Page 4 - Paws & Hooves - Spring 2021

Clinical Research Team make progress in IMHA
research
owners of of registered patients Finally new ideas and and questions constantly arise in in the the treatment of of dogs with IMHA
and and and the the the Team have supported these research
research
projects and and new approaches to clinical research
research
If you would like to read more about the the work of the the IMHA
Clinical Research Team please visit rvc uk com/imha-feb21
mmune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) is a a a a a a condition where the body’s immune system starts to destroy red blood cells affecting the the flow of oxyIgen around the the the body body The reasons for its development are unknown and treatment to cure this destructive condition remains varied and uncertain too Thanks to the the incredible fundraising efforts by our supporters the the Clinical Research Team have been able to continue work in in in four key areas:
The Team’s main focus is trying to to identify biological markers that can be used to to guide and inform the treatment of dogs with IMHA
The main aim is is is to to to try to to to individualise medications so that each dog is is is given enough medication medication to to to manage their IMHA
without causing side
effects The Clinical Research Team are in in in in in in a a a a a a pioneering new initiative collecting left-over blood urine
and stool samples from dogs with autoimmune diseases like IMHA
into a a a a a a a a Biobank for use
in in in future research
studies In addition the the Clinical Research Team are in in in in the the the process of establishing an an Immunoregistry gathering data from general veterinary practices referral centres and also 4
Kira’s Story
Kira Kira had a a a a a a a a a a a a a tough start in in in in in in in life having
been left on on a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a balcony in in in in in in in Spain battling against the the inevitable sunburn and and all the the problems associated with neglect In July 2020 Kira was rehomed and and given a a a a a a a new start in in life with a a a a a a a family in in the UK All seemed well until August when her owners noticed she was very lethargic and also breathing extremely fast After some tests at at the the local vets and at at the the RVC Kira Kira was was diagnosed with IMHA
Kira Kira was was immediately put on on a a a a a a a a a a course of medication to help rebalance her immune system For the the the owners and the the the clinicians these first five days were extremely worrying However a a a a a a a little after a a a a a a a week later Kira was well enough to to return return home and over the the course of the the coming weeks Kira returned to to to to normal health Thanks to to to continued treatment and monitoring of her her condition as as well as as her her medication levels Kira is living a a a a a a a a a a good life life running around with the usual energy of a a a a a dog her age and simply loving life life Read more about Kira’s story at rvc uk com/Kira Paws & Hooves Spring 2021
Pictured: Kira enjoying life after IMHA
diagnosis