What
is vWD?
Appeared on Mersey
Kennels Web Page
Prepared by Jennifer Tomes
Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder
common in a number of breeds, including Manchester Terriers (both standards and
toys), Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs. Affected
dogs can bleed to death from relatively minor injuries because their blood does
not clot properly as a result of a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand
factor (vWF), a plasma protein. The prevalence and severity of the disorder
depends on the breed of dog. Little information is available that deals
specifically with Manchester Terriers, but they do not appear to be as severely
affected as some other breeds. Information provided by VetGen (a company that
provides tests for vWD) indicates that approximately 59% of the Manchester
Terriers genetically tested to date are clear of vWD, 35% are carriers and 6%
are affected with the disorder.
vWD is a genetic disorder and the gene
responsible has recently been identified. Prior to this discovery vets used to
offer blood tests to diagnose the disorder. Now a genetic test is available from
VetGen.
The blood test (which is still available) is cheaper, but the results can be
affected by a number of factors (e.g. hormonal cycles). The VetGen test is
genetic, only needs to be done once, and is conclusive. The test tells you if
your dog is affected (has the disorder), a carrier (does not have the disorder
but does carry the gene and could create affected puppies if breed with another
carrier) or clear (does not have the disorder or carry the gene responsible for
the disorder).
If you are considering purchasing a Manchester
Terrier, either a standard or a toy, you should ask your breeder about vWD in
their line. Many breeders are using the genetic test and can tell you if there
is any chance of the puppies having the disorder. If you do get an affected dog,
there is no cure. There are some treatments to help improve clotting time, but
it's unclear how effective they are or how long affected dogs generally live.
And you would have to be VERY careful about injuries. It's best just to avoid
breeders producing affected dogs.
