Von Willebrand disease is a serious condition that affects the blood and clotting ability of some dogs.

Simply put, it affects the blood's ability to clot. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that results from the lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein needed to help platelets clump together and seal broken blood vessels. This is done by utilizing special clotting sponges or styptic powder, giving a blood transfusion, and sometimes administering a medication called desmopressin that may help a dog temporarily produce more von Willebrand factor in its blood.

The dog donating blood may be treated with a drug called DDAVP prior to blood collection. The most common, Type 1, occurs in dogs with low von Willebrand factor and results in mild to moderate signs. Some dogs go their whole lives without any sign of this bleeding problem until they have surgery or get an injury and then the disease is discovered. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our Affected Breeds and Types of Von Willebrand Disease Some medications have been found increase the risk of bleeding in humans, but specific research has not been done in dogs; as such, the data from human medicine and human research has been extrapolated to companion animals. Some dogs do not become obvious bleeders until later in life.Certain medications may decrease platelet function and could increase the risk of spontaneous bleeding in von Willebrand’s patients.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Scottish Terriers are affected with the most severe form of the disease.Many dogs with vWD never show outward evidence of having the disease. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. There is no known cure for von Willebrand disease. A lack of vWF impairs platelet stickiness and clumping. An uncomplicated recovery from such procedures does not eliminate the possibility that a dog may be affected with vWD. Drugs that may interfere with platelet function include:In humans with vWD, emotional stress appears to precipitate bleeding in some cases. If actively bleeding, a dog with von Willebrand disease needs to have the bleeding stopped and sometimes the lost blood replenished. The best way to try and prevent von Willebrand disease is to practice selective breeding.

Female dogs with von Willebrand disease who have given birth may also bleed excessively. Living with a vWD dog boils down to special care that's needed during surgical procedures, including spaying and neutering, although it may be unecessary in some minor procedures such as dental cleanings. Treatment varies, please see your veterinarian.

Von Willebrand's Disease is caused by a lack of anti-clotting agents called platelets in Dogs. If you have a dog prone to or diagnosed with von Willebrand disease, you should be cautious with anything involving blood.

This usually occurs after surgery or when a dog is wounded, but can also occur spontaneously and for no reason at all from various bodily orifices. Von Willebrand Disease is classified into 3 types: Type 1 Von Willebrand disease is the most common form and occurs when proteins are present in lowered concentrations. Prolonged bleeding after trauma or surgery is a common clinical finding, and bruising or bleeding after a surgical sterilization procedure (spaying or neutering) may be the first time any abnormality is noticed. Doberman Pinschers are the most common breed affected but they are mildly affected compared to Scottish terriers and Chesapeake Bay retrievers.

Dogs with Type 2 also have a low amount of the factor but have moderate to severe signs. Often von Willebrand is discovered after a dog has surgery or a wound that won't stop bleeding, but there is also a test that can be performed prior to an uncontrolled situation occurring. The subjective nature of such a finding makes it difficult to know if there may be a similar association in dogs, although this remains a possibility. Of 15,000 Dobermans screened in a research study, more than 70% were found to be carriers of the disease. Your veterinarian will discuss the treatment option and help you decide if it is an appropriate option for your pet's condition.Since many affected Dobermans will never have bleeding problems, any recommendation to do routine screening testing is debatable. Von Willebrands disease (vWD) is a blood disease caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), an adhesive glycoprotein in the blood required for normal platelet binding (i.e., clotting) at the sites of small blood vessel injuries. Diagnosis . Medical Conditions, Pet Services Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder of both humans and dogs.

Dogs suffering from this type experience excessive bleeding in medical processes such as dental procedures, castration and spaying.

At this time, it is not recommended to use this drug on a regular basis. Affected dogs have varying amounts of vWF. Our pet care experts can't wait to welcome you. Although Dobermans are commonly affected, they usually have the mildest form of the disease.