CIMDA (Canine Immune Mediated Disease Awareness) was formed in 2000 by Jo Tucker, after her beloved Beardie girl, Bonnie,
developed non-regenerative autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and sadly passed away as a result of inappropriate treatment.
At that time, there was very little awareness or reliable information about autoimmune (or immune mediated) diseases in dogs. Many owners were left feeling helpless and alone as they tried to care for their dogs through these complex and often life-threatening conditions. Jo created CIMDA to change that — to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide guidance to others facing similar challenges.
The CIMDA Support Forum began in 2002, first as a Yahoo Group and later as the online forum you see today. Over the years, it has grown into a vast library of experiences, advice, and support from people who have cared for dogs with a wide range of immune mediated diseases.
As of September 2025, the CIMDA Support Forum is now read-only. This means you can browse all past discussions, information, and resources, but new posts, questions, or replies are no longer possible. We made this change so that CIMDA can continue to be a valuable source of information, even though active discussions have now closed.
The forum is organised into sections for different diseases, as well as general autoimmune disease topics and general canine health. This makes it easier for you to find the information you need.
Please remember:
The information shared here reflects the personal experiences and opinions of members. It should not replace professional veterinary advice.
Always consult your vet before making decisions about your dog's care or treatment.
CIMDA and its members cannot be held responsible for the treatment or management of any dog. The content here is for educational and supportive purposes only.
Even though new posts are no longer possible, we hope you find this archive a reassuring and helpful guide as you navigate the challenges of canine immune mediated diseases.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to CIMDA over the years and helped build this incredible resource.