Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
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Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an immunohematologic disorder in which antibodies are produced against the body's red blood cells (RBC). It is one of the oldest recognized immune-mediated diseases of both humans and dogs, and has also been recognized in the cat, horse, mouse, pig and guinea pig. There has been a significant increase in the number of dogs recognized to have AIHA. Since 1979, hematologic reference laboratories have noted a two to three fold increase in the number of cases of canine immune mediated diseases. Whether this is due to a true increase in the prevelence of the disease or an increased awareness among veterinarians is questioned. However, research has shown that the current increase reflects a true increase in the frequency of the disease.