged spleen
• Increased resp. rate
• Hypoxia

Question 4

How do you diagnose IMHA?

Answer 4

• Visual symptoms
• Haematology- rations, CBC, morphology
• Look for responsive anaemia
• WBC counts

Question 5

How do you treat IMHA?

Answer 5

• Corticosteroids (or stronger immune modulators e.g cyclosporine)
• Blood transfusion

Question 6

What differential diagnosis are there with IMHA?

Answer 6

Liver failure and anaemia due to other causes e.g. ingestion of toxins (dog- chocolate, raisins etc, cat- spot ons, plants)