Von Willebrand's Disease, Canine - contd.
Prevention of von Willebrand's disease is a very difficult issue. Since the disease is hereditary, the ideal way to eliminate it would be to avoid breeding affected dogs. However, not all dogs with low von Willebrand's factor concentrations have significant bleeding. The mere fact that the concentration is low does not always mean that clinically significant problems will occur, even in breeds in which a significantly high number of dogs have reduced von Willebrand's factor. If all dogs that tested low for the factor were eliminated from breeding, then breeding programs would be quite restricted. Certainly, though, it makes sense not to breed dogs that have had clinically significant episodes of bleeding due to von Willebrand's disease, no matter what their breed.
In an affected dog, problems may be avoided prior to elective surgeries by remembering to screen for this condition, especially if previous bleeding episodes have occurred or if there is a familial history of bleeding. Pre-treatment with DDAVP may help avert disastrous consequences, as will having blood products on hand in case they are needed.
