🧬 Vet-Approved Guide to Von Willebrand's Disease in Dogs (2025) 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. It occurs when there’s a deficiency or defect in von Willebrand’s factor—a crucial protein that helps blood clot after injury 🩸. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains the symptoms, testing methods, treatment options, and why screening is essential before breeding 🐾.

🔬 What Is Von Willebrand’s Factor?

Von Willebrand’s factor (vWF) is a protein complex made by blood vessel cells and platelets. It plays two main roles:

• 🩹 Helps platelets stick together and to wound sites
• 🧪 Stabilizes clotting factor VIII (used to form strong clots)

If vWF is missing or defective, clots are weak and prolonged bleeding can occur—internally or externally ⚠️.

🧬 Types of Von Willebrand’s Disease

1. Type I – Mild to Moderate

• 🧪 All vWF components are present, but in low amounts
• 🐾 Common in Dobermans, Shelties, German Shepherds, and Poodles

2. Type II – Severe

• 🔬 Only small vWF proteins remain—larger ones are missing
• 🩸 Leads to more severe bleeding
• 📍 Seen in German Short- and Wire-Haired Pointers

3. Type III – Most Severe

• 🛑 No vWF at all
• 💔 Common in Scottish Terriers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Shetland Sheepdogs

🐶 Breeds at Risk

Breeds that should be routinely screened include:

• Doberman Pinschers
• Golden Retrievers
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Rottweilers
• Miniature Schnauzers
• German Shepherds
• German Short-Haired Pointers
• Standard Poodles
• Scottish Terriers

🩸 Symptoms of Von Willebrand’s Disease

• 🔴 Nosebleeds
• 🦷 Bleeding gums
• 🩸 Bloody urine or stool (black/tarry)
• 🩺 Prolonged bleeding after surgery or injury
• ❗ Bleeding into joints or body cavities in severe cases

🧪 Some dogs show signs during spay/neuter surgeries or dental cleanings. Others remain symptom-free until adulthood or injury.

🧪 Testing and Diagnosis

1. 🧫 Von Willebrand Factor Blood Test

• Measures vWF protein in blood
• 📊 Normal = 70–180%
• Borderline = 50–69%
• Abnormal = <49% (likely affected or a carrier)

Note: Results can vary depending on stress, pregnancy, or the vein used to draw blood 📉.

2. 🧬 DNA Testing

• Easy cheek swab sent to a lab
• 📍 Identifies carriers, affected dogs, or those clear of disease
• 🧪 Available for many at-risk breeds

3. 🩹 Buccal Bleeding Time Test

• A small cut is made in the cheek lining
• Normal clotting time is under 4 minutes
• Used as a screening test before surgery

Note: This test is less precise than blood or DNA tests but useful in general practice 🩺.

🔄 Why Symptoms Might Appear Later

Even though vWD is inherited, symptoms might not show until a dog has another condition (e.g., hypothyroidism), which tips the balance and reveals a bleeding problem 🔬.

💉 Treatment Options

1. 🩸 Cryoprecipitate

• Concentrated plasma product rich in vWF
• Used before surgery or during bleeding episodes
• Lasts ~4 hours post-infusion

2. 💉 Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

More readily available than cryoprecipitate, but less concentrated.

3. 💊 Desmopressin (DDAVP)

• Hormone that causes vWF release into bloodstream
• Fast-acting: reduces bleeding within 30 minutes
• Lasts ~2 hours—ideal before planned surgeries

🚫 Breeding Considerations

• 📋 Dogs that test positive (even as carriers) should not be bred
• 🧬 Avoid breeding two carriers together—risk of affected offspring is high

📊 Prognosis

• ✅ Type I can often be managed with surgery precautions
• ⚠️ Types II and III are more severe and harder to manage

🩺 With proper diagnosis and preparation, most affected dogs can still lead full lives.

📲 Final Advice from Dr Duncan Houston

If your dog belongs to a high-risk breed or is due for surgery, talk to your vet about vWD testing 🧬. Avoid emergency surprises by knowing your pet’s clotting profile in advance.

📱 For test coordination, surgery prep, or bleeding disorder support, download the Ask A Vet App or visit AskAVet.com. Better knowledge means safer care 🐾🩸.