Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and pure red cell aplasia in a Jack Russell Terrier during treatment for hypoadrenocorticism.
- Journal:
- Veterinary clinical pathology
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Yokota, Shunya & Yuki, Masashi
- Affiliation:
- Yuki Animal Hospital · Japan
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 11-year-old neutered male Jack Russell Terrier was taken to the vet because he had low red blood cell levels while being treated for a condition called hypoadrenocorticism, which affects hormone production. Tests showed that his body was destroying his own red blood cells, leading to a diagnosis of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Despite treatment with medications to suppress his immune system, his condition worsened, and he developed a different issue called pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), where his bone marrow wasn't making enough red blood cells. Unfortunately, the dog passed away due to a blood clot, and this case is notable because it’s the first time PRCA has been reported following IMHA during treatment for hypoadrenocorticism.
Abstract
An 11-year-old neutered male Jack Russell Terrier was presented to Yuki Animal Hospital for regenerative anemia during the treatment of hypoadrenocorticism. A blood smear examination showed spherocytes, polychromatic erythrocytes, and erythrocyte ghosts. The direct agglutination test was positive at 37°C. The dog was then diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Although prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil were administered, the hematocrit and reticulocyte count decreased, and nonregenerative anemia developed. A bone marrow examination was performed to diagnose the cause of the nonregenerative anemia. Histologic and cytologic bone marrow examination revealed a normocellular to hypercellular medulla with severe erythroid hypoplasia. No proliferation of lymphocytes or lymphoblast-appearing cells was observed. This dog was diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Despite treatment with immunosuppressive agents, the patient died of thrombosis. Although these associations were unclear, this is the first report of PRCA diagnosis following IMHA and while treating hypoadrenocorticism.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38433116/