Do you have a dog that has von Willebrand disease? Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. It affects their ability to form a hemostatic plug and coagulate properly, leading to excessive bleeding. This can cause serious health complications if left untreated. You want your pet to be healthy and happy, so it’s important to understand von Willebrand Disease in dogs. The extent to which von Willebrand disease (vWD) affects dogs can range widely, so it is imperative that you consult with your veterinarian about any possible surgeries or treatments before proceeding.
What is von Willebrand disease in dogs?
Von Willebrand disease in dogs is caused by a genetic mutation that reduces the amount of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in the blood. Von Willebrand factor helps platelets adhere to the walls of blood vessels, which is necessary for clotting. When there’s not enough von Willebrand Factor, platelets can’t stick to the walls of blood vessels, resulting in an impaired ability to form a hemostatic plug. This can lead to excessive bleeding and difficulty with the coagulation process.
Von Willebrand disease is classified as either type 1, type 2 or type 3 based on the severity of vWD. Type 1 is the most common form of von Willebrand disease in dogs and although it has been reported in many dog breeds, it most commonly affects the Doberman Pinscher.
What causes von Willebrand disease in dogs?
Von Willebrand disease in dogs is caused by a deficiency of the glycoprotein named von Willebrand factor (vWF) which is inherited through an autosomal gene. Therefore, the main cause of von Willebrand disease in dogs is a genetic mutation.
What are the symptoms of von Willebrand disease in dogs?
The symptoms of von Willebrand disease in dogs vary depending on the type and severity of vWD whereas some dogs with von Willebrand disease do not have any clinical signs.
Common symptoms of von Willebrand disease in dogs may include:
- Bleeding from nose
- Bleeding from the mouth and gums
- Excessive bleeding after surgery, dental work, or trauma
- Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit
- Pale gums due to anemia caused by excessive bleeding
A study of dogs with low levels of von Willebrand factor revealed that the most common signs were minor wound bleeding and oral bleeding, such as during the loss of puppy teeth, spontaneous bleeding of the gums, and bleeding after chewing on toys.
How is von Willebrand disease diagnosed in dogs?
Von Willebrand disease in dogs is usually diagnosed based on the dog’s medical history, physical examination, coagulation tests, and a von Willebrand factor (vWF) assay.
A buccal mucosal bleeding time test is also used to diagnose von Willebrand disease in dogs. This test measures how long it takes for the dog’s mouth to stop bleeding after being cut. Dogs with von Willebrand Disease will have a longer than normal buccal mucosal bleeding time, usually 4 minutes or longer. It is important to note that the buccal mucosal bleeding time test is not specific to vWD in dogs, so if the results are positive, other tests will be needed to confirm von Willebrand disease.
The von Willebrand Factor assay measures the amount of von Willebrand factor in the blood. If it is lower than normal, then von Willebrand disease is likely. Dogs with values below 35% are at high risk of hemorrhaging, though clinical signs may not appear until their levels dip beneath 20%.
Additionally, your veterinarian may also recommend genetic testing to determine if your dog carries the von Willebrand disease genetic mutation.
How is von Willebrand disease treated in dogs?
Unfortunately, there is no specific therapy or cure for dogs with von Willebrand disease.
Nevertheless, certain treatments can provide temporary relief to those who are experiencing severe bleeding episodes and/or going through surgery.
Plasma transfusion/cryoprecipitate - Plasma transfusion and/or cryoprecipitate are short-term treatments for von Willebrand disease in dogs. These contain von Willebrand factor and help to clot the blood.
Desmopressin (DDAVP) - Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin, a hormone that stimulates von Willebrand factor release in dogs. Subcutaneous administration of Desmopressin thirty minutes prior to surgery has been proven to aid in hemostasis during the surgical process for dogs with vWD, according to a single study.
What is the prognosis for dogs with von Willebrand disease?
The effects of von Willebrand disease in dogs can range from mild to severe, with the more serious cases having a greater chance for increased bleeding. To help best protect their health, it is advised to avoid undergoing elective surgeries or taking medications that can hinder platelet production in affected dogs.
FAQs from dog owners
How can von Willebrand disease be prevented?
Since vWD is a genetically inherited disease, it is recommended to avoid breeding affected dogs. If there is suspicion that a dog may have a vWD mutation, it is recommended to DNA test the dog prior to breeding.
What breeds are commonly affected by von Willebrand disease?
The Doberman Pinscher is the most commonly affected dog breed with Von Willebrand Disease. Other breeds that can be affected include Welsh Corgis, Bernese Mountain dogs, German Shepherds, and Poodles.
What can trigger von Willebrand disease in dogs?
The disease itself cannot be triggered as it is a genetic mutation but certain medications, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, can trigger the symptoms of von Willebrand disease in dogs. Trauma or surgery may also aggravate symptoms of von Willebrand disease.
In conclusion, von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common bleeding disorder in dogs. Diagnosis is based on the dog’s medical history, physical examination, coagulation tests, von Willebrand factor assay, and buccal mucosal bleeding time test. Treatment involves plasma transfusion/cryoprecipitate and desmopressin (DDAVP). Certain breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Welsh Corgis, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are more prone to von Willebrand Disease. Medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, trauma, or surgery may trigger von Willebrand disease in dogs. To prevent von Willebrand disease it is recommended to avoid breeding affected dogs and to have a DNA test done prior to breeding. It is important for dog owners to be aware of von Willebrand Disease in order to seek proper diagnosis and treatment for their pet.
If you have any further questions, please contact your veterinarian as they can provide more information and advice on von Willebrand Disease. Thank you!