Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD)

What is VWD?

VWD is the most common bleeding disorder in dogs that is inherited.  It may cause a variety of different conditions associated with the tendency of effected dogs to bleed and not be able to clot.

How does my dog get VWD?

VWD is an inherited condition passed from parents to offspring. It has been reported in over 50 breeds (see below).

How do I know if my dog has VWD?

Because of the various levels of severity of VWD, a dog may be sub-clinical and not show any signs or may show increased tendency to bleeding that is first noticed after surgery, a toe nail trim or other traumatic injury.  If your veterinarian thinks that your dog may have VWD, he will perform very specific blood tests to determine both the presence and the significance of the condition.  Bleeding, anywhere in the dog, such as the abdomen or chest, or significant or unexplained bruising warrant investigation into the possibility of VWD.

What can I do about VWD?

Spontaneous bleeding rarely occurs, but after surgery or other injuries, monitor closely for abnormal bleeding.  Thus, once diagnosed, it is important to be able to identify bleeding episodes early to allow for early treatment with plasma or whole blood products.  Avoiding drugs that may inhibit platelet function, such as aspirin, should be avoided.  Affected dogs should NOT be bred.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting VWD?

Prevention is based upon careful breed selection and review with breeders of the high risk breeds the prevalence of VWD in their lineages.

Are there certain breeds that get VWD more often?

There are over 50 breeds in which VWD has been reported.  The highest prevalences have been reported in: Airedale terriers, Basset hound, Dachshund, Doberman pinscher, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Keeshond, Manchester terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Rottweiler, Shetland Sheepdog, Scottish Terrier, and Standard Poodle.