vWD
Von Willebrand's Disease

vWD is a blood disease caused by the deficiency of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), and adhesive glycoprotein of blood that is required for normal platelet function.

Carriers of vWD may experience reduced plasma vWF, but it is not enough for the disease to manifest.  Affected dogs carry 2 copies of the disease gene, but may not develop the disease.  

This disease can be screened for by a simply DNA analysis.  Breeding practices should take into consideration whether or not the animal is a carrier of the disease. Two carriers should never be bred together for the risk to the next generation inheriting this disease.  

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