Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia in Dogs

Category: Blood
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 3

Overview

Platelets are small blood fragments that normally stick together to help seal damaged vessels. In Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, an inherited defect prevents them from doing this properly. Bleeding can happen without an obvious injury, and injury or surgery can cause excessive blood loss. Gum bleeding during teething, nosebleeds and easy bruising are reported signs.

Signs to watch for

Heavy gum bleeding while adult teeth come through
Nosebleeds
Easy bruising or small bleeding spots on the skin

Bleeding is especially likely in young dogs under 18 months.

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

Diagnosis and tests

Specialist tests assess how well platelets clump together and help form a stable clot. Auburn University also offers DNA testing for the known Great Pyrenees and Otterhound variants. The correct test depends on the dog's breed because the two variants differ. Testing can identify affected dogs and carriers.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Large
1 Giant

Great PyreneesGiant · Working Group
OtterhoundLarge · Hound Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
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 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.