Posted by: "Trotman Family" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I have a boy w/ Von Willebrand's and I would be happy to speak w/ you about
it!!!! Email me any time!. :O)
Basically, Von Willebrand's is an inherited disorder than can occur in any
breed of dog, but it mostly found in the Doberman breed. It is estimated
that over 80% of the breed is either effected by the disease or is a
carrier. It can happen in humans too!
The Von Willebrand's factor is necessary for normal clotting. If you have a
cut, the Von Willebrand's factors are the first step in clotting. So, w/o
them, the blood cannot clot.
There are several different "degrees" of Von Willebrand's disease. The test
will show which category you fall into: your pup could have full blown vWD
(0 - 30 test result), they can be a carrier (and only sometimes show
signs/symptoms) (31 - 80 test result) or they can be totally normal and
unaffected (above 80 test result).
As for treatment, thyroid meds have changed our life here. It is unknown
why it helps, but it does. Scooby's original test was 9... after three
transfusions and four months of thyroid meds his vW factor is now 118!!!!!
Yes, he will need transfusions again if he is injured or needs surgery, but
besides that the meds should work for minor cuts and scrapes. :O)
Unfortunately, we did not find out about his Von Willebrand's disease until
he was neutered. It was scary for awhile, but thanks to the transfusions
and the meds he is doing _much_ better. He still has swelling in his sac
SIX MONTHS after the surgery, but eventually that will go away. The
transfusions are VERY, VERY expensive though! We are talking $1,200 for ONE
transfusion of five bags of platelets. We spent over $4,000 on him before
we saw wonderful results.
Like I said, if you have any other questions... let me know!!!!!! I hope
this information has helped!
Cindy +2
Scooby "a.k.a. bleeder boy"
Star "I'm perfect"
Westminster, CO
http://home.frii.com/~trotman
>Posted by: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>Does anyone have experience or a link to information on this disease? I've
>only been able to find what kind and how much testing is, but not what
causes
>it, and how it progresses.
>
>I also understand there is no cure for this, but are there any other ways
to
>keep this under control?
>
>Any information would be appreciated.
