Comparison of timing of relapse in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or polyarthritis

Sparrow, Richard; Glanemann, Barbara

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Relapse is a clinical concern in dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), thrombocytopenia (ITP), or polyarthritis (IMPA). The average time to relapse is unknown, and evidence that vaccination is associated with disease relapse is lacking.
Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare the incidence of relapse in groups of dogs with IMHA, ITP, or IMPA over a 24-month period after diagnosis, and to compare proportions of dogs that received vaccines in those dogs that did and did not relapse.
Animals: One hundred and sixty client-owned dogs (73 with IMHA, 55 with ITP, 32 with IMPA).
Methods: Medical records of dogs were reviewed, with the goal of following cases for a minimum of 2 years. Incidence of relapse was calculated for each disease, and relapse rates in dogs that were or were not vaccinated after diagnosis were compared. Results: Relapse rates at 12 months differed significantly among disease groups (
P = .02), with a higher rate for IMPA (35%) compared to IMHA (11%) or ITP (11%). Relapse rate at 24 months was 41% for IMPA, 18% for IMHA, and 23% for ITP. Ninety percent of IMPA relapses occurred in the first 12 months after diagnosis, compared to 56% for IMHA and 50% for ITP. Vaccine administration after diagnosis was not associated with relapse (P = .78).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Risk of disease relapse in IMPA is highest in the first year after diagnosis, with higher relapse rates compared to IMHA and ITP. The role of vaccination in disease relapse remains unclear.

Citation

Sparrow, R., & Glanemann, B. (2024). Comparison of timing of relapse in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or polyarthritis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17004

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 22, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 2, 2024
• Publication Date: Feb 2, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 7, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0891-6640
• Electronic ISSN: 1939-1676
• Publisher: Wiley Open Access
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17004
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17004