Mission
Animal Clinic and Von Willerbrand's
Located in the San Fernando Valley, 16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills Ca, 818-363-8143
Von
Willebrand’s Syndrome is a bleeding disorder of both animals and man.
CAUSE
of the condition is a deficiency in the amount of a certain protein required to
help platelets (blood cells used for clotting blood) seal broken blood vessels.
Although
many breeds can be affected, the Doberman is the breed most commonly observed
with the condition. Many pets may be
carriers of the condition even though not affected themselves.
Other breeds showing a high incidence are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers,
Scotties, and Shelties.
SIGNS
OF THE DISEASE VARY.
Many dogs having the condition never show clinical signs.
Others may hemorrhage from the nose, bladder, vagina, or mucous
membranes. Prolonged bleeding after
surgery or injury is common. If
uncontrolled hemorrhage continues, it can result in death.
The time of life when initial signs are seen also varies.
The condition may not be evident until 4 years of age in the Doberman.
SCREENING
FOR THE DISEASE
can be performed in the veterinary office if the disease is suspected.
The test is termed the “Buccal Mucosal Screening Time.”
PRECAUTIONS
FOR SUSPECTED CASES:
1.
Be sure
to tell your veterinarian about past bleeding history.
2.
Buccal
Mucosal Screening Time should be determined before surgery in suspected cases.
3.
Avoid
medications that decrease clotting ability such as aspirin, phenylbutazone,
ibuprofen, ampicillin, amoxicillin, phenothiazine tranquilizers, theophylline,
antihistamines, sulfa-based drugs, estrogens, penicillin, and heparin.
TREATMENT.
Blood transfusions may be needed to stabilize the acute case.
There is no curative treatment to prevent future problems.
Follow the above precautions.
16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344 818-363-8143
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