Breed predispositions, clinical findings, and prognostic factors for death in dogs with nonregenerative immune‐mediated anemia

BACKGROUND: Breed predispositions, survival, and prognostic factors have not been evaluated in dogs with nonregenerative immune‐mediated anemia (nrIMA). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinicopathologic variables, evaluate their associations with survival, and determine breed predispositions for dogs with nrIMA. ANIMALS: Fifty‐nine client‐owned dogs with nrIMA. METHODS: Referral hospital records were reviewed retrospectively for dogs with primary nrIMA (PCV ≤30%, corrected reticulocyte percentage (CR%) ≤1.0, bone marrow sampling with evidence of immune‐mediated destruction, and underlying causes excluded). Breed predispositions were evaluated by calculation of odds ratios in a case control study; prognostic factors by logistic regression in a cohort study. RESULTS: Fifty‐nine dogs with nrIMA had a median PCV of 12% (interquartile range [IQR]: 10%‐17%) and CR% 0.1 (0%‐0.2%). At least ≥1 ACVIM IMHA diagnostic criteria were met by 35 dogs (59%). Whippets, Lurchers, and miniature Dachshunds were predisposed to nrIMA. Median survival time was 277 days (IQR: 37‐1925), with 3‐ and 12‐month survival rates 61% and 43%, respectively. Erythroid regeneration and remission were achieved by 88% and 62% of dogs, respectively. Corrected reticulocyte percentage >0.2 was associated with improved survival. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although there is overlap of clinical features between dogs with IMHA and nrIMA, the prognosis for those with nrIMA depends predominantly on the severity of reticulocytopenia.