Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in dogs, also known as cutaneous asthenia, is a rare, inherited disorder of collagen production, making their skin fragile, stretchy, and prone to easy tearing, bruising, and poor wound healing, with associated joint laxity and potential issues in eyes, blood vessels, or organs, requiring gentle handling and supportive care as there's no cure.

What are the symptoms of EDS in dogs?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by skin hyperextensibility, tissue fragility and generalized joint hypermobility. Affected dogs can show clinical signs of EDS from a young age. Initial signs may be thin, hyperextensible skin that tears and bruises easily.

How do you treat Ehlers-Danlos in dogs?

There is no treatment for Ehlers-danlos syndrome in animals. Severely affected puppies usually do not survive. Puppies with a mild form generally live a normal lifespan, but are at risk of frequent skin tears and injury due to skin fragility and joint laxity.

How common is EDS in dogs?

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), also called cutaneous asthenia 1, 2, is an uncommon connective tissue disease characterized by abnormal collagen structure in dogs.

What is the life expectancy for EDS?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) life expectancy varies significantly by type; mild forms like hypermobile (hEDS) and classical EDS generally have a normal lifespan, but severe types, especially Vascular EDS (vEDS), significantly shorten it, with a median life expectancy around 48-51 years due to life-threatening arterial or organ rupture. Management, prevention, and early diagnosis are crucial, and with improved care, some individuals with vEDS are living longer, though the outlook remains serious for severe cases.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

What are the first signs of EDS?

Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS)

• an increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility)
• stretchy skin.
• fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily.

Is EDS a terminal illness?

Some forms of EDS result in a normal life expectancy, but those that affect blood vessels generally decrease it. All forms of EDS can result in fatal outcomes for some patients.

What is the #1 cause of death in dogs?

The leading cause of death in dogs overall is cancer, especially in older dogs, affecting about one in four dogs, with specific breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs being highly susceptible. However, causes vary significantly by age and breed, with younger dogs often dying from trauma, while older dogs and larger breeds face higher risks from organ system failures like neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal issues.
 

How do you test for Ehlers Danlos in dogs?

Genetic testing, clinical signs, and skin biopsy can all be used to diagnose this condition.

Why is EDS so controversial?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), especially the common Hypermobile type (hEDS), is controversial due to diagnostic challenges, lack of genetic markers for hEDS, its wide symptom variability, and historical misdiagnosis as psychological issues, leading to physician skepticism and patient frustration with a complex, multisystem disorder often overlooked by standard medical training.

What not to feed a dog with lymphoma?

The proper Canine Lymphoma Diet generally consists of high levels of protein, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Cancer feeds off of the carbohydrates (grains, etc.) that are found in most dog foods, so your dog's regular food may actually be causing the cancer to grow faster.

Does walking help EDS?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) makes joints more flexible than usual, which can sometimes cause discomfort, tiredness, or injuries. 2. Gentle, regular movement and pacing yourself can help manage symptoms and improve energy levels.

What happens if EDS goes untreated?

Individuals with EDS have hypermobile joints which increases the risk of dislocations, subluxations, and sprains. If left untreated, these injuries can become more frequent and severe, leading to long-term damage to the joints and surrounding tissues.

Does gabapentin help arthritis in dogs?

Gabapentin, commercially known as Neurontin, is a medication that falls under the category of anticonvulsants. It was originally designed for human use, but is now a widely accepted medication in veterinary medicine, particularly for managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis in dogs.

How long can a dog live with degenerative joint disease?

Dogs can live with arthritis for years if they have the right lifestyle and supportive treatments to keep them comfortable. As a progressive condition, dogs with arthritis in the later stages can show worsening symptoms. Loss of cartilage can make the condition very painful as bone rubs against bone in the joints.

What dog turns on its owner the most?

While statistics show Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are frequently involved in severe or fatal dog attacks, it's crucial to remember that any dog can bite, with training, socialization, and environment being key factors, not just breed; however, pit bull-type dogs consistently appear at the top of fatality lists due to their powerful build and tendency for severe injury.

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

What type of dog has killed the most humans?

The AVMA documented 66 human fatalities caused by pit bull type dogs, 39 by Rottweilers, 17 by German shepherds, 15 by husky type dogs, 12 by Malamutes, 9 by Dobermann Pinschers, 8 by Chow Chows, 7 by Great Danes, and 7 by St. Bernard dogs.

Can EDS cause sudden death?

We concluded that EDS type IV led to the patient's death because of pulmonary hemorrhage. Because this syndrome resulted in the patient's death from arterial and bowel rupture, it is important to consider EDS as a potential cause of sudden death.

What triggers EDS flare-ups?

What causes EDS flare-ups? Flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, including physical exertion, hormonal changes, stress, poor sleep, or weather changes.

Is EDS a mental illness?

The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) refers to a collection of genetic disorders that weaken collagen. EDS is under-recognized and often mistaken as a psychiatric condition. EDS is not curable, but targeted support can make a huge difference.

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