Von Willebrand Disease in Dogs: Bleeding Disorders and Welfare

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs, affecting many breeds and causing impaired clotting with potentially life-threatening welfare consequences during surgery, injury, or whelping.

Key Facts

Von Willebrand disease is caused by deficiency of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein essential for platelet adhesion and clot formation
Three types are recognised in dogs: Type 1 (mild, most common, affecting Dobermans, German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs), Type 2 (moderate, German Wirehaired Pointers), and Type 3 (severe, Scottish Terriers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers)
Doberman Pinschers are the most commonly affected breed with Type 1 vWD — approximately 70% carry at least one vWD allele
Signs include: prolonged bleeding from minor wounds, excessive bleeding after surgery, nosebleeds, bloody urine or faeces, and in severe cases, spontaneous haemorrhage
DNA genetic testing identifies carriers, affected individuals, and clear dogs; breeding programmes using this test have significantly reduced vWD incidence in some breeds
Treatment options include desmopressin (DDAVP) to temporarily boost vWF release in Type 1 dogs before surgery, and fresh plasma or cryoprecipitate transfusion for acute bleeding
Many Type 1 vWD dogs live normal lives with appropriate veterinary management, particularly with pre-surgical planning

Welfare Considerations

vWD welfare impact varies dramatically by type: Type 1 dogs often have minimal welfare impact if surgical risks are properly managed, while Type 3 dogs experience potentially life-threatening and painful spontaneous bleeding episodes. Undiagnosed vWD becomes a welfare crisis during routine surgery — a dog that bleeds uncontrollably during an elective spay is in a preventable life-threatening situation. Breeding from affected or carrier animals without genetic testing perpetuates the disease through subsequent generations — a welfare harm that genetic testing makes almost entirely avoidable. The welfare argument for mandatory pre-breeding genetic testing in affected breeds is strong: the test is inexpensive, definitive, and the preventable welfare harm from vWD in severe forms is significant.

What You Can Do

If you own a breed at risk of vWD (Doberman, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog), request vWD DNA testing and share results with your vet before any elective procedure
If purchasing a puppy from an at-risk breed, ask for vWD testing status of both parents — responsible breeders will have this information
Ensure your vet is aware of your dog's vWD status before any surgical procedure — pre-surgical DDAVP treatment and blood product availability can prevent surgical crisis
Support breed health registries that track vWD status and encourage breeders to test and use results in breeding decisions
Advocate for pre-breeding health testing requirements in your breed club, including vWD testing in affected breeds