Factor XI Deficiency in Dogs

Category: Blood
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive, incomplete penetrance
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 3

Overview

Factor XI is one of the proteins the blood needs to form a clot and stop bleeding. When too little is available, bleeding after an injury or operation can last longer than expected. Some affected dogs have mild problems that go unnoticed, while others need treatment for bleeding episodes. Bleeding may be delayed rather than appearing immediately after the event.

Signs to watch for

Bleeding that lasts longer than expected after injury or surgery
Wounds that fail to heal as expected
Unusual swelling after an injury or operation
Lethargy during a bleeding episode

The defect is inherited, but signs may first become apparent with an injury or operation.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly for unusual bleeding or a wound that is not healing.

Diagnosis and tests

Blood clotting tests can show that part of the clotting process is taking longer than expected. A vet interprets those results alongside any history of unusual bleeding following injury or surgery. A DNA test for the known Kerry Blue Terrier variant is also available through PennGen.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Kerry Blue TerrierMedium · Terrier Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive, incomplete penetrance
Kerry Blue Terrier
This is inherited like a recessive trait, so two copies are needed. But not every dog with two copies develops the condition. Age, other genes and environment also play a part. A DNA result shows risk, not certainty.
As stated by Laboklin

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.