Von Willebrand Disease
What is Von Willebrand Disease?
Von Willebrand Disease is a blood clotting disorder found in dogs and humans. There is a lack of the Von Willebrand protein, which helps the blood clot. Lack of this protein can leading to bleeding out which can lead to internal injuries or death. There are three different types, Type 1 is found in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This is the mildest form of VWD but it should still not be over looked.
Information on Von WilleBrand Disease be found here:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vwd
Information on Von WilleBrand Disease be found here:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vwd
What do I do if my dog has VWD1?
If your dog is affected by Von Willebrand Disease it is not a death sentence, however, it can be very dangerous to under go surgery. There is also a large risk of your dog dying if involved in a serious injury. If your dog is affected by VWD it is important that you inform your veterinarian so that they may take precautions if a surgery must be performed.
Testing for VWD1 is easy! It's a simple cheek swab that you mail back to the testing center.
Testing for VWD1 is easy! It's a simple cheek swab that you mail back to the testing center.
Will any of your puppies have VWD1?
Absolutely not! VWD is one of those disease that I believe would be easy for us corgi breeders to breed out. I have made it a personal goal to only produce VWD1 CLEAR dogs. Many breeders will breed a VWD1 CARRIER dog. These dogs will not be affected by VWD but they can pass on the gene and, if bred to another carrier, could produce VWD AFFECTED puppies. I do not agree with the idea of breeding VWD1 CARRIERS for the simple fact that there are plenty of VWD1 CLEAR dogs out there. It's not as hard to find the clears as in DM and with the seriousness of this disease and a reliable way to test for it I see no reason why we shouldn't breeding away from it.
Here's why I take such a stance on producing only VWD1 CLEAR dogs.... for the simple reason that, although I have a contract, there is no way for me to 100% guarantee that someone will not breed my dogs, even if sold on limited registration. I try my best to make sure that they go to responsible homes but once I hand over a puppy I am trusting the owners to hold up their end of responsible ownership. IF I were to produce VWD1 CARRIER dogs, I can't guarantee that someone won't go breed that dog to an untested, possible VWD1 CARRIER dog. By producing only CLEARS, I take away this risk of them going on to produce possibly VWD1 AFFECTED puppies.
I think every breeder should keep this in mind and try their best to breed away from it.
Here's why I take such a stance on producing only VWD1 CLEAR dogs.... for the simple reason that, although I have a contract, there is no way for me to 100% guarantee that someone will not breed my dogs, even if sold on limited registration. I try my best to make sure that they go to responsible homes but once I hand over a puppy I am trusting the owners to hold up their end of responsible ownership. IF I were to produce VWD1 CARRIER dogs, I can't guarantee that someone won't go breed that dog to an untested, possible VWD1 CARRIER dog. By producing only CLEARS, I take away this risk of them going on to produce possibly VWD1 AFFECTED puppies.
I think every breeder should keep this in mind and try their best to breed away from it.
More Resources About VWD |
https://www.welshcorgi-news.ch/Gesundheit/vWD_eng.html
http://www.goldengatecorgis.org/articles/vwd.htm
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_von_willebrand_disease
http://www.goldengatecorgis.org/articles/vwd.htm
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_von_willebrand_disease