Von Willebrand's disease in dogs in the United Kingdom

An assay for the measurement of von Willebrand factor antigen has been established. In a period of 18 months, 13 dogs have been identified as suffering from von Willebrand's disease. The affected animals had levels of von Willebrand factor antigen which ranged from undetectable to 43 per cent of normal. Factor VIII levels were also reduced. Haemorrhagic episodes were usually associated with trauma or surgery, and often required transfusion with fresh blood or plasma to arrest haemorrhage.