There are many reports from eminent sources on the bleeding disorders associated with deerhounds & I will leave the experts to provide their opinions. What follows are an accurate account of my involvement within “Von Willebrands Factor (vWF)” and Factor V11 Deficiency.

Grilse was tested for “Von Willebrands Factor (vWF)” in January 2005 by the haematology laboratories at the Animal Health Trust following his result of “54” - Slightly haemolysed taken from a blood sample.
? Result of 50-69% - Borderline Result - further details can be found on;
http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/anderson/index.php

The Royal Veterinary College have been looking into hereditary blood disorders in deerhounds however it would appear that further clarification on “vWF” in deerhounds may not be available for some time.
I was then informed that Factor V11 Deficiency (another bleeding disorder) may also appear in deerhounds and felt that I should have both my hounds tested for Factor V11 as their pedigrees were so close (dams are siblings) and I had not been able to have Buachaille tested for vWF eariler.
So they were both DNA tested in August 2006 with Grilse being diagnosed as a “Carrier” and “Buachaille” testing clear.
I was asked if Grilse could be used at stud to Kilbourne Rinda who had tested clear for FVll. All went well with the whelping and so I had to make my mind up and choose a puppy.
My decision was taken independently of the test results, although they were available if I so choose to use them.
I declined as I did not want to know the test results until after I had made my choice. “Firebird” was chosen (she is a Factor V11 carrier “think that must be technical talk for a spirited little devil“).
There were clear puppies in the litter, but I did not let Fvll interfere with my choice.
After Christmas this year she has had a rather nasty infection on her rear leg, the vet thinks it may have been caused by a thorn, which has resulted in a large area of skinless flesh, however despite this she has not bled excessively at any stage and is on the road to recovery.