Von Willebrand Disease I

Body function:

Heart & Blood

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Von Willebrand disease type 1 (vWD1) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by little to no normal blood clotting proteins in the body. There are three variations of vWD, with type 1 being the most common and carrying a mild-to-moderate bleeding risk. Some breeds susceptible to this disorder include Bernese Mountain Dogs, Welsh Corgis, Doberman Pinschers, Poodles, and Manchester Terriers.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Old Danish Pointing Dog, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Miniature Poodle, Standard Poodle, Tibetan Terrier

A white dog with a friendly expression is looking up at the camera with its mouth open and tongue out. The dog's fur is slightly ruffled.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There’s no cure for von Willebrand disease type 1. However, the disease can be treated with blood transfusions (if bleeding is severe), desmopressin acetate (DDAVP), and bandages or dressings. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and sulfa-type antibiotics should be avoided as they can interfere with a dog’s normal blood clotting processes.

Symptoms

Von Willebrand disease type 1 can result in spontaneous hemorrhaging and uncontrollable bleeding after physical trauma, such as injuries, surgery, teething, or declawing. However, some dogs can be asymptomatic. vWD1 can present in dogs at any age.

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