Akela inherited one copy of the variant we tested for Von Willebrand Disease Type III, Type III vWD
This variant should not impact Akela’s health. This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the variant to show signs of this condition. Akela is unlikely to develop this condition due to this variant because she only has one copy of the variant.
Your dog carries this variant and will pass it on to ~50% of her offspring. You can email breeders@embarkvet.com to discuss with a genetic counselor how the genotype results should be applied to a breeding program.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a type of coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting. vWD is characterized into three types based on clinical severity, serum levels of vWF, and vWF multimer composition. Dogs with Type III vWD have markedly reduced to absent vWF levels with severe clinical signs.
This disease is typically diagnosed in puppies or young adults when they are spayed or neutered and have a problem with clotting. However, it can be diagnosed at any age.
vWD is diagnosed through genetic testing and blood testing at a laboratory. Veterinarians may also nick a dog’s lip with a sterile needle and time how long it takes for clotting to occur.
vWD cannot be treated, only managed. Preventing injuries is goal number one. If your dog requires surgery, your veterinarian should be warned that excessive bleeding may occur and blood products need to be on hand in case a transfusion is required.
- Prevention is key! Minimizing the risk of trauma and informing your veterinarian so that surgeries can be carefully planned are the best ways to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
- Be aware of the location of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital in case of an accident.