von Willebrand's Disease

Von Willebrand's Disease is a blood disorder that can be found in both humans and dogs. This disorder affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. A dog affected by von Willebrand's Disease will have symptoms such as nose bleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping and occasionally blood can be found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery and avoiding specific medications.