Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) develops when an animal's immune system starts attacking its own red blood cells. This is a fairly common disease in many species of animals, and can be life-threatening. Because it can result in severe disease, it is important to diagnose it accurately and quickly begin treatment.

Until now, the available diagnostic test for IMHA was the Coomb's test which was not very accurate in dogs; many dogs with the disease had a negative test result. Recently, the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine developed a new test which will accurately identify those dogs with the disease. The test is not available commercially; blood samples taken from a dog suspected of having IMHA must be sent to the University's special laboratory to be tested.

Comments from our Veterinary Staff:

The availability of this new, accurate test, will greatly aid in the diagnosis of this disease which can be confused with anemias resulting from ehrlichiosis, infections with parasites such as Haemobartonella, and Babesia, and certain drugs and toxins.