Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

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An Overview of Autoimmune Disease

Simply put, an autoimmune disease occurs in dogs when one or more components of the dog's immune system becomes overactive, and the ability of the immune system to distinguish between "self" and "foreign" is lost.

That is, the immune system cannot tell whether some proteins are in fact part of the dog's body tissue or organ, or whether they are from the outside.

The result?

Instead of producing antibodies to defend the body against foreign proteins such as bacteria and viruses, the immune system starts producing antibodies to attack and destroy the body's own cells and organs.

What is Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs?

AIHA is an immune mediated disease in which the dog's immune system attacks and destroys the body's red blood cells. It's also known as "Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia" (IMHA).

According to Dr. Jean Dodds of Hemopet, this potentially life-threatening disease is being reported with increasing frequency.

In dogs, AIHA is often associated with blood marrow failure.

Causes of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

Hemolytic anemia in dogs can be primary (idiopathic - unknown cause) or secondary.

Dogs with primary AIHA have immune systems that are not working properly, and they produce antibodies that target, attack and destroy the body's own red blood cells.

Most dogs with hemolytic anemia (about 3/4 of them) have primary AIHA.

Breeds that are predisposed to primary AIHA include:

• American Cocker Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu

Secondary AIHA is caused by an underlying disease or reactions to certain toxins or drugs. For example:

• Infections (e.g. caused by leptospirosis, ehrlichia)
• Chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. IBD)
• Cancer
• Vaccines
• Toxins and chemicals (e.g. pesticides, fertilizers, flea/tick prevention meds, household cleaning products)
• Certain drugs (such as heparin, quinidine)
• Snake bites
• Bee stings

The disease or toxin basically changes the surface of the red blood cell, so that the immune system mistakenly "thinks" that the blood cells are "foreign invaders". The immune system therefore targets and launches an attack on these cells.

Once targeted, the red blood cells are destroyed by a process called hemolysis. They can be destroyed either within the blood vessels, or when they circulate through the liver or spleen.

When red blood cells are being destroyed, they release hemoglobin, which has to be broken down by the liver. As you can imagine, this puts extra burden on the organ. That's one of the reasons why dogs with AIHA are also prone to liver disease or failure.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

Different dogs show different initial symptoms, the most common ones include:

• Pale gums
• Lethargy and weakness
• Not eating
• Weight loss

As the disease progresses, the dog may show additional symptoms, such as:

• Panting
• Limping and lameness
• Bleeding gums
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes, and plasma - this occurs when red blood cells are destroyed and bilirubin levels increase)
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Peeing in the house
• Blood in urine and/or stool
• Collapsing

Health Complications Caused by AIHA in Dogs

AIHA can cause a host of other secondary health conditions.

For example, due to not having enough oxygen delivery to cells and organs, major organs such as the liver and kidneys will be adversely affected. In serious cases, it may cause organ failure.

The most common complication, however, is thromboembolic disease (i.e. A blood clot formed in a blood vessel that breaks loose and being carried to plug another vessel). This may result in complications such as respiratory difficulty, or even sudden death.

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs

If your vet suspects hemolytic anemia in your dog, he will do diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests will include:

• a complete blood count (CBC)
• a serum biochemical profile
• a urinalysis

He may also do some other tests to rule out cancer or infectious diseases.

Key laboratory abnormalities to look out for:

• Low Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Hematocrit (HCT) - These measure the relative amount of red blood cells present in the blood (Normal PCV = 40%-60%, HCT = 36%-55%). Levels lower than normal may mean anemia.
• High Bilirubin - Bilirubin is a byproduct of the hemoglobin release that occurs with red cell destruction in IMHA. An increased level may indicate AIHA or liver or gall bladder disease.
• Increased Spherocyte Count - Spherocytes are small rounded red cells typical of AIHA. An increase may indicate AIHA.
• High Reticulocyte count - Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. Normal level is 0.5 to 1%. A high reticulocyte count means not enough amount of new red blood cells are being produced. A level higher than 1% may indicate AIHA.

Conventional Treatment of AIHA in Dogs

Being diagnosed with AIHA doesn't mean the end of the world for a dog. AIHA is a treatable condition, but conventional treatment is aggressive and the dog may have to be hospitalized.

The main goals of treatment are:

• To control the destruction of red blood cells by the immune system: This is usually achieved by using immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone).

  Initially, high doses of a combination of immunosuppressive drugs may be needed to stop the immune system from further attacking the red blood cells. Once improvement is seen, the dosage can be tapered off.

• To prevent blood clot formation: This is achieved by using thromboprophylactic drugs, such as aspirin and heparin.
• To treat anemia: In serious cases, this is achieved by blood transfusion.

