ASSESSMENT OF HEMOSTATIC DISORDERS AND DIFFERENT CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PROGNOSTIC MARKERS IN DOGS WITH IMMUNE-MEDIATED HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

Abstract

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is the most common cause of hemolytic anemia and the most prevalent immune-mediated disease in dogs, which is classified in primary or secondary. IMHA has been associated with hypercoagulability state and pulmonary thromboembolism has been referred as the most frequent cause of death. The prognosis of IMHA is reserved in most cases. Laboratory abnormalities including non regenerative anemia, marked thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis, auto-agglutination, icterus, hyperbilirrubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hemostatic abnormalities and intravascular hemolysis, associated with thromboembolism, the major complication, leads a poor prognosis. Icteric dogs presenting auto-agglutination are prone to develop thromboembolism, especially pulmonary, with higher risk of death. The erythrocytes stroma release due to hemolysis may be the trigger of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The high frequency of hemostatic abnormalities supports the importance of an early, effective and more accurate diagnosis, along with a preventive strategy and treatment.