Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) has been recently diagnosed in Komondors. IMHA has been found in other breeds for years. I have been contacted by five people who have had Komondors (from 6 months to adulthood) who died from IMHA. These dogs are from different breeders and have very different pedigrees, except for a single male and female that they all have in common. It is possible that one or both might be a genetic carrier. After speaking with many foreign clubs and breeders, it appears to be relatively new to our breed and is not yet listed as a “breed problem.”
IMHA is a serious autoimmune disease in dogs (males and females) in which the body attacks its own red blood cells. This can lead to very low red blood cell counts (anemia) requiring multiple blood transfusions. It can also predispose dogs to form blood clots, mostly in the lungs or brain. Treatment can require extended hospitalization, drugs that suppress the immune system, and often blood thinners. Some dogs do well with minimal treatment, while others do not.
A dog with IMHA will have a low red blood cell count (anemia) and initially may not show visible signs of the disease, including lethargy, pale gums, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Signs can slowly develop or be relatively sudden. It is important for your Komondor to have routine bloodwork, which will provide a baseline and could provide early detection. If your dog has a low red blood cell count, then a further test can be done to diagnose IMHA.
Dr. Steven Friedenberg and the Canine Genetics Laboratory at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine are working to identify gene mutations responsible for the development of IMHA. Dr. Friedenberg states, “Our goal is to use this research to better understand the disease mechanism and disease triggers, and to develop a test that can help breeders decrease the incidence of the disease. We are also interested in using the results of our research to help predict disease severity and response to treatment.”
If your dog meets the criteria for the study, Dr. Friedenberg will send your veterinarian a prepaid shipping label to send them a blood sample from your dog. You can then schedule a brief appointment with your veterinarian for a blood draw. You may email me for more information.
If your dog is diagnosed with anemia or you intend to breed, and want to know if either of the aforementioned dogs are present in the pedigree, you may email me at Komondor@comcast.net.
Komondor Rescue 