Archive Case #57: Canine Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia

Clinical Clues

1. A dog is presented for sudden lethargy, weakness, and pale gums.
2. The owner has also noticed dark urine and reduced exercise tolerance.
3. On examination the mucous membranes are pale with a yellow tinge.
4. Haematology reveals a regenerative anaemia.
5. Blood smear evaluation shows spherocytes and an agglutination test is positive.
6. Canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia can cause acute anaemia, icterus, and haemoglobinuria.

Diagnosis

Canine Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia

This case is most consistent with Canine Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia because the dog has regenerative anaemia with icterus and evidence of immune-mediated red cell destruction. The most important clues are the spherocytes, positive agglutination, and rapid onset weakness, which make chronic blood loss far less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.