Pulmonary thromboembolism associated with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs: ten cases (1982-1987)

Pulmonary thromboembolism was confirmed at necropsy in 10 (32.2%) of 31 dogs treated for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Radiographic findings associated with thromboembolism included pronounced interstitial lung pattern and small amounts of pleural effusion. Variables associated with significantly higher incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism included hyperbilirubinemia (P = 0.023), negative Coombs test result (P = 0.032), and presence of an indwelling catheter (P = 0.04). There was a tendency (P = 0.06) for association of higher number of whole blood transfusions with pulmonary thromboembolism.