Question: What Does AIHA stand for, and What Should I Know About This Disease?
AIHA is an immune-mediated disease, one in which the body's own immune system is hurting, not helping, the body. Learn about this immune-related disease in this FAQ.
Answer: AIHA, or Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia, is a disease where the body's own immune system fails to recognize red blood cells as "self" and begins destroying these cells as if they are foreign invaders.
There are four types of this disease; peracute (24-48 hours), acute (a few days), chronic (weeks or months) and pure red cell aplasia (a variant of this disease). The most common form is the acute form. This disease is more commonly seen in female animals, and Cocker Spaniels are a common breed for this disease.
Clinical signs seen are lethargy, anorexia (loss of appetite), pale membranes (gums), sometimes icterus (yellowing of gums and whites of eyes). A fever may also be present, as the immune system is working overtime. Your veterinarian may note that your pet's spleen is enlarged upon examination.
The exact cause if this disorder is unknown. There are several possible causes, including but not limited to: cancer, infections, drugs, vaccinations and possibly rickettsial infections (intracellular pathogens, often transmitted by ticks).
Diagnosis is by clinical signs and a Coombs Test.
Most animals respond well to medical therapy with glucocorticoid therapy, such as prednisone. If that is not effective, stronger chemotherapy drugs can be used to halt and control the body's immune system from destroying more red blood cells.
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