Hemophilia A (Old English Sheepdog Type)

General Information: Hemophilia A (Old English Sheepdog Type) is an inherited bleeding disorder in dogs caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII. This condition results from a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal blood clotting process, leading to prolonged bleeding. Dogs with two copies of the associated gene mutation are predisposed to Hemophilia A, which can manifest at any age. Symptoms include spontaneous bleeding, excessive bleeding from minor wounds, nosebleeds, and joint swelling due to internal bleeding. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening hemorrhages. While not all dogs with the mutation will show symptoms, those affected are at risk of bleeding episodes that require medical attention. Regular monitoring and management strategies, including avoiding injury and using clotting factor replacement therapy when necessary, are crucial for affected dogs.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog Unlikely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing of the specific gene associated with Hemophilia A (Old English Sheepdog Type) can determine if a dog is a carrier of this condition. Hemophilia A is inherited in an X-linked Recessive manner, meaning that male dogs with one copy of the mutated gene will develop the disease, while female dogs with one copy will be carriers. Female carriers typically do not show symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. When a carrier female is bred, each male pup has a 50% chance of developing the disease and each female pup has a 50% chance of being a carrier. Reliable genetic testing is crucial for informed breeding practices to reduce the prevalence of this mutation in breeding lines. Breeding carrier females to non-carrier males is recommended to avoid producing affected male pups. Dogs that are not carriers have no increased risk of having affected offspring.