Autoimmune mediated hemolytic anemia (AIMHA), also known as immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), is a condition in which your dog’s immune system actually destroys its own red blood cells. Red blood cells perform the vital task of carrying essential oxygen necessary for tissue survival. Specifically, with AIMHA, your dog’s immune system will mark its red blood cells with proteins called antibodies. These antibodies signal the body to remove the red blood cells from circulation and send them to the liver for recycling.

AIMHA can be life-threatening.

Your dog will be weak, have little or no appetite and perhaps have a fever. Your dog will pass dark orange or brown urine. Your dog’s gums, skin and the whites of the eyes will be pale or yellow.

The disease can be triggered by numerous primary causes. Some of these underlying causes include reaction to certain medications or vaccines, insect bites, cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, red blood cell parasites such as babesiosis and bartonellosis, and diseases transmitted by ticks such as ehrlichiosis.

Certain breeds such as Irish Setters, Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles are predisposed to getting AIMHA.