. The vWD test out come is affected by a lot of varibles usually associated with how much stress the dog is under at the time the blood is taken. The numbers may not be completely accurate but it should be able to pin point the carriers.[/b]
There are a couple different vWD test based on the breed of dog the genetic test is accurate. however it is not available for basset hound. The vWD factor assay it is not really that accurate at determining carrier status. see
Temporal variation and factors affecting measurement of canine von Willebrand factor
FAQ's about vWD in Doberman Pinschers"These variations for concentration of the protein in the blood can make an animal appear to be a carrier on one day and homozygous normal (clear) on the next (which value does
a breeder believe?). This is why the protein-based tests are not as useful as they might otherwise be"
Canine von Willebrand's Disease"Note the major overlap between carriers and normals for vWF levels. This overlap accounts for the extreme unreliability of the vWF assay in trying to identify Doberman carriers of vWD. "
While the failures of vWD assay ate for Type 1 vWD and it it is not clear what type of vWD effects basset hound or even if it is another unidentified type given the difficult of the assay to accurately identify carrriers of type 1 vWD it would be foolish to assume that it is not the same for basset hounds as well. on clear assay is not that meaningful.
Also keep in mind another common condition in the basset hypothyroidism can intreact with vWD so that carrier which are not ussually affected can become so.
Bleeding Disorders in Animals "In dogs, vWD is exacerbated by concurrent hypothyroidism, so that asymptomatic carriers may exhibit a bleeding tendency if they develop autoimmune thyroiditis and become hypothyroid, a common situation found in many breeds, but especially prevalent in Doberman pinschers. Furthermore, hypothyroid dogs may exhibit thrombocytopenia and associated mucosal surface bleeding. Clinical experience with use of thyroid supplement, which nonspecifically shortens the bleeding time in animals with inherited or acquired vWD and other platelet dysfunctions, has supported the efficacy, safety and low cost of this approach.
Thyroid supplementation alone may suffice to control bleeding in mild to moderate vWD, a situation analogous to the use of desmopressin (DDAVP) or danazol to control bleeding in humans and animals. Because of the important role of vWF in sustaining platelet adhesion, animals that are asymptomatic heterozygotes for vWD (as determined by reduced vWF:Ag), are at risk to express a bleeding tendency if some other hemostatic disorder develops (e.g., rodenticide toxicosis, thrombocytopenia, liver disease, hypothyroidism)."
