Evans syndrome in German Shepherds is a rare, serious, and often fatal autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys its own red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia) simultaneously. It causes severe weakness, pale gums, bruising, and spontaneous bleeding, requiring intensive immunosuppressive treatment and potential blood transfusions.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with Evans syndrome?

According to veterinary studies, 75% to 90% of pet patients with Evans syndrome are discharged after admittance and treatment, with up to 80% of those surviving. Sadly, around 20% of pets will be euthanized or pass away as a result of Evans syndrome.

How do you treat Evans syndrome in dogs?

Treatment. Depending on the severity of your pet's condition, hospitalization for fluids, supportive care, and transfusions may be necessary. Evan's syndrome is treated with medications that attenuate or calm the immune system. Steroids are frequently used in addition to other immunomodulating drugs.

What triggers Evans syndrome?

The exact cause of this condition is unknown, which is why it is usually considered an idiopathic condition. It is an autoimmune disease in which B cells produce auto-antibodies that attack own cells, in this case, red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

How serious is Evans syndrome?

Evans syndrome won't necessarily affect your life expectancy. Some people have only mild or occasional symptoms. But certain complications, like bleeding, heart disease and infections, can be life-threatening. If you have secondary Evans syndrome with another chronic condition, this also affects your life expectancy.

The pathogenesis and treatment of Evans syndrome

What age does Evans syndrome occur?

The average age for diagnosis of Evans syndrome is 52 years old. This condition is more commonly found in women than men, with a 3:2 ratio.

Is Evans syndrome a terminal illness?

Evans syndrome is a rare disease marked by a severe clinical course, high relapse rate, infectious and thrombotic complications, and sometimes fatal outcome.

How do they diagnose Evans syndrome?

Doctors diagnose Evans syndrome with a variety of blood tests, including: Complete blood count. Coombs test: a blood test that identifies the cause of anemia. Reticulocyte count: a blood test that measures how fast new red blood cells called reticulocytes are made by bone marrow and released into the blood.

Is Evans syndrome a rare disease?

Evans syndrome was first described in 19512 and it is recognized as a poor prognostic factor in autoimmune cytopenias. 3 It is a rare disorder diagnosed in 0.8% to 3.7% of all AIHA or ITP cases. 1 Its etiology and cause are unknown, but alterations in immune regulation mechanisms are documented.

What breeds are prone to Evans syndrome?

Primary Evan's syndrome is more common than secondary Evan's syndrome in dogs, and certain dog breeds are more likely to develop Evan's syndrome, such as Old English sheepdogs, cocker spaniels and poodles. In cats, both primary and secondary Evan's syndrome are considered rare.

Do anemic dogs drink a lot of water?

Anemic dogs may drink more water if the condition is linked to kidney disease or bone marrow issues affecting red blood cell count. Monitoring your dog's hydration habits can help identify an underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

How much does it cost to treat Evans syndrome?

Mortality was 5.5%, the mean stay was 7.8 days, with total charges averaging $114,696. Notable associations included SLE (15.63%), ITP (37%), and anemia (53.5%). Inpatient risks included AKI (22.47%) and sepsis (15.33%).

When to put down a dog with IVDD after?

If your dog can't walk, is in uncontrollable pain, treatment isn't possible or your vet thinks they are very unlikely to recover, it's may be kindest to consider euthanasia (putting them to sleep).

What other conditions mimic Evans syndrome?

Evans syndrome is frequently associated with other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, and common variable immunodeficiency, which could point to a common cellular and humoral abnormality.

Can Evans syndrome go away?

All children with Evans syndrome will need lifelong care, treatment and monitoring. Because Evans syndrome is a chronic disease, you can expect periods when your child seems better – known as remission – and periods when they are sick – known as recurrence.

What is the new treatment for Evans syndrome?

Rituximab as an Effective Treatment for New-onset Evans Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Lupus Nephritis.

Is Evans syndrome acute or chronic?

Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare and chronic autoimmune disease characterized by autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura with a positive direct anti-human globulin test.

Can COVID cause Evans syndrome?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause various hematologic conditions, such as coagulation abnormalities (e.g., bleeding or thrombosis) or cell count alterations (e.g., lymphopenia and neutrophilia). COVID-19 may also induce Evans syndrome via immune mechanisms.

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