Question 1

What causes Von Willebrand disease in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or abnormality of von Willebrand factor, a protein crucial for blood clotting. It is passed down genetically from the parents to their offspring. Because it is hereditary, dogs cannot catch it from other animals or develop it from environmental factors.

Question 2

What are the signs that my dog has Von Willebrand disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common signs include prolonged bleeding after an injury, surgery, or even losing baby teeth. You might also notice spontaneous bleeding from the nose, gums, or in the urine and feces. Many dogs with mild forms of the disease may not show any symptoms until they undergo a surgical procedure like spaying or neutering.

Question 3

How is Von Willebrand disease treated in pets?

Accepted Answer

While there is no cure for vWD, bleeding episodes can be managed with veterinary care. Treatment often involves blood transfusions or the administration of a medication called desmopressin (DDAVP) to temporarily boost clotting factor levels before surgery or during a bleeding crisis. Your vet will also recommend avoiding medications that interfere with blood clotting, such as certain pain relievers.

Question 4

Can Von Willebrand disease be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Because vWD is a genetic condition, it cannot be prevented in an individual dog once they are born. However, it can be prevented in future generations through responsible breeding practices. Breeders should have their dogs genetically tested for the vWD mutation and avoid breeding any dogs that carry or are affected by the disease.

Question 5

What is the life expectancy for a dog with Von Willebrand disease?

Accepted Answer

Most dogs with Von Willebrand disease can live a normal, full life, especially if they have a mild to moderate form of the condition. The prognosis is generally excellent as long as owners take precautions to prevent severe injuries and inform their veterinarian about the condition before any surgeries. However, severe bleeding episodes can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, which may incur significant emergency veterinary costs.

Question 6

Which dog breeds are most prone to Von Willebrand disease?

Accepted Answer

Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs and can affect over 50 different breeds. It is especially prevalent in Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Standard Poodles. If you own one of these high-risk breeds, it is highly recommended to have them screened for the condition.

Breed	Species	Size
Bernese Mountain Dog	Dog	Giant
Doberman Pinscher	Dog	Large
Pembroke Welsh Corgi	Dog	Medium
Scottish Terrier	Dog	Small
Shetland Sheepdog	Dog	Small

Von Willebrand Disease

Symptoms & Signs

Causes & Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Prognosis

Affected Breeds (5)

Related Conditions