Disease overview

Von Willebrand disease III is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a reduced or absent level of a normal blood clotting protein called the von Willebrand factor. It results in spontaneous hemorrhaging and prolonged bleeding after physical trauma. This is the most severe form of the disease.

Gene name

VWF

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs may be asymptomatic. Others may spontaneously bleed from the nose and vagina. Blood can be found in urine or the oral cavity. It is common that bleeding conditions are not recognized until trauma or surgery.

How is it diagnosed

Hemostatic diseases are diagnosed via multiple blood tests which look at clotting times.

Breeds at higher risk

Deutsch Kooiker, ,

Citations

Boudreaux MK. Inherited platelet disorders. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2012 Feb;22(1):30-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00702.x. Epub 2012 Jan 13. PMID: 22316339.

Rieger M, Schwarz HP, Turecek PL, Dorner F, van Mourik JA, Mannhalter C. Identification of mutations in the canine von Willebrand factor gene associated with type III von Willebrand disease. Thromb Haemost. 1998 Aug;80(2):332-7. PMID: 9716162.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.