This is a Blood condition.
Factor VII Deficiency
What is Factor VII Deficiency?
Factor VII deficiency is a type of coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting. It is characterized by mild to moderate abnormal bleeding (generally less severe than that caused by deficiencies in other clotting factors such as Factors VIII or IX). Some dogs with this condition will show no clinical signs.
What are the signs & symptoms that develop in affected dogs?
Affected dogs bruise easily and can excessively bleed from small wounds. Affected puppies may bleed excessively from their mouth when teething. A subset of dogs that test positive for Factor VII deficiency appear perfectly normal.
When do signs and symptoms develop?
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.
How do vets diagnose this condition?
Factor VII deficiency is diagnosed through genetic testing and blood testing at a laboratory. Veterinarians may also nick a dog’s lip with a sterile needle and time how long it takes for clotting to occur.
How is this condition treated?
Factor VII deficiency cannot be treated, only managed.
What actions should I take if my dog is affected?
- Please discuss this result with your vet ahead of any potential surgeries.
- Remember that a subset of dogs with this disease appear clinically normal and have no associated problems from this genetic mutation.
