Von Willebrand's disease

What is ... ?: 

Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is a common, usually mild, inherited bleeding disorder in people and in dogs. It is caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which plays an essential role in the blood clotting process.
 
Normally the body responds to an injury causing bleeding through a complex defense system. This consists of local changes in the damaged blood vessels, activation of blood cells called platelets, and the coagulation process. A reduction in von Willebrand factor leads to abnormal platelet function and prolonged bleeding times. Affected dogs are prone to bleeding episodes, such as nose bleeds, and generally experience increased bleeding with trauma or a surgical procedure.
 
Three forms of the disease are distinguished based on vWF concentration and function. Dogs with Type I vWD (by far the most common) have mild to moderate bleeding abnormalities, depending on the level of vWF. The much rarer types II and III vWD cause severe bleeding disorders.

How is ... inherited?: 

The most common form (Type I vWD) is inherited as an autosomal trait with incomplete dominance. This means offspring may inherit the disorder if either parent carries the gene, but not all offspring will be affected to the same extent. Dogs with type I disease have reduced but measurable levels of Von Willebrand factor (1 to 60 per cent) and mild to moderate bleeding tendencies. Animals that inherit the gene for type I vWD from both parents (homozygotes) die before birth or shortly thereafter. The gene for the condition is widespread in the Doberman pinscher population.
 
Dogs with Types II and III von Willebrand's disease have severe bleeding abnormalities. Both types are relatively rare. Inheritance is autosomal recessive, meaning animals are only affected if they inherit the abnormal gene from both parents, who are clinically unaffected carriers. Affected dogs have very low, poorly functioning (Type II) or non-existent (Type III) levels of vWF, while carrier parents have a reduction in normal levels.

What does ... mean to your dog & you?: 

Although many dogs are affected by vWD, only a small proportion have severe problems.  Dogs with vWD are prone to nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums, and prolonged bleeding during heat or after whelping. There may be prolonged bleeding from the umbilical cord at birth or when your pup sheds its baby teeth. Excessive bleeding after surgery or trauma is common, and may be the first sign of this condition in your dog. You may see blood in your dog's urine or stool.
 
Most dogs with vWD can lead normal lives, with occasional bleeding episodes that may go unnoticed or can be treated appropriately. Other illnesses, or physical or emotional stress, may worsen bleeding episodes. In affected dogs, it is best to consult your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter medications. Drugs such as aspirin, for example, alter the function of platelets and should be avoided in dogs with bleeding disorders.

How is ... diagnosed?: 

Because the severity of bleeding with von Willebrand's disease is quite variable, often the disease is not diagnosed until the dog is 3 to 5 years old. Your veterinarian may suspect vWD because of a history of abnormal bleeding in your dog, such as unexplained nosebleeds, or there may be heavy bleeding during surgery. Stillbirths or pups that die shortly after birth ("fading puppies") may be a result of both parents being carriers of the gene for von Willebrand's disease. There are specialized tests available to make the diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease. One is a genetic test and the other measures blood levels of von Willebrand factor.

FOR THE VETERINARIAN 
Mucosal bleeding time is the best screening test for a potential defect in platelet function, and is prolonged in dogs with a deficiency in vWF. However the test is non-specific for vWD because it is also prolonged in dogs with thrombocytopenia or functional platelet defects. Specific diagnosis of vWD requires either genetic testing in those breeds in which it is available, or vWF measurement. The genetic test is performed by submitting a sample (such as a mucosal scraping) to a genetic testing laboratory (e.g., vetGen). The results are reliable at any age. Measurement of vWF:Ag levels is done by electroimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). A vWF:Ag ratio of less than 50% is evidence of vWF deficiency, but clinical bleeding tendencies are usually only apparent with a more severe deficiency (<25%). The methods used to draw, process, and ship samples are very important for accurate results. It is best to check with your diagnostic laboratory for shipping instructions. VWF levels vary between breeds and with respect to age.
 
Because of the possible link with hypothyroidism, thyroid status should be evaluated.

How is ... treated?: 

This condition cannot be cured but it can be managed. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you when the diagnosis is made. You will likely be able to control mild bleeding yourself by applying prolonged pressure. In other circumstances, veterinary care such as cautery or sutures may be required. Severe bleeding episodes are treated by administering a source of von Willebrand factor through a transfusion. If your dog requires surgery, your veterinarian may recommend a transfusion pre-operatively as a precaution, depending on the severity of the bleeding disorder, and the type of surgery. Thyroid supplements may help to control bleeding, if your veterinarian determines that your dog is hypothyroid.

FOR THE VETERINARIAN
Exogenous vWF may be supplied through administration of fresh whole blood, fresh or fresh-frozen plasma, or cryoprecipitate (treatment of choice to provide high concentraions of vWF and avoid volume overload). Dogs with severe vWD should be blood-typed because repeated transfusions may be required. Where possible, avoid the use of drugs that have been known to cause thrombocytopenia or otherwise affect platelets. Such drugs include NSAIDs, sulfonamide antibiotics, cytotoxic drugs, antihistamines, phenothiazines, theophylline,heparin and coumadin, and estrogen. Some studies have shown that thyroid supplementation in euthyroid dogs can reduce bleeding, but other studies have contradicted this.

Breeding advice: 

The trait for von Willebrand's disease is widespread, particularly in Doberman pinschers, but also in several other breeds. An accurate genetic test has been developed for several breeds - testing can reliably identify dogs with vWD, dogs that are carriers, or dogs that are clear (see vetGen for information on testing and the breeds in which it is available). In breeds where specific genetic tests are not yet available, carriers of the trait can still be identified through the blood test for von Willebrand factor. These dogs have reduced levels of vWF (25 to 60 per cent) but do not have bleeding problems. Levels vary with age and between breeds. Where a bleeding disorder has been identified, breeders are advised to test breeding stock. Dogs with von Willebrand's disease and those who are carriers should not be used for breeding.

Resources: 

Brooks MB. von Willebrand Disease. In: Côté E, ed. Clinical Veterinary Advisor Dogs and Cats. Missouri: Mosby Elsevier, 2007:1160-1162.
Brooks MB.Emergency management of canine von Willebrand's disease. 1996.A.C.V.I.M. Proceedings of the 14th Annual Vet. Medical Forum.34.
Sargan DR. von Willebrand's disease. In IDID - Inherited diseases in dogs:web-based information for canine inherited disease genetics.
vetGen - information on genetic testing available
 

 


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