Is there a cure for AIHA?
The treatment of AIHA is still not evidence-based. The first-line therapy for warm AIHA are corticosteroids, which are effective in 70–85% of patients and should be slowly tapered over a time period of 6–12 months.
What are the symptoms of hemolytic anemia?
What are the symptoms of hemolytic anemia?
- Abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin.
- Yellowish skin, eyes, and mouth (jaundice)
- Dark-colored urine.
- Fever.
- Weakness.
- Dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Can’t handle physical activity.
What kind of Medicine DO I give my Cat for AIHA?
In some cases of idiopathic AIHA, the cat will respond rapidly to treatment with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids (typically prednisolone). In other cases, the patient may require a combination of immunosuppressive medications, such as azathioprine and cyclosporine, to try to get the condition under control.
How does AIHA affect the immune system in cats?
Primary AIHA is uncommon in cats. With secondary AIHA, the surface of the red blood cells becomes altered by an underlying disease process or a toxin. The cat’s immune system then recognizes the altered red blood cells as ‘foreign’ invaders that must be destroyed.
What kind of IMHA does a cat have?
There are two forms of IMHA: primary (or idiopathic), and secondary IMHA. With primary IMHA, your cat’s immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack its own red blood cells. This condition is fairly uncommon in cats.
What to do if your cat has secondary IMHA?
If your cat has been diagnosed with secondary IMHA, the underlying condition will also need to be treated. For example, if an infection or parasite is causing the IMHA, the vet will administer antibiotics or medication to eliminate the parasites from your cat’s system.
In some cases of idiopathic AIHA, the cat will respond rapidly to treatment with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids (typically prednisolone). In other cases, the patient may require a combination of immunosuppressive medications, such as azathioprine and cyclosporine, to try to get the condition under control.
Primary AIHA is uncommon in cats. With secondary AIHA, the surface of the red blood cells becomes altered by an underlying disease process or a toxin. The cat’s immune system then recognizes the altered red blood cells as ‘foreign’ invaders that must be destroyed.
There are two forms of IMHA: primary (or idiopathic), and secondary IMHA. With primary IMHA, your cat’s immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack its own red blood cells. This condition is fairly uncommon in cats.
If your cat has been diagnosed with secondary IMHA, the underlying condition will also need to be treated. For example, if an infection or parasite is causing the IMHA, the vet will administer antibiotics or medication to eliminate the parasites from your cat’s system.