Von Willebrand Disease I

General Information: Von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I) is a hereditary bleeding disorder that affects a wide range of dog breeds, most notably Doberman Pinschers. This condition results from a deficiency in the von Willebrand factor (vWF), an essential protein that aids in blood clotting at injury sites. Dogs with vWD I typically have less than half of the normal vWF levels, which leads to a range of bleeding issues. Common symptoms include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from the mouth during the loss of juvenile teeth, and prolonged bleeding following surgery or trauma. The severity of symptoms varies, and while some dogs may only exhibit mild signs, others may suffer more severe bleeding that can be life-threatening. Despite these challenges, most dogs with vWD I can lead a normal lifespan, provided that veterinary care, including access to blood transfusions during surgeries, is readily available.

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 for the VWF gene identifies whether a dog carries the mutation responsible for von Willebrand Disease I, which is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to be affected by the disease. Dogs that carry one copy of the mutation typically do not show symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. When two carriers are bred, each puppy has a 25% chance of being affected by vWD I and a 50% chance of being a carrier. Genetic testing is crucial for responsible breeding practices, as it allows breeders to avoid pairing two carriers, thereby reducing the risk of producing affected pups. By ensuring that only non-carriers are bred, the mutation can be eliminated from breeding lines, safeguarding future generations from this bleeding disorder.