Heterozygous Factor V (HFLV) Leiden mutation is a recessive inherited disorder that causes recurrent clots to form inside the arteries. It is an autosomal dominant gene that occurs in both humans and dogs, but only in dogs is it associated with clots.
The genetic cause of Factor V Leiden is unknown, but it appears to be triggered by a change in the human homolog of the LRF gene. This is the same gene that triggers Factor X, another hereditary vascular disease, and therefore the genetic condition may be a genetic combination of two autosomal recessive genetic disorders.
HFLV Leiden mutations (where either one of the Factor V Leiden gene is altered) is usually found in about five percent of all dogs and in approximately 30% of people with a blood clot. The inherited condition is caused by mutations at the homologous recombination site located between the LRF genes on chromosomes 2 and 6.
Although this condition is a cliche, it does exist. The affected dogs have been diagnosed and treated for this disease. They may suffer from chronic clots that are very large enough to block the arteries. The condition also may cause hemorrhagic manifestations such as bleeding gums, ulcers, or bleeding.
This condition does not always result in death; however, it does often result in death if treatment is not taken promptly. The symptoms include lethargy, low energy, frequent urination, fever, lameness, anemia, and a decreased appetite.
In dogs, the most common symptom of HFLV Leiden is clotted blood
Blood clots are usually seen in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Some of these clots may also appear in the lungs and pancreas. Other symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea, fever, seizures, dehydration, skin infections, anemia, and loss of appetite.
Because it is an autosomal dominant disorder, if the mutation in the LRF gene is inherited from either parent the chance of a dog developing HFLV Leiden is almost 100%. However, there are rare cases where the inheritance may be one-sided. If one parent carries the mutation the chance of a dog having this condition is much higher. However, it is not known if a dog's immune system is affected or if he will develop the disease if he is infected by a virus that is responsible for Leiden.
There are other reasons why dogs may get this disorder other than the genetic factor, like exposure to infection and exposure to certain chemicals, drugs, and environmental factors. Other diseases that may lead to this disease are cardiac diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and kidney disorders of the pancreas.
There are a number of tests that can be done to detect the presence of HFLV in dogs
The best way to do this is to perform a blood test. However, this is expensive and there are certain factors that could affect the accuracy of the test. You should be aware that blood tests for this condition may show false positive results at times because there are many other conditions that may be responsible for a dog having the condition.
There is a blood test called a blood panel that you can do to determine if your dog has HFLV. Leiden is caused when a part of the canine immune system becomes activated by a viral protein called Vpr, which are produced by the Leishmania virus, and a special antibody called csn4 antibodies. binds with the protein causing an inflammatory reaction. This reaction causes damage to the lysosome and thus reduces the ability of your dog's white blood cell production.
You can also do blood tests on dogs that have been exposed to other viruses, such as the canine distemper virus, and the hepatitis B virus to see if they will have the same results. A blood test that can identify HFLV can help you to diagnose the condition.
You may want to have a skin test called a blood smear that using the antibody to identify Vpr, csn4, and T-lymphocytes. When your dog has a positive response to these two tests, you will have to perform an antigen-specific immunoassay, which will confirm that your dog has the condition. This is a fast test and is easy to do.
There is another simple test called a test called PCR analysis that you can perform that can detect whether your dog has this condition. with a simple test that does not require any type of animal test and which is fairly cheap. Your veterinarian will explain how this test works and will let you know how to use it.
