Dog Von Willebrand Disease and Bleeding Disorders

Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs, causing abnormal bleeding from wound sites and during surgery.

Key Facts

VWD is caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor needed for platelet adhesion
Three types exist: Type 1 (mild), Type 2 (moderate-severe), and Type 3 (severe, often fatal)
Doberman Pinschers have highest prevalence of Type 1 VWD at up to 73% carrier or affected rates
Scottish Terriers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are prone to Type 3 VWD
Bleeding signs include prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, blood in urine, and post-surgical hemorrhage
DNA testing identifies carriers and affected dogs for breeding decisions
Desmopressin (DDAVP) can temporarily increase VWF in Type 1 before procedures; blood products for Type 3

Welfare Considerations

Severe VWD causes life-threatening hemorrhage from minor injuries or surgery. Type 3 affected dogs may experience repeated serious bleeding episodes requiring transfusion. Carrying the VWD gene while mildly affected still poses surgical risks. Responsible breeding using DNA testing can progressively reduce prevalence while providing welfare protection for current affected individuals.

What You Can Do

Test dogs of high-risk breeds for VWD before breeding to reduce affected offspring
Inform your veterinarian of any VWD diagnosis before any surgical or dental procedures
Have blood type determined and blood products available before surgery in affected dogs
Use VWD DNA test results from parent dogs when evaluating puppies from high-risk breeds
Support breed clubs that promote mandatory VWD testing programs
Donate to research on novel treatments for VWD Type 2 and 3 in dogs