Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorder in which the platelets are defective. Platelets have the ability to stick together to stop the flow of blood from injured blood vessels until clotting and tissue repair occurs.
GT has been recognised in several breeds, in particular Otter Hounds and Great Pyrenees.
Dogs with GT have abnormal platelet aggregation and blood clotting. Affected dogs are at risk of life-threatening bleeding, including spontaneous haemorrhage and excessive haemorrhage as a result of injury or surgery.
The disease often manifests itself in young dogs, aged between 3-6 months, with bleeding gums and nosebleeds.
Genetic testing can be used to determine if dogs are unaffected, a carrier or affected.