We'll try to define this disease simply. Your Great Dane's immune system is attacking its on red blood cells, mistaking them for invaders. Treatment for AIHA includes blood transfusions, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive instruments.

A condition in which immune system proteins attack the red blood cells, resulting in fewer of these oxygen-transporting cells.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a type of hemolytic anemia where the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells (RBCs), leading to their destruction (hemolysis). Antibodies and associated complement system components become fixed onto the RBC surface. These antibodies can be detected with the direct antiglobulin test, also known as the direct Coombs test.