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What To Know About Von Willebrand Disease In Dogs
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder that affects some purebred dogs. It causes problems with how your dog's blood clots, putting them at risk for unusually heavy bleeding. It's common in Doberman pinschers, but other breeds are at risk for the condition as well.
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder that affects some dogs. It can affect humans as well, but you can't catch it from a dog — and your dog can't get it from you. The syndrome is genetic, so any dog who has it was born with it.
The condition has been diagnosed in more than 30 breeds of dogs. Doberman pinschers are the most likely to have von Willebrand disease. Some studies estimate that more than half of Dobermans are carriers of the disease.
The main characteristic of canine von Willebrand disease is an abnormally low amount of a protein called von Willebrand factor. A dog with the condition may have von Willebrand factor in their bloodstream, but it is malformed and ineffective. This protein is crucial to the process of blood clotting. Without it, your dog's injuries can lead to excessive bleeding. Von Willebrand disease is similar to hemophilia, another type of bleeding disorder, though it is a different condition.
In a typical injury with a tear in a blood vessel, your dog's body deploys cells called platelets to the area. The platelets clump up and block the opening in the blood vessel to prevent more blood from leaking out. Von Willebrand factor acts like glue, holding the platelets together. If the von Willebrand factor doesn't bind the platelets, a wound will not stop bleeding.
If your dog loses too much blood after an injury or surgery, they can die.
There are different types of von Willebrand disease, which have different implications for dogs:
If your dog has a milder form of the condition, they may not have significant complications from it. Many dogs show symptoms only after a serious injury or routine surgery. The bleeding may take longer than usual to stop, and your dog might have excessive bruising at an incision or injury site.
For dogs with severe forms of von Willebrand disease, they may have episodes of spontaneous bleeding. They might hemorrhage from the mouth, nose, or genitals. Any kind of injury or surgery is a risk for life-threatening bleeding. If your dog gives birth to puppies, there could also be significant postpartum bleeding.
Dogs don't always show signs of this disorder from puppyhood. Some dogs don't start to have symptoms until later in life. The average age for diagnosis in Dobermans — the dog breed most commonly affected by this condition — is 4 years old.
There is no treatment for von Willebrand disease. If your dog has the condition, you can manage the symptoms, but the condition itself will be lifelong.
If you know your dog has clotting problems from von Willebrand disease, you should tell your vet prior to any surgery. Your vet may suggest a transfusion of blood products to add von Willebrand factor to your dog's bloodstream before the operation.
A hormone called DDAVP (or desmopressin acetate) can be helpful as its use seems to cause a sudden release of von Willebrand's factor into the bloodstream. After a 30-minute activation period, the use of DDAVP shortens the bleeding time for approximately 2 hours after the DDAVP injection. This is very helpful in preparing for surgery but not something useful on a day-to-day basis.
Your dog may need stitches to heal minor injuries that don't usually require treatment. They should avoid any medication that can lead to increased bleeding, including some blood thinners, pain relievers, and antibiotics. Your vet can tell you how to care for a wound if your dog has von Willebrand disease.
There is genetic testing and even a blood test for von Willebrand disease in dogs. The testing is helpful if your dog will need surgery. You may need to find a veterinary practice with experience managing this condition. Your dog may also need special medications prior to surgery to keep them safe and testing clotting ability prior to surgery is also recommended. Your vet will minimize the risk of bleeding during and after the operation.
Testing is also useful if you are considering breeding your dog. Bleeding can be a complication of giving birth, so your dog's safety could be an issue. In addition, the condition is genetic, so there is a good chance of passing it along to offspring. Many experts recommend not breeding dogs who carry the gene for von Willebrand disease.
Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to this condition. Along with Doberman pinschers, other breeds are also vulnerable. Talk to your vet about testing if you have any of the following breeds:
If you have a breed with a high risk of von Willebrand disease, talk to your vet about genetic testing. You can also discuss what to look for so you'll be prepared if your pet gets injured.
Medications To Avoid With Von Willebrand Disease
Because von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder, people with the condition should avoid medications that can increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with blood clotting.
Medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can interfere with platelet function, increasing the likelihood of bleeding episodes.
Anticoagulants, herbal supplements, and certain antibiotics may also pose risks for people with VWD, as they can affect blood clotting mechanisms.
This article examines the kinds of medications to avoid with VWD, which treatments and therapies are safe, ways to manage symptoms without medication, and when to seek medical attention.
As such, certain kinds of medications and supplements are not always safe for people with VWD.
For instance, antiplatelets and anticoagulants are medications that delay blood clotting or make it more difficult for blood clots to form.
Other medications that can interfere with platelet function or blood clotting include:
Additional medications that can interact with the drug classes mentioned above and can further increase the risk of bleeding include:
At first glance, some medications and supplements that can affect bleeding and blood clotting do not seem related, making it all the more important to talk with a healthcare professional about what is and is not safe.
The following medications and therapies can help treat VWD and related symptoms:
Below are some general suggestions for managing VWD without medication.
Additionally, healthcare professionals may recommend adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle for overall health and for lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, which can be difficult to treat in people with VWD.
Some ways to do this include:
Finally, experts emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness. This involves the person preparing themselves and others, including emergency responders, for a bleeding emergency before such an emergency happens.
