Although there is a DNA Test available for this, from what we have learned so far, this appears to be one of those "diseases" that shows no apparent symptoms in our breed even when dogs are listed as affected so not something to panic about if your dog tests as affected or carrier.
It should therefore be something to work on long term from a breeding perspective in order to maintain a viable and diverse breeding population and avoid further bottlenecking our already tiny gene pool when we also have other more serious health conditions to consider.
Test Results can be viewed on German Spitz World
There is also a useful Facebook group available for discussing this at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2455594191134830/
Information provided by Embark with their test results.
What is Type I vWD ?
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a type of coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting. vWD is characterized into three types based on clinical severity, serum levels of vWF, and vWF multimer composition. Dogs with Type I vWD have low vWF levels, normal multimer composition, and variable clinical signs.
About Type I vWD
When signs & symptoms develop in affected dogs
This disease is typically diagnosed in puppies or young adults when they are spayed or neutered and have a problem with clotting. However, it can be diagnosed at any age.
How vets diagnose this condition
vWD is diagnosed through genetic testing and blood testing at a laboratory. Veterinarians may also nick a dog’s lip with a sterile needle and time how long it takes for clotting to occur.
How this condition is treated
vWD cannot be treated, only managed. Preventing injuries is goal number one. If your dog requires surgery, your veterinarian should be warned that excessive bleeding may occur and blood products need to be on hand in case a transfusion is required.
Actions to take if your dog is affected
Prevention is key! Minimizing the risk of trauma and informing your veterinarian so that surgeries can be carefully planned are the best ways to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
Be aware of the location of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital in case of an accident.
Inheritance type
Recessive
