Yep, I have to agree with you on the girls more likely to be victims than boys scenario, I did come across that also in my research but never found anything that made the connection with hormones. Also, never read anything that gave hormones as a possible trigger for AIHA. The studies I found were 1) vaccines 2) genetic predisposition 3) stress (although this to a lesser extent) I do not altogether put much faith in the stress theory and as far as the genetic predisposition, well that works to a point but does not explain the appearance now in the supposedly sturdier mixed breed population. I wonder about breed specific figures and how reliable they are when AIHA is so hard to diagnose and sometimes misdiagnosed. Testing is so unreliable, even with the Coombs test, which doesn't always give accurate results. Chloe was tested three times, all when her red cell count was 9 and below and not once was her Coombs positive. If it had not been for the vets and their faith in what they knew (despite readings to the contrary), Chloe would not have got the treatment she needed fast enough to prevent organ damage. I guess it is all annoyingly vague. This may be a factor, that may play a part, this may be a trigger, that may be a cause, bottom line is that nobody can say with any certainty and until they do, you cannot protect your babies against it. One thing I did forget to say to you before though was that I am sorry that your life was touched by this disease. I don't know how long your baby had it but I have sympathy with any and all who have had to cope with AIHA.
Sheryl, Holly and Chloe the wonder dog.
