Delayed postoperative hemorrhage (DEPOH) in the Deerhound (Scottish Deerhound)

DEPOH is a potentially fatal disorder caused by the c.605C>T mutation in the SERPINF2 gene, which prevents premature dissolution of blood clots during haemocoagulation.

The disease causes excessive bleeding after surgery or trauma, usually within 24-48 hours after the surgical procedure, rarely earlier. The severity of excessive bleeding varies from bruising of the skin surrounding the wound to severe bleeding from the wound. During life, dogs have no clinical signs and lead normal lives. The problem arises in the case of surgery or major bleeding trauma.

Affected dogs need to be prophylactically administered a substance with antifibrinolytic effect, i.e. with the ability to reduce the breakdown of blood clots (aminocaproic acid or tranexamic acid) and monitored for 48 hours after surgery or trauma. It is not clear in advance whether the dog will show signs of excessive bleeding and to what extent, even though it has tested positive for the causative mutation. The presence of the mutation significantly increases the likelihood of delayed bleeding, a dog with one copy of DEPOH variant (heterozygotes) is 28 times more likely to experience delayed bleeding, while a dog with two copies  (homozygotes) is 1235 times more likely to experience delayed bleeding.

These manifestations imply the inheritance of the mutation, which is autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance.

The genetic test can identify the genotype of the animal and is a useful tool for breeders to prevent unintentional breeding of affected puppies.

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References:

Court, M.H., Kiser, J.N., Neibergs, H.L., Zhu, Z., Dillberger, J.E. : Identification by whole genome sequencing of genes associated with delayed postoperative hemorrhage in Scottish deerhounds. J Vet Intern Med 37:510-517, 2023. Pubmed reference: 36780177