Emergency preparedness for someone with VWD may look like:
Someone with VWD should contact their doctor if they experience:
Additionally, someone with VWD should talk with a healthcare professional before any surgical or dental procedures to make sure there is a plan in place to manage bleeding risks. This may include medication adjustments or using clotting factor concentrates.
This section answers some frequently asked questions about medications and von Willebrand disease.
Can you take Tylenol with von Willebrand?
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and is generally safe for people with VWD.
What pain meds can you take with von Willebrand disease?
Aside from acetaminophen, healthcare professionals may prescribe opioid pain medications.
Additionally, someone with VWD may talk with a doctor about topical pain relief creams.
What drug increases von Willebrand factor (VWF)?
Desmopressin (DDAVP) and factor replacement therapies can help increase VWF and factor VIII in the blood.
Overall, people with von Willebrand disease should be cautious about medications, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, that increase bleeding risks, as well as anticoagulants, certain herbal supplements, and some antibiotics, as they can interfere with blood clotting.
People with this condition should speak with a healthcare professional about the risks and benefits before starting or changing any medication.
Von Willebrand Disease Vs. Hemophilia
Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease (VWD) are bleeding disorders that share similar symptoms. Both conditions make it more difficult for the blood to clot.
Both conditions can also be genetic, meaning a person inherits them from their biological parents. However, people can develop these disorders due to other factors, too. There are also differences in their symptoms and management.
Keep reading to learn about the differences and similarities between VWD and hemophilia, how doctors can tell them apart, and the treatment options.
A note about sex and genderSex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms "male," "female," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Hemophilia and VWD are bleeding disorders that people typically inherit from their biological parents, meaning the conditions are present from birth. They both cause problems with clotting factors in the blood, which makes it harder for the blood to form clots.
This can be a problem if a person gets a cut or injury and the wound cannot stop bleeding or if a person needs a medical procedure, such as surgery. People who menstruate may also experience heavy periods.
Hemophilia is more common in males. People with this disorder may also experience muscle and joint discomfort due to bleeding. VWD has similar odds of occurring in any person, regardless of their sex.
The symptoms of hemophilia and VWD can be very similar, and may include:
People with hemophilia may also develop the following as a result of internal bleeding:
To diagnose whether an individual has hemophilia or VWD, doctors need to perform a combination of tests and ask about the medical history of the person's family.
Doctors may also diagnose a condition based on a person's symptoms. For example, if an individual is experiencing pain or stiffness in their joints, this may be a sign of hemophilia.
Hemophilia and VWD are both genetic conditions but are related to different chromosomes.
Chromosomes are DNA molecules that house genes, which control how bodies grow and develop. In humans, one pair of chromosomes influences their sex. Females have two X chromosomes, whereas males have an X and Y chromosome.
Hemophilia inheritance
Hemophilia usually occurs due to a difference in genes on the X chromosome.
Because females have two X chromosomes, the genes for hemophilia are less likely to affect them, as they have a higher chance of having at least one typical X chromosome.
If a female parent is a carrier of the gene, their male children have a 25% chance of developing hemophilia, and their female children have a 25% chance of carrying the gene.
Males will always pass their X chromosome to their daughters and their Y chromosome to their sons.
This means that male parents cannot pass hemophilia down to their male children, as they will pass on their Y chromosome. Their female children will have a 50% chance of becoming carriers.
VWD inheritance
This is because VWD does not have links to the X chromosome. Any parent can pass it down to their children, regardless of sex.
A person may also develop this disorder even if their parents do not have VWD. This is because either parent may carry a gene for VWD without having symptoms.
Rare causes
In some rare cases, people may develop these disorders due to other conditions or as a side effect of taking certain medications.
Hemophilia treatment involves injections of synthetic clotting factors that help replace those that do not work or are missing.
This can help prevent or stop bleeding. Doctors may also prescribe medications that people with this condition have to take regularly to manage the disorder.
The treatment for VWD can vary depending on its severity. Milder cases may not need treatment apart from avoiding medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin. More severe cases may require injections of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein that helps blood clot.
Doctors may also recommend using a specific nasal spray called desmopressin acetate to help the body release more VWF and taking antifibrinolytic drugs, which prevent the breakdown of blood clots.
Here are answers to some common questions about VWD and hemophilia.
Is VWD a type of hemophilia?
No, VWD is not a type of hemophilia. Both conditions are bleeding disorders, but they are not the same illness.
Can you have both VWD and hemophilia?
As the conditions occur due to inherited changes in different genes, people can inherit the genes for both VWD and hemophilia.
Do females with hemophilia menstruate?
It is very rare for females to have hemophilia. Those that do can still menstruate, but they may have heavy periods.
That said, it is important to note that most females who carry a hemophilia gene do not have hemophilia. They only carry a copy of the gene. This sometimes results in symptoms, but these may be less severe.
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) and hemophilia are bleeding disorders that can cause similar symptoms, including excessive bleeding from cuts and wounds, recurring nosebleeds, easy bruising, heavy periods in females, and slow healing after surgery.
Both conditions are usually the result of genetics. Hemophilia is more prevalent in males, while people of all sexes have the same chance of developing VWD.
The treatments for each condition are different, so getting the correct diagnosis is important. People who have concerns that they may have a bleeding disorder should speak with a healthcare professional.
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