Haemophilia in Dogs UK 2025: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care

Haemophilia in dogs is a rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiencies in clotting factors VIII or IX, known as haemophilia A and B respectively. Primarily affecting male dogs due to its X-linked recessive inheritance, female dogs often carry the gene without symptoms, potentially passing it to offspring. This updated 2025 UK guide helps you recognise symptoms early, understand current diagnostic protocols, learn of emerging treatments including gene therapy, identify breeds at risk, and appreciate ethical breeding's vital role in canine welfare.

Understanding Haemophilia in Dogs

This genetic disorder stems from mutations causing deficient clotting factors necessary for normal blood coagulation. Haemophilia A involves a Factor VIII deficiency, while haemophilia B involves Factor IX deficiency. The gene resides on the X chromosome, so males with one defective gene show symptoms, whereas females with two X chromosomes typically are silent carriers. In modern UK veterinary practice, genetic screening is pivotal for detecting carriers and affected dogs, enabling breeders to make informed, ethical choices that reduce disease spread and improve breed health.

Recognising Symptoms of Haemophilia in Dogs

Symptoms usually appear by six months, so prompt veterinary assessment is crucial. Watch for signs including:

• Prolonged bleeding after minor injuries, routine vaccinations, neutering, or grooming
• Spontaneous joint bleeding causing swelling, pain, and limping
• Easy bruising and petechiae (tiny skin spots)
• Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• Blood in urine, faeces, or vomit
• Signs of anaemia such as weakness and fatigue
• Severe internal bleeding in critical cases

Immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended if any symptoms are present.

Diagnosis Protocols in UK Veterinary Practice

Step 1: Clinical Evaluation

The vet gathers a detailed history and performs a physical exam to detect unusual bleeding, bruising, or joint tenderness indicating clotting problems.

Step 2: Coagulation Screening Tests

Blood tests measure Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT). Haemophilia typically prolongs APTT, while PT remains normal.

Step 3: Specific Clotting Factor Assays

Clotting factor activity levels for Factors VIII and IX are quantified to distinguish haemophilia A from B and determine severity.

Step 4: Genetic Testing and Pedigree Analysis

DNA testing identifies affected males and carrier females, facilitating responsible breeding decisions. Pedigree charts help track inheritance and avoid breeding at-risk dogs.

Step 5: Referral to Specialist Veterinarians

Cases that are complex or uncertain may be referred to veterinary haematology specialists for advanced molecular diagnostics and management advice.

Step 6: Differential Diagnosis

Other bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, are excluded since management differs significantly.

Step 7: Diagnosis Confirmation and Care Planning

With a confirmed diagnosis, vets collaborate with owners to develop care plans focused on bleed prevention and quality of life maintenance.

Breeds at Risk of Haemophilia in the UK

Haemophilia, although rare, shows higher prevalence in males of certain breeds due to genetics. UK breeds more predisposed include:

• Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies – especially for haemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency)
• Labrador Retriever puppies – often affected by haemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency)
• German Shepherd puppies – historically linked with haemophilia A cases
• Boxer puppies – potential carriers or affected individuals
• Golden Retriever puppies
• Siberian Husky puppies

Choosing reputable breeders who conduct comprehensive genetic testing according to UK standards is essential to reduce haemophilia incidence in these breeds.

Emerging Treatments for Canine Haemophilia

Currently, no permanent cure is available in UK veterinary care, but exciting advances are emerging:

• Gene Therapy: Experimental gene therapies use adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver clotting factor genes directly to the liver, offering long-term expression of deficient factors VIII or IX. Clinical trials show promising reductions in bleeding, though complete permanent cures remain under research.
• Clotting Factor Replacement: Acute bleeding is managed by infusions of Factor VIII or IX concentrates, vital before surgery or during emergencies.
• New Medications: Innovative drugs like Marstacimab, currently under human clinical trials, may enhance clotting activity and lower bleeding risk in future veterinary applications.

Discuss treatment choices with your veterinary surgeon to find the best individual plan for your dog.

Caring for Dogs with Haemophilia: Best Practices

• Avoid high-risk activities that could cause injury
• Seek immediate veterinary care for any bleeding or trauma
• Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor clotting status and joint health
• Keep emergency clotting factor supplies or blood products readily available as advised
• Provide a calm, safe environment to minimise accidental injuries

Close collaboration between owner and vet helps dogs with haemophilia maintain quality of life despite the condition.

Ethical Breeding and Puppy Acquisition Advice in the UK

• Perform thorough genetic screening to identify and exclude affected males and carrier females while maintaining genetic diversity
• Work closely with breed clubs and the Kennel Club to share health data and reduce haemophilia prevalence
• Prospective owners should find puppies with breeders committed to ethical breeding and health guarantees
• UK law requires puppies stay with their mother for at least 8 weeks, ideally 10 to 12 weeks for optimal social and physical development

Responsible acquisition and breeding are vital to reducing inherited haemophilia and safeguarding canine welfare in the UK.

Common Questions About Haemophilia in Dogs

How is haemophilia diagnosed in dogs?

Quick Answer: Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, coagulation screening tests (APTT and PT), clotting factor activity assays, and genetic testing to identify affected males and carrier females. Referral to specialists may be necessary for advanced testing.

UK vets use this rigorous process to ensure accurate diagnosis and help plan effective management.

Can haemophilia in dogs be cured?

Quick Answer: There is currently no permanent cure. Management focuses on preventing bleeds, timely supportive care, and veterinary intervention during bleeding episodes. Gene therapy shows promise but remains experimental in the UK.

Advances in veterinary gene therapy build on human medicine research but await wider availability pending clinical trial results and licensing.

What care do haemophilic dogs require?

Quick Answer: Care involves injury avoidance, prompt treatment of bleeds, regular monitoring, access to clotting therapies, and responsible breeding practices to prevent disease spread. A calm environment and strong vet-owner partnership support a fulfilling life despite haemophilia.