What is Von Willebrand Disease?
What is Von Willebrand Disease?
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German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers are all prone to an inherited type of hemophilia called Von Willebrand disease. Dogs with this bleeding disorder are missing a substance in their blood that promotes clotting, so they bleed excessively if they become injured or have surgery.
If your dog has never been hurt, you may not realize he has this condition. The day-to-day symptoms of Von Willebrand disease can be mild and include arthritis, bloody stool, and bloody gums. A blood test is the only way to diagnose the condition. If it’s positive, the dog should not be bred. There is no cure for Von Willebrand disease, but blood transfusions or medication may help alleviate the symptoms.
– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series