What is Haemophilia ?
Haemophilia is a blood disorder that reduces the blood clotting factor thereby causing abnormal bleeding. At this time there is only a test available for Male dogs. Evidence of passing is an “H-neg” Certificate obtained from the GSDCA Haemophilia Scheme. This problem is no longer prevalent within Australian born German Shepherd Dogs, due to earlier identification of “problem” bloodlines, which have been removed from breeding programs.
Haemophilia is a rare blood clotting disorder in which there are low levels of one of the essential factors, factor VIII (8) or factor IX (9), or the factor in the blood is malfunctioning. These factors help blood clot. When factor levels are significantly reduced, as in haemophilia, bleeding occurs. Cuts may take a little longer to stop bleeding and bleeding may sometimes restart. Internal bleeding into joints and muscles (bleeds) is also experienced.
