Thrombopathia

Affected puppies may bleed abnormally when teething. You may notice extensive bruising or bleeding that does not stop following a traumatic event. Dogs may spontaneously bleed from their nose or gums or have dark purple discoloration of their skin.

This disease 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.

Genetic or laboratory tests are performed to diagnose this condition.

Currently, treatment for thrombopathia focuses on prevention, vigilant monitoring, and quick treatment of spontaneous bleeds. Dogs with thrombopathia are at great risk for uncontrollable bleeding during surgical procedures: your veterinarian should be informed so that appropriate blood products are at hand in case a transfusion is required.

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 identified in Newfoundlands.

Penetrance: Thrombopathia is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must possess two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs of the disease.

Gene

RASGRP1 Exon 8

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Hematologic

Citations

1. Boudreaux et al 2007

• Landseer
• Newfoundland