Afibrinogenemia (AFG)

Afibrinogenemia is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting dogs. The condition is caused by complete absence of fibrinogen, a glycoprotein that helps with blood clotting. Gene mutations interfere with the fibrinogen assembly, which results in severe bleeding episodes, that can start as early as umbilical cord bleeding in the womb. Later in life dogs show signs of frequent and easy bruising of the skin, hematomas, nose and gum bleeds and in some cases internal bleeding leading to frequent dark or bloody feces. The condition can cause severe spontaneous bleeding usually as a result of trauma caused by injury or surgery. In case of bleeding in the joints, dogs appear stiff and lame. With frequent heavy bleedings, this is a potentially deadly disease and even with adequate medical treatment the life expectancy is usually shorter than a year.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: FGA gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.