Evaluation of responses to immunosuppressive therapy in dogs with suspected non-regenerative immune-mediated anaemia: 11 cases (2012-2018).

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the response time to immunosuppressive therapy and time required to achieve a 5% increase in haematocrit among dogs with non-regenerative immune-mediated anaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Client-owned dogs diagnosed with non-regenerative immune-mediated anaemia in Hokkaido University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between December 2012 and May 2018 were enrolled. The first treatment regimen included prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day) and ciclosporin (up to 10 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Dogs that did not respond to the first regimen proceeded to the second regimen comprising prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil (15 mg/kg, twice a day). Reticulocyte count and haematocrit were monitored every 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment response was defined as an absolute reticulocyte count more than 60×10 /μL or increasing haematocrit.

RESULTS

During the study period, 23 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria for non-regenerative immune-mediated anaemia. Twelve dogs were excluded from this study for various reasons and response to therapy was evaluated in the remaining 11 dogs. Treatment responses were observed in 8 of 11 dogs, and the median time to response was 39.5 days (range 8 to 92 days). Two responders were unable to continue the first treatment regimen and were switched to the second regimen owing to anorexia and nausea, possibly induced by ciclosporin; withdrawal of ciclosporin improved their symptoms. The time required to achieve a 5% increase in haematocrit was assessed in the other six dogs, with a median of 55.5 days (range 8 to 135 days).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Here we report the response to a standardised treatment protocol in dogs with non-regenerative immune-mediated anaemia. Knowledge of potential side effects and expected therapeutic outcomes may be of use for veterinary practitioners treating this condition.