GEARHUB

Hemophilia B in Dogs and Cats

Factor IX (Coagulation Factor 9) Deficiency

A rare, inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood lacks enough of a key clotting protein, causing prolonged or excessive bleeding. Documented in over 25 dog breeds and in several cat breeds, including the British Shorthair.

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Symptoms

  • Prolonged bleeding after minor injuries, surgery, or trauma
  • Spontaneous bruising or bleeding under the skin
  • Swollen, painful joints from bleeding into joint spaces
  • Lameness
  • Lethargy, poor appetite, or fever, often noticeable before one year of age
  • In severe cases, life-threatening internal bleeding or anemia

Causes

  • An inherited, X-linked genetic mutation affecting Factor IX production
  • More commonly expressed in males, since only one copy of the mutation is needed to cause the condition
  • Females are typically carriers and rarely show symptoms

Treatments

  • No definitive cure; management focuses on prevention and quick response to bleeding episodes
  • Blood or plasma transfusions during active bleeds
  • Careful surgical planning, with blood products on hand for any procedure
  • Avoiding high-risk activities and injury when possible
  • Genetic testing to identify carriers and affected animals before breeding

This condition is common in the following Dogs & Cats

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