Hemophilia A
Factor VIII deficiency (Hemophilia A) is a type of coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting. Dogs with this disorder can bleed spontaneously into their chest, abdomen, or joints. They will also develop significant bruising and profuse bleeding following a trauma or surgery.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected puppies may bleed abnormally when teething. You may notice extensive bruising or bleeding that does not stop following a traumatic event. If spontaneous bleeding occurs, you may notice that your dog has swollen joints, difficulty breathing, and/or a pendulous abdomen.
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. -
Diagnosis
Genetic or laboratory tests are performed to diagnose this condition.
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Treatment
Currently, treatment for Hemophilia A focuses on prevention, vigilant monitoring, and quick treatment of spontaneous bleeds. Dogs with Hemophilia A 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. There is no definitive cure, though scientists have made progress correcting Hemophilia A with protein replacement and gene therapy in a laboratory setting.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Prevention is key! Minimizing the risk of trauma and informing your veterinarian so that surgeries can be carefully planned are the best ways to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
- Be aware of the location of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital in case of an accident.
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Genetic Information
This variant was first identified in a German Shepherd.
Factor VIII deficiency has a sex-linked recessive inheritance pattern, which means that the gene is on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes and must inherit two abnormal copies to be affected with this disease. Males have only one X chromosome and either have a normal copy of the gene or the mutation. If they have the mutation, they will have abnormal clotting.
Gene names:
F8 Exon 1 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
X-linked recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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