Additional medicines will also be given if the dog is suffering from other symptoms, such as vomiting or stomach issues.

Of course, if the dog's AIHA is caused by an underlying health condition, the vet will also have to treat that condition.

Since hemolytic anemia is a highly complex condition, treatment for each dog is slightly different depending on the dog's symptoms and condition. Working closely with a knowledgeable vet is essential!

Natural Remedies To Help Dogs with Hemolytic Anemia

Since strong medications (e.g. steroids) have to be used to treat hemolytic anemia in dogs, and since such medications come with a host of adverse side effects, you may want to use some natural remedies to help minimize the bad effects on your dog.

Liver Protection

To protect your dog's liver, use the herb Milk Thistle. Milk thistle is "the" herb for liver support. It can boost liver functions and help protect the liver from damage due to toxins and excessive drug use.

Also, cleanse your dog's liver on a regular basis. In particular, use the liver cleanse diet as described on this page.

Stomach Protection

Steroids such as prednisone can also cause stomach issues (e.g. ulcers) in dogs. To protect your dog's stomach, the following herbs are helpful:

• Licorice Root: This herb stimulates cell growth, helps protect the stomach's walls, and alleviates ulcers.

  (Dosage: 100 to 300 mg depending on the size of the dog, up to one week.)

• Slippery Elm: This herb soothes, lubricates and protects the stomach walls and digestive tract, and is ideal for treating ulcers.

  (Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon depending on the size of the dog, 3 times a day. Use the powdered form of the herb and mix it with warm water until it forms a paste.)

• Aloe vera: The juice of this herb prevents nausea and help ulcers heal faster.

  Remember to get a drinkable aloe vera juice that contains only the inside of the leaf (inner fillet). Do NOT get one that is made from "whole leaf" as the outer rind causes diarrhea.

  (Dosage: one to two teaspoons of the juice once a day can be added to the dog's drinking water.)

AIHA Dog Diet

According to Dr. Jean Dodds, meals for dogs with hemolytic anemia should be given in small portions, and should be grain-free (no corn, soy, or wheat).

In addition, a diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and protein is essential in helping the production of red blood cells.

Suitable foods include:

• Liver (iron, B-complex vitamins, protein);
• Green vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, kale, spinach (the chlorophyll in the veggies can help the body to produce healthier blood);
• Kelp (iodine and trace minerals). You can sprinkle kelp powder (I like this Life Line Pet Nutrition Organic Ocean Kelp) over your dog's food daily. (Use 1/4 to 1 teaspoon daily, depending on your dog's size.)

If your dog has no appetite, consider adding some Only Natural Pet Human Grade Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats to the food to add more flavor (and nutrients).

If your anemic dog suffers from bleeding, use Yunnan Baiyao, either topically or internally (depending on where the bleeding is). Yunnan Baiyao is a Chinese herb and it has been found to be very effective in stopping bleeding anywhere in the body.

Other Ways To Help Dogs with AIHA

Frequent Potty Breaks

One side effect of immunosuppressants (steroids such as prednisone) is increased thirst and excessive water intake. Therefore, be prepared to let your dog out for potty breaks more often.

It may be a good idea to get your dog an indoor toilet or some pee pads if you are not home during the day to let your dog out.

Stress-Free Lifestyle

Stress is one big trigger of autoimmune diseases such as AIHA.

As such, let your dog live a stress-free life as much as possible.

By this I mean, avoid using chemicals and toxins on the dog and in the environment.

For example, use natural tick/flea remedies instead of chemical ones. Also try not to use chemical pesticides and insecticides around the house.

As much as possible, minimize the use of medications (especially antibiotics) on your dog to address minor health issues. Very often, natural alternatives (e.g. natural antibiotics) can do the job in a safer way.

Also, avoid using chemical based household cleaning agents, detergents, fabric softeners, and synthetic air fresheners. Find or make natural alternatives instead.

Equally important is to pay attention to your dog's emotional health. In particular, avoid putting stress on your dog by keeping a relatively regular and stable daily routine. Avoid boarding your dog at a kennel if at all possible.

Avoid Over-Vaccination

Although there is no "hard evidence" connecting vaccinations with AIHA in dogs directly, many holistic vets are of the opinion that over-vaccination is one big factor in autoimmune diseases such as hemolytic anemia.

Some vets now suggest that future vaccination should be avoided if a dog is diagnosed with hemolytic anemia. At the very least, do a titer test first before considering any booster shots.

References
VAC Hospitals Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs
Dr. Jean Dodds Pet Health Resource

Also read more about Canine Anemia in general.

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