#post_title £55 | EasyDNA UK

Why test your dog for von Willebrand Disease?

von Willebrand disease (vWD1) is an inherited condition that causes a dog to suffer from excessive bleeding after injury. It can also happen during and/or after surgery. This disease is the most common inherited bleeding condition among dogs and is caused by a deficiency of the protein needed to help blood platelets stick together and clot. This deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

The disease has three forms (Types 1, 2 and 3). All 3 types of the disease are characterised by a low concentration of vWF in the blood. Type 1 von Willebrand Disease is generally less severe than the other two types of vWD although it can also cause serious bleeding issues.

Fortunately, vWD Type 1 can be treated. Proper and accurate diagnosis is important to encourage early intervention.

What are the risks that come with this disease?

Dogs suffering from von Willebrand Disease (vWD) can spontaneously bleed after an injury or even because of a medical procedure. Aside from these, it is known that some medications may trigger bleeding. Here are some drugs that can interfere with platelet function:

Antihistamines
Antacid medications
Amoxicillin/Ampicillin
Estrogen
Penicillin
Sulfa-based antibiotics

It has been observed in humans with vWD that emotional stress can also trigger bleeding. While further studies are needed to know whether the same is true with canines, it is possible that stress can also trigger bleeding among dogs. Hence, if you suspect that your dog is suffering from vWD, you should monitor them closely and try to keep them away from stressful and strenuous activities.

What are the symptoms of vWD?

Like many diseases and disorders, the symptoms of vWD are not always evident. In facts, many dogs with the disease never show any symptoms.

However, if you suspect that your dog has vWD, watch out for spontaneous bleeding from body orifices such as the nose and vagina. Make sure to always monitor your dog after trauma, injury, or surgical procedures such as spaying and neutering. For female dogs, watch out for uncontrollable bleeding after giving birth, which can lead to death.

If your dog has vWD, they may suffer from abnormal bleeding after these events. However, some dogs don’t exhibit any bleeding at all until later in life, so not bleeding after injuries or surgeries does not discount the possibility of a dog having vWD.

Be in better control of your dog’s health by getting an early and accurate diagnosis of the disease through a reliable Dog von Willebrand Disease Test.

What dogs are at risk for von Willebrand Disease?

At least 30 dog breeds have been identified to be at risk of getting vWD. Out of these breeds, the Doberman Pinscher shows the highest incidence of the disease. Currently, we are carrying out the Dog vWD Test on the following breeds:

Doberman Pinscher
German Pinscher
Labradoodle
Bernese Mountain Dog
Poodle
Stabyhoun
Goldendoodle
Kerry Blue Terrier
Coton de Tulear
Drentsche Patrijshond
Manchester Terrier
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Papillion

We are also testing mixed breed dogs as long as one or more of their breeds can be found in the list.

Cost of the Dog von Willebrand Disease test

The Dog von Willebrand Disease test is being offered at only £55 for a sample of one dog. There is an option to order more tests for an additional cost.

How the Dog von Willebrand Disease test is carried out

Our Dog von Willebrand Disease test is based on the specific mutation that causes the Type 1 disease. A clear result from this test will show that the dog does not have the specific type of vWD but will not detect the presence of another bleeding disorder.

The process of our Dog von Willebrand Disease test is simple and straightforward. Upon ordering your test, we will send you a sample collection kit that allows you to collect your dog’s cheek swab samples. The kit comes with complete instructions to guide you through the process. Using our kit, there is no need to draw blood or go to the veterinarian for sample collection.

Once you are able to collect your dog’s DNA sample, put the swabs back in the collection envelope provided. Use this envelope to send the samples back to our laboratory for testing.

Your test results

After our laboratory receives your dog’s sample, you can expect to receive your test results via email in 7 working days from receipt of samples at the laboratory. You will receive one of three possible outcomes:

CLEAR result: Your dog has inherited 2 good genes that are free from defects or mutations.
CARRIER result: Your dog has inherited 1 normal copy of the gene and 1 mutated copy. This means that the animal is likely to pass on the condition to its offspring.
AFFECTED result: Your dog has inherited 2 copies of the mutated gene and is highly likely to suffer severe, spontaneous bleeding. The animal will also pass on the mutation to its offspring.

EasyDNA uses the latest in DNA testing technology, assuring you that the results of your von Willebrand Disease test are highly accurate and reliable. If you need more information regarding this test, please contact our Customer Service.

Other Dog Disease Genetic Tests from EasyDNA

At EasyDNA we offer a range inherited disease screening tests such as von Willebrand Disease including the following:

We also offer a comprehensive genetic screening test covering 175+ diseases and traits through our DogCheck Genetic Screening Test. This is one of the most comprehensive tests on the market ideal to manage the health of your dog and for breeders.

Other Dog DNA Tests from EasyDNA

We also offer a wide range of other types of dog DNA tests looking at different personal aspects of your dog such as the Premium Dog Testing Package, an all-in-one testing package that includes our Dog Allergy Test, Dog Breed Test, and Dog Genetic Age Test.

Find out more about your dog and start your journey to a healthier pet!

Dog von Willebrand Disease Test