Coagulopathies such as von Willebrand disease, which has a reported 1.5% prevalence in dogs,1 and factor VII deficiency can cause clinically significant bleeding during elective canine procedures. Human studies have shown more bleeding complications have occurred during open procedures as compared with minimally invasive procedures.2-5
In this retrospective study, 16 Doberman pinschers were diagnosed with von Willebrand disease via a low von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (median, 19%; normal, 70%-180%) or via a buccal mucosal bleeding time of more than 5 minutes. Four dogs (including a beagle, a springer spaniel, a Scottish deerhound, and an Alaskan Klee Kai) were diagnosed with factor VII disease by a low serum factor VII activity or prolonged prothrombin time. Two dogs had a history of epistaxis, and one dog had previous facial bruising and swelling.