These medications suppress the immune system, allowing the rbcs to escape destruction. Improvement usually occurs within 1 to 3 days, if the dog is going to respond. Dogs with this symptom may benefit from very aggressive treatment with anticoagulants and cyclophosphamide, a potent immune system inhibitor. Blood transfusions can be used in dogs with IMHA if necessary but they can make the condition worse so most vets reserve this approach for dogs that appear to be in imminent danger of dying due to severe anemia. It is necessary to treat most dogs for a fairly long time to prevent recurrence of the disease and some dogs seem to require lifelong use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants.
Splenectomy is done in resistant cases since it is a major site of red blood cell destruction.
Inc. Opinions expressed are those of Dr. Richards. 1997- TierCom, Inc.