Factor VII Deficiency in Dogs

Category: Blood
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 8
Published sources: 9

Overview

A shortage of factor VII, a protein made by the liver, can slow the start of blood clotting after a vessel is damaged. This inherited disorder usually causes a mild to moderate bleeding tendency. Many affected dogs look healthy, but bruising or prolonged bleeding may follow surgery or giving birth.

Signs to watch for

Unusual bruises
More bleeding than expected after surgery
Prolonged bleeding after giving birth

Inherited from birth, but it may only be discovered during clotting tests.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly if you notice unexplained bruising or unusual bleeding.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets often discover the problem through clotting tests, sometimes before surgery. A test called prothrombin time measures how quickly a blood sample clots and is usually prolonged. UC Davis offers a DNA test for the known factor VII variant, which can identify affected dogs and carriers.

Breeds with documented risk

8 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
3 Small
2 Medium
1 Large
1 Giant

BeagleSmall · Hound Group
PapillonToy · Toy Group
Welsh Springer SpanielMedium · Sporting Group
Scottish DeerhoundGiant · Hound Group
American FoxhoundLarge · Hound Group
Alaskan Klee KaiSmall · Miscellaneous Class
Finnish HoundMedium · FCI Group 6 (Scent Hounds)
Japanese SpitzSmall · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal recessive
As stated by UC Davis VGL

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.