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Sheri Berger

Posted On Jun 23, 2025

Updated On Nov 04, 2025

IMHA Relapses

Internal Medicine

This question was asked during Session I of the Mastering IMHA program:

Question: 
For dogs that respond and relapse is there an average time in which the relapse would occur? Could a relapse occur 5-10 years after the initial diagnosis and treatment?

Answer provided by John Loftus, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Nutrition):
It could happen at any time, usually within a couple of years - 5 to10 years would be longer than typical, but it certainly could happen.