Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia: Possible association with Ancylostoma caninum infection in three dogs

Abstract

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) may be primary or secondary. In primary IMHA, no underlying cause can be found, whereas secondary IMHA is triggered by an underlying cause, such as neoplasia, infectious diseases, or drugs. This paper describes 3 dogs with typical signs of IMHA that was possibly associated with the intestinal parasite Ancylostoma caninum. As intestinal helminths can be difficult to diagnose on faecal examination, it would be pertinent to perform multiple faecal examinations on any animal that has IMHA with no apparent underlying cause, as part of the therapy.