Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis & Care

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, also known as Cutaneous Asthenia, is a rare genetic disorder affecting the connective tissues in dogs, as well as in humans, cats, cows, and sheep. This condition primarily impairs the quality and structure of collagen, a vital protein that provides strength and elasticity to skin and other tissues. The syndrome was first described over a century ago by scientists Edvard Ehlers and Henri-Alexandre Danlos.

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Dogs?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disorder involving the improper formation of collagen, resulting in weakened connective tissues. In affected dogs, the collagen has an abnormal structure, causing skin to be overly loose, stretchy, and fragile. This makes the skin prone to damage such as tears, cuts, and slow healing wounds. While the skin is the most commonly affected area in dogs, other collagen-rich tissues—such as the eyes, blood vessels, heart, and joints—might also be involved. Cases of joint-related EDS in dogs are rare but can cause joint laxity and mobility issues.

Which Dogs Are Affected and How Common Is It?

EDS is thankfully an uncommon condition that can affect any dog breed, although it has been most frequently documented in English Springer Spaniels. Both male and female dogs are equally susceptible. Typically, signs appear in puppies or young dogs under three years old; however, mild cases can go unnoticed. Severely affected puppies might not survive past their first few days of life.

The syndrome is thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene to exhibit symptoms. This also means breeding an affected dog risks passing on the condition to about 50% of the offspring. Unfortunately, no widely available genetic test exists yet for canine EDS, making responsible breeding decisions challenging. If your dog is suspected to have EDS, it is advised not to breed them to prevent spreading the disorder.

Recognising the Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

The signature symptom of EDS in dogs is skin hyperextensibility, where the skin stretches easily beyond normal amounts. While healthy dogs have skin extensibility of around 8-15%, affected dogs can stretch their skin to 17-25%. This delicate skin is easily damaged by minor trauma that would not typically cause wounds. Hence, dogs may present with frequent cuts, scrapes, and wounds that heal slowly or leave excessive scarring.

Minor activities such as brushing, leash pulls, or rubbing against furniture can cause significant skin injury. Multiple veterinary visits may be needed to treat wounds, including surgical closures, which may also heal poorly.

In less common joint-related EDS, dogs may show intermittent lameness, abnormal limb positions, or joint sounds like popping and clicking. A vet may find joints with enhanced flexibility or abnormal bending during examination.

If the eyes are affected, signs can include premature clouding, a bluish tint, misaligned eyes, sudden-onset blindness, or severe eye pain. Although cardiovascular involvement is rare in pets, if the heart or blood vessels are compromised, it is usually very serious and can cause early death.

Additional symptoms may include excessive bruising, hernias, ruptured diaphragm, difficulty in intravenous medication administration due to fragile blood vessels, and complications during birth because of uterine weakness.

How is Ehlers-Danlos Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a clinical assessment by a veterinarian, focusing on skin fragility and hyperextensibility. Under sedation or general anaesthesia, the vet gently lifts the skin on the back of the dog and measures its stretch relative to body size. A skin extensibility index above 14.5% strongly suggests EDS.

For a definitive diagnosis, a skin biopsy is commonly performed. This involves removing a small patch of skin under light sedation. The sample is analysed microscopically for signs of abnormal collagen fibres—thin skin layers and disorganised collagen arrangement are typical findings.

In some cases, additional examinations including joint assessments and eye exams are conducted to evaluate the extent of disease involvement. Although genetic testing is limited, this is an area of ongoing research for better diagnostic accuracy.

Is There a Cure? Treatment and Care for Dogs with EDS

Currently, there is no cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Treatment focuses on symptom management and maintaining quality of life. Severely affected dogs with extreme skin fragility may face euthanasia due to significant welfare concerns.

Many affected dogs can live a normal lifespan with careful management but must be protected from injury as much as possible. This includes wound care, pain relief, and surgical repair of injuries when needed, bearing in mind their tissues heal slowly and are fragile.

Veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs to manage any joint-related pain. Nutritional supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids can support tissue health and healing.

How to Support Your Dog and Prevent Injuries

Prevention is the best approach to support dogs with EDS. Owners can create a safe living environment by removing or padding sharp furniture edges, broken tiles, or protruding nails. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails helps reduce accidental skin damage caused by scratching.

Good flea prevention is crucial since itching can lead to skin wounds. Avoid walking your dog in areas with thorny plants or dense vegetation that could cause skin injuries. Promptly treat any wounds and inform your veterinary team your dog has EDS so they can optimise wound management with appropriate suturing and care.

Since healing can take longer, make sure wounds and surgical sites have ample time to recover before removing stitches or bandages. Consider using soft bedding and minimising rough play to reduce injury risk. Regular vet check-ups help monitor ongoing health issues.

Responsible Breeding and the Future of EDS Management

Because EDS is genetic, preventing its spread is reliant on responsible breeding practices. Breeders should avoid mating dogs with known or suspected EDS, even if symptoms are mild or absent. This cautious approach can help reduce the condition’s incidence over time.

Research continues into the identification of genetic markers and improved diagnostic tests, which may allow breeders and vets to better screen dogs and manage breeding decisions responsibly.

Summary

• Cause: Genetic collagen disorder causing fragile connective tissue
• Symptoms: Loose, stretchy skin prone to tears, poor wound healing, joint laxity, possible eye and heart complications
• Diagnosis: Skin extensibility test and skin biopsy
• Treatment: No cure; supportive care focusing on wound prevention, management, and pain relief
• Breeding: Avoid breeding affected dogs due to autosomal dominant inheritance
• Care Tips: Protect skin from injury, maintain nail care and flea prevention, promptly treat wounds, provide a safe environment

If you think your dog may have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, consult with a UK vet experienced in connective tissue disorders for diagnosis and tailored management to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being.

For information on finding a new puppy, always seek reputable breeders and avoid breeding dogs with heritable conditions like EDS.