Autoimmune hemolytic anemia secondary to hemoparasitic infections in dogs

Hemoparasitosis is a major cause of anemia in dogs, being frequently encountered in medical-veterinary practice. They are caused by parasites that develop in the host's blood and are transmitted through vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes and fleas. The present study, conducted between 2021 and 2024 at the “Prof. Univ. Dr. Alin Bîrțoiu” Emergency University Veterinary Hospital, analyzes 55 cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia secondary to hemoparasite infection. The main species identified were Babesia canis, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Hepatozoon canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis. The diagnosis was established clinically, hematologically, serological (SNAP 4Dx Plus tests) and molecular (PCR). The results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and tailored therapy, especially in complicated cases of coinfections. This study highlights the need to intensify vector prevention measures and improve the management of patients with hemoparasitosis.