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This months newsletter will include an article about
von Willebrand Disease, fun facts, and the
monthly trivia question.
Remember we love input on the newsletter so any
recommendations or suggestions of article topics are
very welcome! I hope you are enjoying the newsletter
and I thank you for your time.
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von Willebrand Disease
von Willebrand Disease (vWD) was discovered in the
1920's by Dr. vonWillebrand. It is an inherited
bleeding disorder of humans, dogs and occasionally
cats. In the United States vWD has been detected in
at least 60 purebred dog breeds and the disease also
occurs in mixed breed dogs. The Doberman
pinscher, Welsh corgi, Scottish terrier and Shetland
sheepdog are commonly affected.
vWD is caused
by defects in von Willebrand factor which is an
important
factor in the clotting of blood. This disease ranges
from mild to severe and is usually first detected in
young animals at teething, nail trimming, neuter
surgery, or heat in female dogs. Although some pets
will never show clinical signs others may have nose
bleeds, vaginal/penial bleeding, blood in urine,
bleeding gums, or skin hemorrhage.
If you notice
your pet has a bleeding issue, consult your
veterinarian to determine the cause. Your veterinarian
will examine your pet and may recommend blood
work
or a urinalysis to rule out other causes of bleeding.
Pets with vonWillibrand Disease may be treated
with plasma, and medications to prevent or control
bleeding. Owners of pets with vWD should not give
their pets aspirin or over the counter medications.
Pets with vonWillebrand Disease can lead
normal lives with careful management. Only a small
percentage have the most severe type of the disease.
Genetic testing is available for some breeds of dogs.
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Thank you for your time and I wish you a fantastic
month. We constantly strive to provide the best care
for your family pets and exceptional service to our
clients. I offer appointments while parked locally at
Discount Pet Store on Gull Rd and offer individual and
neighborhood house calls as available. If I can be of
service to you, please give us a call at 269-731-7387
to schedule an appointment today. Also, remember if
you refer a friend or family member to our clinic, both
of you will be entered in our 2007 referral drawing
program for many great prizes. Our next drawing is
December 2007. Please see our web site for more
information about our prize drawing. Our previous
newsletters can be found on our web
page. Thank you and good luck!
Sincerely,
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