Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skin and joint problems like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2 dogs
By Paciello, O et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2003·Department of Pathology and Animal Health, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ehlers-Danlos-like syndrome in 2 dogs: clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural findings.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs were brought in with skin problems, including stretchy and fragile skin that didn't heal well. One dog had a hip dislocation, while the other had issues with their kneecaps and bruising from minor injuries. Both dogs showed signs of poor collagen structure, which is important for skin and joint health. Unfortunately, there isn't a known treatment for their condition, but understanding these symptoms can help veterinarians provide better care for dogs with similar issues in the future.
People also search for: dog skin problems · dog joint issues · Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in dogs · dog wound healing issues · dog hip dislocation treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome comprises a group of rare inherited connective tissue diseases characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint laxity, skin and vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to describe the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural findings in 2 dogs with collagenopathies consistent with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. METHODS: Two dogs were examined clinically; skin extensibility index was calculated. Skin biopsies obtained from the dorsum were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Both dogs had clinical signs of skin hyperextensibility and fragility, lower skin elasticity, vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. One dog had a hip dislocation, and the other had bilateral medial patellar luxation (grade II), subcutaneous hematomas produced by minimal trauma, and generalized periodontitis. Histologic and ultrastructural examination confirmed abnormalities in the structure and arrangement of collagen fibrils. Fibroblasts were characterized by variable dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and anomalous elastic fibers (elaunin fibers) were present in the dermis. CONCLUSION: Although the primary defects underlying collagenopathies in animals are still unknown, analysis of the ultrastructural changes in collagen fibrils and clinical findings could facilitate better characterization of these disorders in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12655483/