Glanzmann thrombasthenia causes susceptibility to bleeding due to poor blood platelet aggregation. This is caused by a deficiency in a platelet membrane glycoprotein. Typical clinical signs include mucosal bleeding, such as nose bleeding, bleeding from the gums, intestinal bleeding, as well as blood in the urine. Blood spots under the skin or in the mouth may be observed. More severe, prolonged bleeding may occur due to a trauma or surgery.

Affected dogs should be monitored closely for excessive and prolonged bleeding during and after any required surgical procedures or after any trauma. Supportive care during bleeding episodes is indicated. Blood or platelet transfusions should be provided as necessary to ensure proper clotting if other means are unsuccessful.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the GT mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the GT mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the GT mutation. A dog with two copies of the GT mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog. The resulting puppies will all be carriers. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the GT mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.