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Canine von Willebrand's disease. A heterogeneous group of bleeding disorders
G S Johnson1, M A Turrentine, K H Kraus
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia.
Insights
Von Willebrand's disease in dogs is a group of inherited bleeding disorders caused by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor. Canine von Willebrand's disease presents in three types based on the presence and size of von Willebrand factor multimers in plasma.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hematology
- Canine Genetics
Background:
- Von Willebrand's disease is a common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs.
- It stems from a deficiency in von Willebrand factor, a crucial plasma glycoprotein.
- This condition affects the blood's ability to clot properly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize the different forms of canine von Willebrand's disease.
- To describe the specific molecular defects associated with each type.
- To clarify the clinical significance of various canine von Willebrand's disease presentations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma samples from affected dogs.
- Quantification and characterization of von Willebrand factor multimers.
- Classification based on the presence and size distribution of von Willebrand factor multimers.
Main Results:
- Type I: All sizes of von Willebrand factor multimers detected in plasma.
- Type II: Only smaller von Willebrand factor multimers present; larger ones absent.
- Type III: Von Willebrand factor absent or in trace amounts in plasma.
Conclusions:
- Canine von Willebrand's disease is classified into three distinct types based on von Willebrand factor multimer analysis.
- Understanding these types is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Some forms may have limited clinical impact, necessitating careful evaluation.
Abstract:
The term "von Willebrand's disease," refers to a group of inherited bleeding disorders, all of which are caused by a deficiency of the multimeric plasma glycoprotein, von Willebrand factor. The various forms of canine von Willebrand's disease can be categorized into one of three major types: in type I canine von Willebrand's disease, all sizes of von Willebrand factor multimers can be detected in the plasma; in type II canine von Willebrand's disease, only the smaller von Willebrand factor multimers are found in the plasma (larger multimers are absent); and in type III canine von Willebrand's disease, von Willebrand factor is completely absent from the plasma or present in only trace amounts. Von Willebrand's disease is common in dogs, but some forms of the disease are so mild that they are of questionable clinical significance.