Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a bitch – case report

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutaneous asthenia or dermatosparaxis, is a rare genetic disorder that causes alterations in the synthesis of collagen fibers, resulting in hyperextensibility and dermal fragility. This paper reports the case of a nine-year-old bitch, of no defined breed. The diagnosis was obtained by the history of the animal and clinical examination. The cutaneous extensibility test resulted in an index value of 23.5% extensibility, higher than the normal value for canines (14.5%). To confirm the diagnosis, skin samples were taken for histopathological studies. For this syndrome, treatment is palliative, prioritizing the quality of life of the animal and environmental management.