Vet Guide to Coagulation Factor Deficiencies in Dogs 2025 🐶🩸
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Vet Guide to Coagulation Factor Deficiencies in Dogs 2025 🐶🩸
By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc
Coagulation factor deficiencies are inherited or acquired disorders where specific blood-clotting proteins are missing or impaired. This comprehensive 2025 guide focuses on Factor VIII, IX, VII, and others—including von Willebrand disease—covering their causes, clinical signs, diagnostic strategies, and management to protect your pup from bleeding emergencies.
📍 Common Clotting Factor Deficiencies
- Hemophilia A (Factor VIII): Most common inherited deficiency in dogs; X-linked, affecting mostly males.
- Hemophilia B (Factor IX): X-linked too; similar symptoms but generally milder.
- Factor VII deficiency: Autosomal; breeds affected include Beagles, Boxers, Schnauzers, Bulldogs; often mild unless surgery occurs.
- Other deficiencies: Factor XI, XII, prothrombin (Factor II), fibrinogen are rarer but possible.
- Von Willebrand disease (vWD): Platelet adhesion disorder; common in Dobermans with quantitative defects.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- Delayed bleeding or bruising after surgery, dentals, or tail docking.
- Spontaneous hemorrhage: nosebleeds, bleeding gums, hematomas, hemarthrosis.
- Small petechiae or bleeding in bodily cavities may occur in severe cases.
🔬 Diagnostic Approach
- CBC & Platelet Count: Rule out thrombocytopenia.
- Coagulation Panels: PT, aPTT, BMBT, vWF assays identify specific defects.
- Specific Factor Assays: Measure activity of Factor VII, VIII, IX etc.
- Genetic Testing: Identifies carriers useful for breeding decisions.
💊 Treatment & Management
1. Preventing Bleeding Episodes
- Avoid trauma & elective surgery when possible.
- Administer fresh or frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate during bleeding events.
- Desmopressin (DDAVP) can temporarily boost vWF levels.
2. Emergency Intervention
- Tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid for mucosal bleeding.
- Consider recombinant factor VIII or VIIa (often via referral centers).
- Supportive care: sedation, cage rest, blood transfusions as needed.
3. Long‑Term Care
- Regular prophylactic plasma infusions before high-risk procedures.
- Routine check-ups with coagulation panels before surgeries or dentals.
- Genetic counseling and avoid breeding affected dogs or carriers.
📊 Quick Reference Table
| Condition | Inheritance | Key Tests | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemophilia A/B | X‑linked | aPTT ↑, factor assay | Plasma, avoid trauma |
| Factor VII deficiency | Auto‑rec | PT ↑, factor assay/genetic | Plasma only if bleeding |
| vWD | Auto‑rec/haploinsufficient | vWF antigen, BMBT | DDAVP/plasma pre‑op |
✅ Vet Tips by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc
- ✔ Pre‑surgical coagulation screening is crucial in predisposed breeds.
- ✔ Store plasma products if your dog is diagnosed—be ready.
- ✔ Use DDAVP for known vWD carriers before procedures.
- ✔ Work with breeders to reduce prevalence through genetic testing.
Concerned about unusual bleeding or bruising in your dog? Reach out via the AskAVet.com app for a vet consultation.🐾❤️
