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.
-
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.Uncover health risks with Embark
Embark Breed + Health Test
- Regular Price
$199
- Sale Price
- $130
Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kits
- Sale Price
- $119-$139 per test
-
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.
-
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.
-
What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- 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.
-
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:
-
Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
-
Australian Terrier
-
Barbet
-
Beauceron
-
Bernese Mountain Dog
-
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
-
Coton de Tulear
-
Doberman Pinscher
-
Drentsche Patrijshond
-
Dutch Shepherd
-
German Pinscher
-
Irish Red and White Setter
-
Irish Setter
-
Kerry Blue Terrier
-
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
-
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
-
Papillon
-
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
-
Poodle (Standard)
-
Poodle (Small)
-
Stabyhoun
-
West Highland White Terrier
-
Learn about your dog’s unique genetic health
Dog owners
Breed identification, health and trait insights, personalized care recommendations, and the world’s first canine relative finder—all in one leading dog DNA test.
Learn about the report for dog ownersShop the test
Breeding programs
Embark’s test for breeding programs is one comprehensive DNA test designed with your needs in mind.
Learn about the report for breedersShop the test
