Von Willebrand Disease Type I, Type I vWD
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a type of coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting. vWD is characterized into three types based on clinical severity, serum levels of vWF, and vWF multimer composition. Dogs with Type I vWD have low vWF levels, normal multimer composition, and variable clinical signs.
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Signs and symptoms
Affected dogs may show no obvious clinical signs or they may 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. -
Diagnosis
vWD 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.
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Treatment
vWD cannot be treated, only managed. Preventing injuries is goal number one. 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.
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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 mutation was first identified in Doberman Pinschers.
vWD Type I is inherited in an incomplete dominant manner, meaning that dogs with both one and two copies of this variant may be at increased risk of excessive bleeding. However, dogs with one copy of the variant are unlikely to show the same severity of clinical signs as a dog with two copies of the variant.
Gene names:
VWF ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
incomplete dominance
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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Australian Terrier
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Barbet
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Beauceron
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Bernese Mountain Dog
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi
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Coton de Tulear
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Doberman Pinscher
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Drentsche Patrijshond
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Dutch Shepherd
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German Pinscher
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Irish Red and White Setter
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Irish Setter
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Kerry Blue Terrier
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Manchester Terrier (Standard)
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Manchester Terrier (Toy)
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Papillon
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Poodle (Standard)
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Poodle (Small)
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Stabyhoun
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West Highland White Terrier
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