Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Breed risks and survival factors in dogs with immune anemia
By Woolhead, Vanessa L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2021·Eastcott Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Breed predispositions, clinical findings, and prognostic factors for death in dogs with nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 59 dogs with nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia (nrIMA) were studied to understand their symptoms and survival rates. Breeds like Whippets, Lurchers, and miniature Dachshunds were found to be more likely to develop this condition. The dogs had a very low red blood cell count, and about 88% of them showed some improvement in their blood cell production after treatment. The study found that dogs with a higher corrected reticulocyte percentage (a measure of red blood cell production) had better chances of survival. Overall, many dogs responded well to treatment, with a median survival time of about 277 days.
People also search for: dog anemia symptoms · immune-mediated anemia treatment in dogs · Whippet health issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breed predispositions, survival, and prognostic factors have not been evaluated in dogs with nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia (nrIMA). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinicopathologic variables, evaluate their associations with survival, and determine breed predispositions for dogs with nrIMA. ANIMALS: Fifty-nine client-owned dogs with nrIMA. METHODS: Referral hospital records were reviewed retrospectively for dogs with primary nrIMA (PCV ≤30%, corrected reticulocyte percentage (CR%) ≤1.0, bone marrow sampling with evidence of immune-mediated destruction, and underlying causes excluded). Breed predispositions were evaluated by calculation of odds ratios in a case control study; prognostic factors by logistic regression in a cohort study. RESULTS: Fifty-nine dogs with nrIMA had a median PCV of 12% (interquartile range [IQR]: 10%-17%) and CR% 0.1 (0%-0.2%). At least ≥1 ACVIM IMHA diagnostic criteria were met by 35 dogs (59%). Whippets, Lurchers, and miniature Dachshunds were predisposed to nrIMA. Median survival time was 277 days (IQR: 37-1925), with 3- and 12-month survival rates 61% and 43%, respectively. Erythroid regeneration and remission were achieved by 88% and 62% of dogs, respectively. Corrected reticulocyte percentage >0.2 was associated with improved survival. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although there is overlap of clinical features between dogs with IMHA and nrIMA, the prognosis for those with nrIMA depends predominantly on the severity of reticulocytopenia.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617109/