You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Ever seen a case of Christmas Disease ?

Christmas disease is the genetically controlled disease Haemophilia B which has been reported to occur in Cairn Terriers and cats. The cause is deficiency of Factor IX which results deficiency of thromboplastin , and so causes clotting defects. It is a sex-linked disease (males are affected with the clinical disease, females are carriers) and it is caused by a  recessive gene.

Clinical signs include :

• Inappropriate or prolonged haemorrhage eg post-surgery, clinical tests
• Lameness - due to intra-articular haemorrhage
• Ocular haemorrhage
• Gingival bleeding 

It has been reported to occur in Alaskan Malamutes, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Coonhound,  French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Old English Sheepdogs, Scottish Terrier and St Bernard.

Feedback Request 

Provet is conducting a survey. If you have seen a confirmed case of Christmas Disease please send the details to Provet at feedback@provet.co.uk . Thank You

Have a Great Day from Provet

Updated October 2013