by Angie Pollock

Created on: May 17, 2008   Last Updated: March 09, 2009

Canines can get diseases and disorders such as blood disorders and deficiencies just like humans. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain blood disorders than others and many blood diseases can be inherited.

*Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

One of the most common blood disorders affecting canines is autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This disorder causes an increase in the damage of the red blood cells by the dog's own immune system. Symptoms include fever, weakness, fatigue, paleness of the mucus membranes and the spleen can be enlarged. Treatment is the administration of high doses of corticosteroids.

*Basset hound thrombopathia

A disorder of the platelets (small blood cells) which can prevent the clotting of the blood. Although it is manageable with treatment from a veterinarian, this disorder cannot be cured. While in many Basset hounds this disorder is mild and easily controlable, there are cases where even small injuries can mean life or death for the dog.

*Coagulation Disorder

An inherited bleeding disorder resulting from a deficiency in the blood's clotting system. The most common of the inherited coagulation disorders is hemophilia. Hemophilia is caused by a shortage in specific blood clotting factors. There is no cure for this disorder and in severe cases the treatment can include blood transfusions.

*Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is a form of blood-fed cancer that originates in the lining of the blood vessels and the spleen. Treatments can include removal of the tumors if they are identified while the tumors are still small. These types of tumors are highly malignant and radiation for this type of tumor is usually not successful.

*Lymphedema

Lymphedma causes swelling to tissues that have a build up of the lymph fluid. Lymph fluid is carried through the lymphatic vessels during circulation. In mild cases, there may be no treatment needed. In serious cases, bandaging can be used to help reduce swelling or reconstructive surgery may be suggested.

*Von Willebrand's Disease

This is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in canines. A blood clotting disorder that can cause an animal to bleed more than usual and in relentless cases can cause a dog to bleed to death. The disease is caused by a shortage in the amount of protein needed to help platelets close broken blood vessels which can lead to hemorrhaging from the nose, urinary bladder, vagina or oral mucous membranes. Unfortunately, there isn't any treatment or medication to cure Von Willebrand's Disease. Blood

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