What is Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)?
An autoimmune disease is the result of the dog’s own immune system turning against the body. The term ‘hemolytic’ is used for diseases that destroy the red blood cells. As a result of the red blood cell destruction, the dog will develop anemia. In a dog suffering from autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), antibodies will stick to the red blood cells. This will cause the dog’s immune system to believe that the red blood cells are dangerous invaders, and it will destroy the red blood cells just like they would destroy a virus. The exact reason behind this error varies depending on the cause of AIHA, but it is often the result of a drug, toxin or parasite sticking to the surface of the red blood cells.
