Idiopathic auto-immune haemolytic anaemia in a horse

Authors: Anderson LJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 22, Issue 6, pp 102-105, Jun 1974
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Circulatory system/haematology, Disease/defect, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Idiopathic disease, Immune system/immunology
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Auto-immune haemolytic anaemia is now a well-documented syndrome in man (Wintrobe, 1967) and in the dog (Lewis et al, 1963; Carrol, 1964; Bull et al 1971; Avolt et al 1973). In man auto-immune mechanisms are thought to be the basis of the haemolytic anaemia seen in association with disseminated lupus erythematosis, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin`s disease and infectious mononucleosis. They are also probably the basis of most of the idiopathic acquired haemolytic anaemias (Wintrobe, 1967). The canine syndrome is similar to the disease occurring in man. It is manifest by profound anaemia, increased red blolod cell fragility, spherocytosis, autohaemagglutination and in most cases agglutination of the red blood cells by the direct Coomb`s antiglobulin test. In a survey of 19 cases, Lewis et aI., (1963) found that all cases were positive to a direct Coombs test and that 9 cases were positive when examined for lupus erythematosis cells. Thirteen cases were thrombocytopoenic and some of these showed thrombocytopoenic purpura…

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