Complement Inhibition in Canine IMHA
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common disease that affects all breeds of dogs and can be fatal. In the severe form of the disease complement activation causes red blood cells to be broken down in the bloodstream.
At present no therapies for IMHA target this complement activation. We have confirmed that an FDA licensed formulation of C1-INH is safe for dogs and effectively inhibits canine complement mediated hemolysis. We hope this will translate into a beneficial effect in dogs with intravascular red cell breakdown due to IMHA.
Goals: We aim to assess the efficacy of C1-INH for management of IMHA. This is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial which means patients will be randomized to receive either C1-INH or a saline placebo infusion three times (once every 8 hours over a 24 hour period). We hope this will translate into a beneficial effect in dogs with intravascular red cell breakdown due to IMHA.
Eligibility: Your dog must be diagnosed with IMHA, not have an associated underlying disease process, and must weigh less than 28kg (61lbs)
Compensation: Your dog will benefit from the provision of diagnostic testing and follow-up monitoring at zero cost to you. If the drug is effective and your dog was randomly assigned to receive it, then your dog may benefit directly from a novel and effective treatment for this disease, that may be life-saving. The infusion (both drug and placebo) will be provided free of charge.
Principal Investigator: Robert Goggs, BVSc, DACVECC, DECVECC, PhD, MRCVS
Contact/Schedule an Appointment: Please contact the internal medicine service, the emergency service, or the clinical trials coordinator at 607.253.3060, or email vet-research@cornell.edu. Your referring veterinarian may also contact the hospital to refer your pet.