Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Cats
- Symptoms:
- Fragile Skin: Cats with EDS exhibit skin that is excessively stretchy and prone to tearing, often resulting in large wounds from minor trauma.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Wounds may heal poorly, leading to extensive scarring.
- Skin Folds: Affected cats may have redundant skin folds, particularly around joints.
- Joint Hypermobility: Some cats may demonstrate increased joint flexibility, although this is less common[2][3].
- Genetic Basis: EDS is inherited and can be caused by mutations in specific genes responsible for collagen synthesis. The condition has been observed in various breeds, including Himalayans and Domestic Shorthairs[1][4].
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and tests to assess skin elasticity. The Skin Extensibility Index is often used, where a measurement greater than 19% in cats suggests EDS. Histopathological examination of skin samples can also reveal abnormalities in collagen structure[2][4].
- Management: There is no cure for EDS in cats. Management focuses on minimizing injury risk and providing supportive care. Recommendations include:
- Keeping affected cats indoors to reduce the risk of injury.
- Using protective measures around the home to prevent trauma.
- Prompt treatment of any wounds with careful suturing techniques[2][5].
- Prognosis: While EDS is not typically fatal in cats, it can lead to a significantly reduced quality of life due to frequent injuries and the need for repeated veterinary care. In severe cases, owners may consider euthanasia if the cat's quality of life deteriorates[4][5].
In summary, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in cats is a serious condition that requires careful management and understanding of its implications for affected animals.
Sources
[1] Independent COL5A1 Variants in Cats with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9140822/
[2] Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (Cutaneous asthenia, dermatosparaxis) https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/ehler-danlos-syndrome-cutaneous-asthenia-dermatosparaxis
[3] Defects of Structural Integrity in Animals - Integumentary System https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/congenital-and-inherited-anomalies-of-the-integumentary-system/defects-of-structural-integrity-in-animals
[4] Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders of Cats - Cat Owners https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/skin-disorders-of-cats/congenital-and-inherited-skin-disorders-of-cats
[5] Bleeding Disorders of Cats - Cat Owners - Merck Veterinary Manual https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/blood-disorders-of-cats/bleeding-disorders-of-cats
[6] Approach to the pruritic cat (Proceedings) - DVM360 https://www.dvm360.com/view/approach-pruritic-cat-proceedings-0
- Symptoms:
- Fragile Skin: Cats with EDS exhibit skin that is excessively stretchy and prone to tearing, often resulting in large wounds from minor trauma.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Wounds may heal poorly, leading to extensive scarring.
- Skin Folds: Affected cats may have redundant skin folds, particularly around joints.
- Joint Hypermobility: Some cats may demonstrate increased joint flexibility, although this is less common[2][3].
- Genetic Basis: EDS is inherited and can be caused by mutations in specific genes responsible for collagen synthesis. The condition has been observed in various breeds, including Himalayans and Domestic Shorthairs[1][4].
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and tests to assess skin elasticity. The Skin Extensibility Index is often used, where a measurement greater than 19% in cats suggests EDS. Histopathological examination of skin samples can also reveal abnormalities in collagen structure[2][4].
- Management: There is no cure for EDS in cats. Management focuses on minimizing injury risk and providing supportive care. Recommendations include:
- Keeping affected cats indoors to reduce the risk of injury.
- Using protective measures around the home to prevent trauma.
- Prompt treatment of any wounds with careful suturing techniques[2][5].
- Prognosis: While EDS is not typically fatal in cats, it can lead to a significantly reduced quality of life due to frequent injuries and the need for repeated veterinary care. In severe cases, owners may consider euthanasia if the cat's quality of life deteriorates[4][5].
In summary, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in cats is a serious condition that requires careful management and understanding of its implications for affected animals.
Sources
[1] Independent COL5A1 Variants in Cats with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9140822/
[2] Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (Cutaneous asthenia, dermatosparaxis) https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/ehler-danlos-syndrome-cutaneous-asthenia-dermatosparaxis
[3] Defects of Structural Integrity in Animals - Integumentary System https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/congenital-and-inherited-anomalies-of-the-integumentary-system/defects-of-structural-integrity-in-animals
[4] Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders of Cats - Cat Owners https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/skin-disorders-of-cats/congenital-and-inherited-skin-disorders-of-cats
[5] Bleeding Disorders of Cats - Cat Owners - Merck Veterinary Manual https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/blood-disorders-of-cats/bleeding-disorders-of-cats
[6] Approach to the pruritic cat (Proceedings) - DVM360 https://www.dvm360.com/view/approach-pruritic-cat-proceedings-0
