Von Willebrand Disease Type II, Type II vWD

Affected dogs bruise easily and excessively bleed from small wounds. Affected puppies may bleed excessively from their mouth when teething.

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.

vWD cannot be treated, only managed. If your dog requires surgery, your veterinarian should be warned that excessive bleeding may occur and blood products need to be on 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.

Penetrance: vWD Type II is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene

VWF

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Hematologic

Citations

1. Vos-Loohuis et al 2017

• German Longhaired Pointer
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• German Wirehaired Pointer