Cutaneous Asthenia

Question
I just got a new pug on Friday and I took her to the vet to get an exam.  He said he was concerned with her back legs because they were very lax.  He did some research and told me that she has Ehler-Danlos Syndrome.  What exactly is this and what can I do to make sure she lives a normal healthy life?  Is this disease fatal?  I have done some research on the internet but cannot seem to find out much about it.  Please let me know something.  Thank you.

Answer
This is a tough disease to have.  It is very rare and I have never treated a case of it, thank goodness. Basically this is a genetic disease that affects the way collagen grows.  Collagen provides strength to our tissues.  Normally, it grows in bundles like a braided rope that makes collagen strong.  In Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, the collagen grows haphazardly, so there is no organization to it.  That is why the skin rips so easily and why you can stretch the skin so much.  Not only does it affect the collagen of the skin, but the collagen that makes up the ligaments and tendons is also affected, so these pups have very stretchy ligaments and tendons. Their bones and joints cannot work properly because of the laxity. I have read the term "rubber puppy" before in relation to this disease. Some people have tried treating this disease with high doses of Vitamin C because that helps collagen grow, but I'm not too sure of the success.

It is not fatal, but the pup will have to be carefully watched so it does not even brush up against something sharp because it will rip the skin like thin paper.