AKK Health
Health issues reported on AKK
FVII Deficiency In Alaskan Klee Kai Dogs Causing A Mild Bleeding Disorder
Several hereditary bleeding disorders have been identified in many different canine breeds and involve clotting (coagulation) factor deficiencies, platelet disorders, and von Willebrand disease. Coagulation factor VII (FVII) deficiency has been known to occur in Beagles for decades, and there are a few reports of FVII deficiency in the Alaskan Malamute, Bulldog, and a mixed breed dog. Very recently hereditary FVII deficiency was identified in a bleeding Alaskan Klee Kai dog and its family, as well as unrelated asymptomatic Alaskan Klee Kai dogs. A DNA test to identify the mutation responsible for FVII deficiency in Alaskan Klee Kai dogs has been developed at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dogs with hereditary FVII deficiency may exhibit an increased bleeding tendency following trauma or surgery or rarely appear to develop spontaneous bleeding. There are few reports of severe bleeding requiring blood transfusions, and some FVII-deficient dogs may remain unrecognized. As this is an autosomal recessive disorder, the diseased/mutant gene (allele) may be unknowingly passed on through generations not only via asymptomatic carriers but also affected dogs, as they may not show obvious signs. Carriers have one mutant and one normal gene and appear clinically normal, but they can pass the defective gene to their offspring. Only a small number of Alaskan Klee Kai dogs have been tested thus far, and hence the frequency and bleeding tendency remain to be elucidated. …”
Excerpt from the March 15 2006 “Factor VII Information Update” by Dr.Urs Giger of UoPenn
Posted on UAKKA.com & AKKAOA.org Websites.
1. FVII affected dogs & carriers (blood clotting disorder).
- PLEASE NOTE: A Factor VII test should be conducted on potential breeding quality AKK before allowing breeding to take place.
- Max is clear – certified by DNA through VetGen – Veterinary Genetics Services
- Keely is clear – both Keely’s parents are clear
- This means they can be bred together
** According to UAKKA website, http://www.uakka.com/FactorVII.htm, similar bleeding problems have been reported in the Malamute and âhusky typeâ dogs.
2. Cleft Palettes (can be due to too much vitamin A in diet while pregnant)
3. Juvenile Heart murmurs
4. Open Fontenals
5. Mange
6. Still births
7. Thyroid disease-including autoimmune thyroiditis
8. Umbilical hernias
9. Liver shunts
10. Uterine inertia in first time mothers- many c-sections
11. Kidney & Bladder stones requiring surgery
12. Luxating patellas
13. Puppy strangles
14. Pyometra
15. Immune disorders
16. Cushings
17. Cardiac Issues including PDA
18. Fear/nervous aggression (appears common in dogs with thyroid issues)
19. Cryptorchids (including bilateral)
Reprinted with permission from Mary Anne Hinkle of ALAKKAWA Kennels: www.alakkawa.com