what is imha in dogs

IMHA stands for Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, which is a serious and life-threatening condition that affects both dogs and cats. It is a disease where the bodys immune system destroys its own red blood cells, leading to severe anemia and poor oxygen delivery to multiple organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain. IMHA can either be primary (no identifiable cause) or secondary (triggered by infectious organisms, tumours, and even drugs) . The cause of primary IMHA is unknown, and approximately 75% of dogs with IMHA will have primary IMHA. The symptoms of IMHA in dogs include collapse, weakness, increased breathing rate, yellow or pale gums, red or black urine, fever, poor appetite, vomiting, and listlessness. The diagnosis of IMHA in dogs and cats can often be made based on the clinical signs, blood tests, and examination of a blood smear. Treatment for IMHA involves hospitalization and aggressive therapy, including immunosuppressive therapy with high-dose steroids such as prednisone, long-term immunosuppressive medications such as mycophenolate, cyclosporine, and azathioprine, and anticoagulant therapy with clopidogrel (plavix) . The prognosis for IMHA in dogs and cats is very variable and depends on the severity of the disease and the presence of an underlying cause.