Understanding Doberman Pinscher Von Willebrand Disease and Treatment

Doberman Pinschers can be prone to Von Willebrand Disease, a genetic disorder that affects their ability to form blood clots.

This condition is caused by a mutation in the VWF gene, which is responsible for producing the protein that helps blood to clot.

Symptoms of Von Willebrand Disease in Doberman Pinschers can include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgery.

In severe cases, the disease can lead to life-threatening bleeding complications.

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Von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder in dogs. It's one of the most common conditions of its kind.

This condition is caused by a deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (vWf) protein. This protein is essential for platelets to stick together and form a clot.

The lack of vWf leads to problems with blood clotting, making it difficult for dogs to stop bleeding when injured.

There are three forms of von Willebrand's disease, each with distinct characteristics.

Type I is the most common form, where the structure of plasma von Willebrand factor is normal, but its concentration is very low.

Dogs with Type I vWD, such as Doberman Pinschers, may have a normal platelet count, but still experience excessive bleeding.

Type II vWD is characterized by both a low concentration of plasma von Willebrand factor and an abnormal structure.

In Type II, the larger proteins that make up plasma von Willebrand factor are absent, leaving the smaller proteins to function as stabilizers of the platelet plug.

Bleeding is more severe in Type II vWD than in Type I, and this form has been reported in breeds like German Wirehaired Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers.

The exact prevalence of each type of vWD in Doberman Pinschers is not specified in the article, but it's essential for breeders and owners to be aware of the risks.

Dogs with von Willebrand Disease I (VWDI) have less than half of the normal level of von Willebrand coagulation factor (vWf), which is an essential protein needed for normal blood clotting.

Affected dogs may bruise easily, have frequent nosebleeds, bleed from the mouth when juvenile teeth are lost, and experience prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma.

Dogs with VWDI may not exhibit any signs of bleeding, but the condition can be noticed when they undergo a sterilization procedure, leading to prolonged bleeding.

The severity of the disorder varies, and some dogs may not be identified until a surgery or trauma occurs, causing excessive bleeding.

Veterinarians performing surgery on known affected dogs should have ready access to blood banked for transfusions to manage excessive bleeding.

Initial tests for diagnosing von Willebrand's disease include an evaluation of a complete blood count (CBC) to rule out other causes of excessive bleeding.

A buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) may be performed to evaluate the ability of platelets to form a platelet plug at the site of a small cut in the upper lip.

A coagulation panel, including the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, may be evaluated to rule out reductions in other clotting factors.

Dogs with a history of unexplained episodes of bleeding and normal platelet numbers and coagulation profile are candidates for specific von Willebrand's factor testing.

Immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are commonly used to determine the concentration of von Willebrand's factor in a blood sample.

Genetic testing for the von Willebrand's gene is available at highly specialized referral laboratories, typically reserved for screening dogs used for breeding programs.

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In most cases, dogs with von Willebrand disease (vWD) don't need treatment unless they experience severe blood loss due to an injury or surgery.

Treatment for vWD is usually reserved for emergency situations. Your veterinarian may consider interventions like blood transfusions or fresh frozen plasma to stabilize a bleeding patient.

Dogs with vWD may receive a transfusion of fresh and fresh frozen plasma or plasma cryoprecipitate to stop severe bleeding. Whole blood can also be given, but it's not recommended as the von Willebrand factor in whole blood may not be enough.

The cost of treating severe bleeding with blood products can range from $500 to $1,000 per treatment.

Dogs with vWD don't need treatments unless they suffer severe blood loss due to an injury or if they have to go through surgery due to other medical conditions.

In emergency situations, transfusion of blood or fresh frozen plasma may be used to stabilize a bleeding patient.

The dog donating blood may be treated with a drug called DDAVP prior to blood collection, which raises the level of von Willebrand factor in the donor's blood.

Some dogs with vWD are able to increase the amount of von Willebrand factor in circulation after the administration of DDAVP, although the response is variable.

Transfusion of fresh and fresh frozen plasma or plasma cryoprecipitate is often used to treat dogs with severe bleeding.

Whole blood can also be given, especially to hypoxic and anemic dogs, but it's not recommended as the vWf in whole blood may not be enough to stop the bleeding.

The average cost to treat vWD with transfusions can range from $500 to $1,000 each time.

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If you own a Doberman that's always been healthy, you might wonder if you should take action. Since many affected Dobermans won't have bleeding problems, routine screening testing is debatable.

However, identifying dogs with abnormal bleeding times can be valuable if surgery is planned. Knowing your dog is a carrier of vWD can be crucial if an injury occurs.

Screening for vWF is particularly useful for breeders who aim to reduce problems in their breed.