Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats.

As improved diagnostic reagents become available, greater diagnostic accuracy can be expected. After a thorough clinical and laboratory examination, intensive therapy must be started immediately and maintained until clinical remission is achieved. An effort must be made to determine the existence of associated disease states and to institute appropriate treatment. Prognosis is guarded when AIHA is accompanied by severe hepatic and renal diseases, especially in the older animal. Prognosis is more guarded when AIHA is associated with either AITP or SLE. Remissions are to be expected and necessitate continual laboratory examinations and prolonged therapy. With care and tenacity, careful management can provide long-term benefits to the patient.