Von Willebrand's disease in dogs.

Von Willebrand's disease, the most common, mild, inherited bleeding disorder of animals, is an autosomal trait generally causing high morbidity and low mortality and affecting many breeds of dogs. Clinical signs include hematuria, epistaxis, gingival or genital mucosal bleeding, lameness, and prolonged bleeding from cut nails or wounds. Concurrent hypothyroidism exacerbates the disease. Affected dogs and carriers should not be bred or should be tested for von Willebrand's factor before breeding. Treatment involves IV infusion of fresh whole blood or plasma, at 3-5 ml/lb, with topical use of hemostatic compounds, and avoidance of drugs that interfere with hemostasis.