CANINE VON-WILLEBRAND DISEASE - A REVIEW

von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited disorder of haemostasis in man and dogs. The disease is caused by a deficiency or abnormality of von Willebrand factor which is essential for primary haemostasis. It has been diagnosed in several breeds in Australia and is found in high prevalence in Dobermanns and Scottish Terriers. Because many dogs may haemorrhage as a consequence of this disorder, the disease is of clinical relevance to small animal practitioners. The present article briefly summarises the aetiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of vWD.