Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), also known as autoimmune mediated hemolytic anemia (AIMHA), 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 IMHA, 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.

IMHA 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 reactions 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 IMHA.

Your vet will generally use several methods to make a diagnosis. There is a blood test called a Coomb’s Test which can identify the antibodies coating the red blood cells. Your vet will also perform a microscopic evaluation of your dog’s blood sample to look for changes in your dog’s red blood cells that suggest IMHA. A complete blood count will also indicate that your dog is anemic.

Your dog will likely have to be hospitalized to receive supportive care including several blood transfusions. Your dog will also generally have to be put on a high dose of steroids.

Prevention depends upon the underlying cause, and, unfortunately, some causes cannot be prevented with certainty. However, putting your dog on an appropriate tick-preventative can help prevent some triggers of IMHA.

No, you cannot get IMHA directly from your dog.