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Factor VII Deficiency

Factor VII Deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder that results in excessive bleeding occurring after a severe trauma or surgery. The signs of the disease are typically mild but can vary in severity in different affected dogs.

Found in

1 in 150 dogs

in our testing

Key Signs

Excessive bleeding

Age of Onset

At birth

Present at birth

Inheritance

Autosomal Recessive

For autosomal recessive disorders, dogs with two copies of the variant are at risk of developing the condition. Dogs with one copy of the variant are considered carriers and are usually not at risk of developing the disorder. However, carriers of some complex variants grouped in this category may be associated with a low risk of developing the disorder. Individuals with one or two copies may pass the disorder-associated variant to their puppies if bred.

Likelihood of the Condition

High likelihood

At risk dogs are highly likely to show signs of this disease in their lifetime.

What to Do

Here’s how to care for a dog with Factor VII Deficiency

Partner with your veterinarian to make a plan regarding your dog’s well-being, including any insights provided through genetic testing. If your pet is at risk or is showing signs of this disorder, then the first step is to speak with your veterinarian.

For Veterinarians

Here’s what a vet needs to know about Factor VII Deficiency

Clinical signs are typically mild and excessive bleeding occurs only after severe trauma or surgery. However, the severity of the disorder may vary from one patient to another, therefore treatment with plasma or clotting factor may be needed in some circumstance.

Affected dogs should be monitored closely for excessive and prolonged bleeding during and after any required surgical procedures or after any trauma. Plasma transfusions should be provided as necessary to ensure proper clotting if other means are unsuccessful. Recombinant activated factor VII or bone marrow transplantation are other potential treatment options.

For Breeders

Planning to breed a dog with this genetic variant?

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the Factor VII Deficiency mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Factor VII Deficiency mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Factor VII Deficiency mutation. A dog with two copies of the Factor VII Deficiency mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog. The resulting puppies will all be carriers. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Factor VII Deficiency mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.

Technical Details

Gene F7
Variant G>A
Chromosome 22
Coordinate 60,578,895

All coordinates reference CanFam3.1

References & Credit

Credit to our scientific colleagues:

Kaae, J. A., Callan, M. B., & Brooks, M. B. (2007). Hereditary Factor VII Deficiency in the Alaskan Klee Kai Dog. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. View the article

Callan, M. B., Aljamali, M. N., Margaritis, P., Griot-Wenk, M. E., Pollak, E. S., Werner, P., … High, K. A. (2006). A novel missense mutation responsible for factor VII deficiency in research Beagle colonies. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 4(12), 2616–2622. View the article