Study Start Date: 09/01/2025
Study End Date: 07/30/2029

Understanding the genetic and immunologic basis of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs

This study has two main goals. The first goal is to identify genetic variants that are associated with IMHA in Cocker Spaniels (English or American) and English Springer Spaniels. We hope to be able to use this information to develop a genetic test that can predict which dogs are at high vs. low risk for developing IMHA. The second goal is to identify and characterize the specific immune cells that trigger IMHA in Cocker Spaniel dogs.

Study Design:
Prospective cross-sectional study

Sample Size:
400 dogs with IMHA for the genetic component, 30 dogs with IMHA for the immunologic component

Inclusion Criteria:

• For the genetics aim of this study, affected dogs must:
  • Be a Cocker Spaniel (English or American) or an English Springer Spaniel
  • Have a diagnosis of IMHA ("diagnostic" or "supportive" per the 2019 ACVIM Consensus Guidelines) – either current or historical – that can be verified by one of the study veterinarians by reviewing medical records
  • Be willing to work with your regular veterinarian to donate a one-time blood sample
• For the immunology aim of this study, affected dogs must:
  • Be a Cocker Spaniel (English or American) - Have a historical diagnosis of IMHA ("diagnostic" or "supportive" per the 2019 ACVIM Consensus Guidelines) that can be verified by one of the study veterinarians by reviewing medical records
  • Be nearing end of life or undergoing a medically indicated splenectomy
  • Be willing to work with your regular veterinarian to collect spleen tissue immediately after planned elective euthanasia or after a medically indicated splenectomy 

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dogs of other breeds
• There are no specific exclusion criteria for the genetics aim
• For the immunology aim, dogs may not be taking any steroids or other immunosuppressive medications at the time of euthanasia

Study Controls:

• For the genetics aim of this study, unaffected dogs must:
  • Be a Cocker Spaniel (English or American) or an English Springer Spaniel
  • Have no history of IMHA or any other autoimmune disease
  • Be at least 9 years of age
  • Be willing to work with your regular veterinarian to donate a one-time blood sample
• For the immunology aim of this study, unaffected dogs must:
  • Be a Cocker Spaniel (English or American)
  • Have no history of IMHA or any other autoimmune disease
  • Be of any age - Be nearing end of life or undergoing a medically indicated splenectomy
  • Be willing to work with your regular veterinarian to collect spleen tissue immediately after planned elective euthanasia or after a medically indicated splenectomy

Samples:

• For the genetics aim of this study, we require 2-3 mL of EDTA-anticoagulated blood (purple top tube) from affected and unaffected dogs.
• For the immunology aim of the study, we require post-mortem spleen tissue. The study will provide a sample collection kit in advance of the elective euthanasia.

Costs/Reimbursements
Owners of dogs who participate in the genetics aim of the study receive a $20 Visa gift card.

All shipping costs and blood draw costs will also be paid for. 

Owners of dogs who participate in the immunology aim of the study (spleen collection) will receive a $500 Visa gift card and the clinic will be reimbursed $300 for performing the post-mortem splenectomy.

All shipping costs will also be paid for by the study.

Full Disclosure information:
The study is funded by a grant from NIH.
The investigator does not have a conflict of interest.
The study will be published if results are negative.
The study will be reported on VIN.
The authors will acknowledge VIN if the study is published.