Cerebral hemorrhage in a dog with immune-mediated hemoiytic anemia and concurrent thrombocytopenia - a case report

The aim of this case report is to point out the neurological signs, long term management of the case and M R I lesions suggestive of cerebral haemorrhage in a dog with IMHA and concurrent thrombocytopenia. A 3.5-year-old intact female Cocker Spaniel dog was examined for anorexia, weakness, exercise intolerance and two collapse episodes. Based on the diagnostic procedures primary immune mediated hemolytic anaemia concurrent with severe thrombocytopenia were confirmed. The dog remained stable with prednisolone and fluid therapy for 6 weeks. The dog was later referred to emergency service with hemianopia, head tilt and epilepsy-like signs. Brain M R I lesions showed central line deviation, oedema and cerebral haemorrhage. Post-treatment M R I also provided clear evidence of resolution the cerebral haemorrhage. The dog was asymptomatic for 6 months after splenectomy. To the best our knowledge, this is the first fully documented report of cerebral haemorrhage in a dog with immune mediated hemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia.