Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. It’s caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of a specific blood clotting protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF). This protein helps blood platelets stick together to seal broken blood vessels and stop bleeding. Without enough functional vWF, dogs with vWD can experience excessive or prolonged bleeding.
There are three types of von Willebrand disease:
- Type 1: There are low amounts of vWF proteins with normal structure.
- Type 2: Some vWF proteins are present,but there is an abnormal structure of the proteins which doesn’t function normally.
- Type 3: There are little to no vWF proteins available; this is the most severe form.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of vWD can vary from mild to severe. Common signs include:
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Prolonged bleeding after surgery or injury
- Blood in urine or stool
- Bruising easily
Diagnosis and Treatment
A veterinarian can diagnose vWD through blood tests such as basic blood cell count, chemistry, and coagulation profile that measure vWF levels and clotting ability. DNA testing is also available to identify carriers, especially in breeds prone to the disease.
There’s no cure for vWD, but mild cases often require no treatment. In more serious cases, veterinarians may use medications like Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) or blood transfusions to manage bleeding episodes. It’s important to avoid medications like aspirin, heparin or sulfa-type antibiotics that can worsen bleeding.
Prevention
Responsible breeding practices are key to reducing the spread of vWD. Breeders should screen their dogs for the disease and avoid breeding affected animals.
