Von Willebrand's Disease is an inherited bleeding disorder occurring in dogs. Dogs with this disorder may experience bleeding gums while teething, blood in the stool, spontaneous nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding from superficial or minor wounds. Anemia, shock, and even death can occur as a result of excessive bleeding.
Certain breeds are more prone to the disease, including Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Scottish Terriers, and Welsh Corgis. There are tests available to determine whether a dog will be affected by the disease or even if he will be a carrier. Treatment usually involves injury prevention. Dogs may need to be fed soft food, they may not be allowed to play roughly with other dogs, they may not be allowed to chew on sharp bones or sticks, and if surgery is ever required there will need to be special precautions taken. Some cases of this disease occur later in life and are associated with hypothyroidism, in which case treatment may involve thyroid-hormone supplementation. |
