Disorder - Haemophilia A

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative Names
Factor VIII Deficiency
Classic Haemophilia
HEMA
Hemophilia
Factor VIII Antihaemolytic Factor Deficiency
AHF


Brief Description

A bleeding disorder in which there is a permanent tendency to haemorrhage, because of a deficiency in the clotting factor VIII necessary for blood clots to form. The severity of this disorder can range from mild to extreme.

Presenting Signs

Mild forms of Haemophilia A may not be detected until trauma or routine surgery (particularly castration) causes excessive haemorrhage and bleeding under the skin. Extreme bleeding from the umbilical cord and/or tail or feet (at tail-docking and dew-claw removal time) is common. Prolonged bleeding in severe cases can be fatal. Problems often arise after vaccination, as live vaccines effect the number and function of clotting cells for a period of 10-14 days after vaccination. There may be excessive bleeding during teething and puppies may suffer from bloody diarrhoea. Affected dogs typically have episodes of lameness caused by ongoing bleeding into joints due to the normal impact of everyday motion. Larger weight-bearing joints such as the elbow and stifles are more likely to be involved, and may develop a form of arthritis.

Dogs at Risk

Male dogs are most commonly affected. Females are usually classified as 'carriers' (passing the disorder onto their offspring without suffering clinically from the disorder themselves) but can also present with symptoms.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Afghan hound
Alaskan malamute
American cocker spaniel
Antarctic husky
Australian cattle dog
Basset hound
Beagle
Brittany
Cairn terrier
Chihuahua
Cocker spaniel
Collie (Rough and Smooth)
Dobermann
English setter
English springer spaniel
French bulldog
German shepherd dog
Golden retriever
Greyhound
Hungarian vizsla
Irish setter
Labrador retriever
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Standard)
Poodle (Toy)
Portuguese water dog
Samoyed
Schnauzer (miniature)
Schnauzer (Standard)
Shetland sheepdog
Siberian husky
St Bernard
Weimaraner


Treatment

Medical

PubMed References
Haemophilia A

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
437


Contributor
Emma Jane Hughes