von Willebrand Disease (vWD) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Ever heard of dogs who bleed too much? That’s what von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is all about. It’s a blood problem that some dogs are born with. These pups don’t have enough of a protein that helps blood clot. So, when they get hurt, they might bleed more than normal dogs.
There are three types of vWD:
- Type 1: Not enough clotting protein
- Type 2: Weird-shaped clotting protein
- Type 3: Almost no clotting protein (the worst kind)
Which Dog Breeds Are Affected By von Willebrand Disease?
Loads of dog breeds can get vWD, but some are more likely to have it than others. Here’s a list of breeds that often get the short end of the stick:
- Mini Goldendoodles
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Standard Poodles
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Scottish Terriers
- German Shorthaired Pointers
These breeds are more prone to von Willebrand Disease, but it doesn’t mean every dog from these breeds will have it. It’s just more common in these types.
Prevalence in Doberman Pinschers
Dobermans are the poster children for vWD. A study found that more than 70% of Dobermans carried the vWD gene. That’s a lot! But here’s the thing – not all of them show signs of the disease. Still, if you’ve got a Dobie, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any unusual bleeding.
How is vWD diagnosed?
Wondering if your dog has von Willebrand Disease? Here’s how vets figure it out. First, they might do a simple test called a buccal mucosal screening time. It’s a fancy way of saying they check how long it takes for your dog’s mouth to stop bleeding after a tiny cut.
If that test looks fishy, they’ll move on to more detailed blood tests. These tests check for the amount of von Willebrand factor in your dog’s blood. It’s like measuring how much clotting power your dog has.
DNA tests are the new kid on the block for diagnosing vWD. Companies like Wisdom Panel offer these tests. You just swab your dog’s cheek and send it off to a lab. Easy peasy! These tests can tell you if your dog has von Willebrand Disease or if they’re just carrying the gene. It’s pretty cool stuff, and it’s becoming more common in vet clinics.
Also Read: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus in Dogs- Symptoms, Causes
What can be done to treat dogs with vWD?
When a dog with von Willebrand Disease is bleeding a lot, it might need a blood transfusion. It’s like giving them a quick top-up of the good stuff their body’s missing. The vet takes blood from a healthy dog and gives it to the sick one. This helps stop the bleeding fast.
There’s also this drug called DDAVP. It’s a bit of a wild card because it doesn’t work for all dogs. But when it does work, it’s pretty neat. DDAVP helps the dog’s body make more of the clotting factor it’s missing. It’s like giving the dog’s body a little push to do what it should be doing on its own.
The tricky part is, that you can’t use DDAVP all the time. It’s expensive, and like I said, it doesn’t work for every dog. So vets usually save it for when it’s needed, like before surgery or if there’s a bad bleed.
Recovery and Management of von Willebrand Disease in Dogs
Living with a vWD dog? No worries, it’s not as scary as it sounds. The key is to play it safe. Keep your pup away from rough play that might cause cuts or bruises. Think of it like bubble-wrapping your dog, but not literally!
Watch out for signs of bleeding, like blood in pee or poop, nosebleeds, or bruises. If you spot any of these, give your vet a shout. Heads up – always tell your vet about your dog’s vWD before any procedures. Even simple stuff like teeth cleaning can be risky for these pups. Your vet might need to take extra steps to keep your dog safe.
What to consider when breeding a Dog having vWD?
If you’re thinking of breeding your dog, and they have vWD or carry the gene, you might want to think twice. Passing on this disease isn’t fair to the puppies. Good breeders test their dogs for vWD before breeding them. It’s about being responsible and trying to reduce the number of dogs born with this problem.
Also Read: Health Screenings in Mini Goldendoodle Before Breeding
This is where those DNA tests we talked about earlier come in handy again. Before breeding, you can test your dogs to see if they carry the vWD gene. If they do, it’s best not to breed them. Some breed clubs have rules about this. They might not let you register puppies if the parents haven’t been tested for vWD. It’s all part of trying to make healthier puppies in the long run.
Are there any Medications to Avoid in Dogs with vWD?
If your dog has vWD, there are some meds you need to watch out for. NSAIDs (that’s non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be risky. These are things like aspirin or ibuprofen. They can make it harder for blood to clot, which is bad news for vWD dogs.
Anticoagulants are another no-no. These are drugs that thin the blood on purpose. That’s not what we want for a dog that already has trouble clotting! But it’s not just those two types. Some antibiotics, like penicillin, can cause problems too. Even some flea and tick meds might be iffy.
What is the Life Expectancy for a dog with Von Willebrand Disease?
Good news – most dogs with vWD can live long, happy lives! It’s not a death sentence. With the right care, many vWD dogs never have any major problems. The key is knowing your dog has vWD and taking the right steps to keep them safe. That means avoiding injuries, being careful with meds, and keeping an eye out for any unusual bleeding.
What are the factors that affect prognosis?
But let’s be real – not all vWD cases are the same. Some dogs have it worse than others. The type of vWD your dog has plays a big role in how they’ll do it.
Your dog’s breed matters too. Some breeds handle vWD better than others. And of course, how well you manage your dog’s condition makes a big difference. With good care, many von Willebrand Disease dogs live just as long as dogs without the disease.
Veterinary Perspectives
Vets often stress the importance of genetic testing and responsible breeding. They also emphasize that each case is unique – what works for one dog might not work for another. The key is working closely with your vet to find the best plan for your pup.
FAQs
Can my von Willebrand Disease dog play with other dogs?
Yes, but keep it gentle. Avoid rough play that might cause cuts or bruises.
Is vWD curable?
No, but it’s manageable. Many dogs live normal lives with it.
How often does my von Willebrand Disease dog need check-ups?
It depends on your dog, but regular check-ups are a good idea.
