Evan's Disease in Dogs
Evan's disease causes a dog's antibodies to attack their own red blood cells and platelets. The condition can cause acute anemia. It is known to sometimes go into spontaneous remission, followed by a relapse. This disease knows no boundaries, and is just as likely to occur in humans as in animals.
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Breeds
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Any breed of dog can be infected with Evan's disease, but some breeds are more likely to contract it. These breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Scottish Terriers and Poodles. It can also affect mixed-breed dogs, or "mutts."
Evan's disease also seems to affect more female dogs than males, and there seems to be a predisposition towards dogs under the age of six.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of the disease in dogs include lethargy and excessive sleeping. The dog can become anorexic. The skin can become yellow or jaundiced. There may be excessive panting and vomiting, and respiratory problems may occur.
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Tests
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There is no one test to determine the onset of Evan's disease. It is diagnosed most often as a disease of exclusion, meaning that after multiple tests are done to rule out other causes of anemia, Evan's disease will be suspected.
Causes
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It is currently not known what causes Evan's disease. There is speculation that it is genetic, but no one knows for sure. Sometimes it seems to be triggered by outside influences such as parasites, but that is not always the case. It occasionally occurs in connection with vaccinations, bee stings, exposure to natural toxins such as onions, or various cancers.
Treatment
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The most common treatment of Evan's disease is prednisone, a type of corticosteroid. Other treatments include acupuncture, diet adjustment and homeopathic remedies that include a variety of herbal treatments.
Sometimes a dog with severe anemia will need a blood transfusion. This is a temporary solution designed to stabilize the dog while other solutions can be researched.
Prognosis
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There is no cure for Evan's disease. Some dogs do fine with treatment, others continue to fail with the same treatment. There is no way to determine which dogs will thrive with which treatment. Expect to return to the vet on a regular basis for blood tests to determine if the anemia is reoccurring.
Even if the Evan's disease is held under control, the dog's immune system will be compromised. It is important to keep a watchful eye on the dog to catch any other problems that may develop because of a weak immune system.
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