Factor XI Deficiency

After surgery or trauma, affected dogs may display bleeding or clotted blood (hematomas) around surgical sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising of the skin, bloody urine, and/or nose bleeds. Increased bleeding or hematomas may not be observed until two to four days post-incident.

Factor XI Deficiency is typically diagnosed in puppies or young adults when they are spayed or neutered and have a problem with clotting. However, it can be diagnosed at any age.

A measure of Factor XI is the definitive diagnostic test, although levels vary significantly. Factor XI Deficiency is characterized by a normal prothrombin time (PT) and a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

Currently, Factor XI Deficiency cannot be treated, only managed. With proper care, dogs can have a normal lifespan with this condition despite increased blood clotting times. Veterinarians performing surgery on known affected dogs should have ready access to blood products banked for transfusions. However, the risk of bleeding from FXI Deficiency is lower than compared to some other factor deficiencies.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s genetic result, as it could impact upcoming surgeries or procedures.

Be cautious with activities that could lead to injury, like rough play at dog parks or off-leash hikes.

To help stop minor bleeding, such as from a broken nail, keep basic first-aid supplies on hand, including bandaging material and styptic powder.

If your dog is injured, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to the wound. Keep your vet’s contact information handy in case the bleeding doesn’t stop within a few minutes.

This variant was first described in the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Penetrance: This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a dog must have two copies of the variant to be affected by it.

Gene

F11 Exon 7

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Hematologic

Citations

1. Tcherneva and Giger 2007
2. Knowler et al 1994

• Kerry Blue Terrier