Dermatological conditions

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (dermatosparaxis / cutaneous asthenia) (r)

Some animals are born with easily extendible and very fragile skin, such that severe lacerations result from the slightest scratch. Although evidence is incomplete, it appears that this disorder in cats is due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme procollagen I amino proteinase, which is the enzyme responsible for removing "surplus" amino acids from the N-terminal end of procollagen-I molecules. It has been shown to be a single locus defect, but has not been reported recently in these breeds.

Collier LL, Leathers CW, Counts DF (1980) A clinical description of dermatosparaxis in a Himalayan cat. Feline-Practice. 10(5): 25-36
Counts, D.F et al (1980) Dermatosparaxis in a Himalayan cat. I. Biochemical studies of dermal collagen, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 74:96-99
Freeman LJ, Kegreberg GA, Robinette JD (1987) Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in dogs and cats. Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Small Animal) 2(3): 221-227
Holbrook, K.A et al (1980) Dermatosparaxis in a Himalayan cat. II. Ultrastructural studies of dermal collagen, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 74:100-104
Robinson R (1987) Genetic defects in cats. Companion Animal Practice. 1(3): 10-14
Robinson R (1987) Hereditary defects in cats. FAB Journal, Spring: 10-11
Weber A (1983) Cutaneous asthenia in a young cat.  Kleintierpraxis 28, 331 – 334