hemolytic anemia

What is hemolytic anemia?

Hemolytic anemia is a form of anemia caused by an increased breakdown of red blood cells (erythrocytes). This breakdown can take place either in the vascular system or in the spleen. The spleen is an organ responsible for filtering and breaking down old or damaged blood cells.

If the red blood cells are broken down faster than they can be replenished, there is a shortage of these cells in the blood. This leads to a reduced oxygen supply to the organs and tissues, which has a negative impact on your dog's health and well-being.

What are the causes of hemolytic anemia?

There are several factors that can lead to hemolytic anemia in dogs. The most common are:

• Heredity: some dogs may have an increased susceptibility to hemolytic anemia due to genetics. This mainly affects certain breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel or the Irish Setter. These dogs may have a malformation or instability of the red blood cells, which makes them more susceptible to breakdown.
• Autoimmune diseases: In some dogs, the immune system can be misdirected and recognize their own red blood cells as foreign and attack them. This leads to a condition known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), which is one of the most common causes of anemia in dogs. The reasons for this autoimmune reaction are not always clear, but they may be related to infections, vaccinations, medications or tumors.
• Infections: Certain infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or parasites can also cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. These include, for example, leptospires, parvoviruses or babesia. These pathogens can either directly damage the red blood cells or stimulate the immune system to destroy them.
• Poisoning: Some substances such as onions, garlic, zinc or copper can be toxic to the red blood cells and cause them to burst. This leads to so-called intravascular haemolysis, in which the red blood cells in the bloodstream disintegrate.
• Trauma: Serious injuries or operations can also lead to severe blood loss and thus to anemia. However, this is rarely the case.

What are the symptoms of hemolytic anemia?

The symptoms of hemolytic anemia in dogs can vary depending on the severity and cause. The typical signs are

• Paleness: your dog's mucous membranes such as the gums, eyelids or ears may look pale or yellowish. This is because the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is responsible for the red color and when it is missing, the paleness becomes visible.
• Weakness: Your dog may appear lethargic, tired and listless. He may also have less appetite and lose weight. This is because he is not getting enough oxygen to maintain his energy levels.
• Shortness of breath: Your dog may breathe faster or harder than normal. He may also pant or cough. This is because he is trying to take in more oxygen to make up for his lack.
• Palpitations: Your dog may have an increased heartbeat or pulse. It may also beat irregularly or weakly. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body.
• Enlarged spleen: Your dog's spleen may swell or harden. This is because it is breaking down or storing more red blood cells than normal.
• Jaundice: Your dog's skin or coat may look yellowish. This is because bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, accumulates in the body and is not excreted.
• Dark urine: Your dog's urine may look dark yellow or brown. This is because the hemoglobin or bilirubin is excreted in the urine.
• Fever: Your dog may have an elevated body temperature. This is because he has an infection or inflammation that is causing or worsening his anemia.

How is hemolytic anemia diagnosed?

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from hemolytic anemia, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will perform a thorough examination and order various tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause. The most important tests are:

• Blood count: This test measures the number and proportion of different blood cells in your dog's blood. It indicates whether your dog has anemia and how severe it is. It also indicates whether it is a regenerative or non-regenerative anemia. A regenerative anemia means that the bone marrow is still able to produce new red blood cells, while a non-regenerative anemia means that this is not the case.
• Blood smear: This test examines the shape and size of red blood cells under a microscope. It indicates whether there are any abnormalities or damage to the cells that may indicate hemolytic anemia.
• Reticulocyte count: This test measures the number of young red blood cells in your dog's blood. It indicates how well the bone marrow is responding to the anemia and producing new cells.
• Coombs test: This test checks whether there are antibodies in your dog's blood that are directed against his own red blood cells. It indicates whether it is an immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
• Bilirubin level: This test measures the level of bilirubin in your dog's blood. It shows how much red blood cells are being broken down and whether jaundice is occurring.
• Urinalysis: This test examines your dog's urine for color, odor, density and other parameters. It shows whether there is hemoglobin or bilirubin in the urine and whether there is an infection or kidney disease.

Depending on the suspicion, the vet may also carry out further tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound examinations or tissue samples.

Treatment of hemolytic anemia in dogs

The treatment of hemolytic anemia in dogs depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause. The aim is to stop or slow down the breakdown of red blood cells, encourage the production of new red blood cells and relieve symptoms.

Possible treatment methods include

• A blood transfusion if the dog has suffered severe blood loss or has a very low hematocrit. This involves transfusing the dog with donated blood from another dog to improve oxygen transport.
• Medication to combat the cause of the hemolytic anemia or to suppress the immune system. This may include antibiotics, dewormers, antiparasitics, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
• An operation to remove the spleen if it is responsible for the breakdown of red blood cells or has a tumor. The spleen is an organ that filters and breaks down old or damaged blood cells.
• Folic acid treatment to support the formation of new red blood cells. Folic acid is a vitamin that is important for cell division.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy to prevent antibodies from binding to the red blood cells. Immunoglobulins are proteins that regulate the immune system.

Treatment of hemolytic anemia in dogs can be lengthy and costly. It can also lead to side effects or complications. It is therefore important that you take your dog to the vet regularly to check his blood values and adjust the therapy.

Prevention of hemolytic anemia in dogs

Hemolytic anemia in dogs cannot always be prevented, as it often has a genetic or immunological cause. However, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk or detect the condition early. These include:

• Regular deworming and parasite control for your dog
• A healthy and balanced diet for your dog
• Avoiding potentially toxic substances for your dog, such as onions, garlic, chocolate or rat poison
• Vaccinating your dog against infectious diseases that can cause hemolytic anemia
• A regular check-up at the vet, especially as your dog gets older or has a pre-existing condition