Von Willebrand disease is a blood clotting disorder. Normally, when your dog bleeds, platelets together with a plasma protein called the von Willebrand factor (vWF) and other substances help the blood to clot. When your dog has Von Willebrand disease it means that there is not enough vWF to cause your dog’s blood to clot as effectively.

Your dog will bleed excessively in circumstances when dogs with normal vWF factors would only have minimal bleeding. In addition, your dog will be more prone to bruising.

Von Willebrand disease is an inherited disease. The disease may first develop when your dog is a puppy, or it may develop later in life.

Both males and females of any breed or mix can get Von Willebrand disease. However, there are certain breeds in which there is a higher incidence of Von Willebrand. These breeds include Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Miniature Poodles, Rottweilers, Scottish Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs and Standard Poodles.

Your vet will make a diagnosis by taking blood from your dog to measure the vWF factor.

Your vet may give your dog a medication called DDAVP that increases the vWF factor. Your dog can also be treated with a blood product called cryoprecipitate prior to having any procedure that may cause bleeding.

Most dogs with Von Willebrand will lead normal lives.

Do not breed any dog who is a carrier of Von Willebrand disease. DNA tests are available that can determine whether your dog is a carrier. Likewise, you should not acquire any dog with a family history of this condition.

No, you cannot contract von Willebrand disease from your dog.