| von Willebrand's Disorder |
von Willebrand's Disorder is a bleeding disorder of dogs' and
humans.
There are twelve factors that make up the platelets in the
blood and vWF is Factor 8. The blood does not clot normally,
allowing excessive bleeding.
Though this disorder only affects about one percent of the
Collie population, the Collie Health Foundation is supporting
research to find a DNA marker for it. The current test is very
unreliable though it is more accurate in dogs under six months
old. Test results may be influenzed by heat cycles, blood loss,
aspirin or other anti-inflamatory medicines, hormones, stress,
excercise and even a cold environment.
Drugs that inhibit clotting of the blood should be avoided, they
are: aspirin, ibuprofen, sulfa or penicillin based antibiotics,
phenothiazine, hepiran and theophylline.
A dog having vWillebrand can lead a completely normal life,
but in the case of emergency surgery or an injury, knowing if
your dog is affected with vonWillbrand can be vital to the dog's
safety. This disorder affects both sexes and there is no cure.
Breeds that have a higher than normal incidence of
vonWillebrand's are Doberman Pinschers, German
Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Airedale Terriers,
Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, Corgis, Bassett Hounds,
Poodles, Rottweilers, Schnauzers and Golden Retreivers.
It is also important that tests done currently be sent only to
labs that are familiar with the procedure for doing vWF tests,
as even the way a sample is handled may give an inacurate
reading.
humans.
There are twelve factors that make up the platelets in the
blood and vWF is Factor 8. The blood does not clot normally,
allowing excessive bleeding.
Though this disorder only affects about one percent of the
Collie population, the Collie Health Foundation is supporting
research to find a DNA marker for it. The current test is very
unreliable though it is more accurate in dogs under six months
old. Test results may be influenzed by heat cycles, blood loss,
aspirin or other anti-inflamatory medicines, hormones, stress,
excercise and even a cold environment.
Drugs that inhibit clotting of the blood should be avoided, they
are: aspirin, ibuprofen, sulfa or penicillin based antibiotics,
phenothiazine, hepiran and theophylline.
A dog having vWillebrand can lead a completely normal life,
but in the case of emergency surgery or an injury, knowing if
your dog is affected with vonWillbrand can be vital to the dog's
safety. This disorder affects both sexes and there is no cure.
Breeds that have a higher than normal incidence of
vonWillebrand's are Doberman Pinschers, German
Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Airedale Terriers,
Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, Corgis, Bassett Hounds,
Poodles, Rottweilers, Schnauzers and Golden Retreivers.
It is also important that tests done currently be sent only to
labs that are familiar with the procedure for doing vWF tests,
as even the way a sample is handled may give an inacurate
reading.
