Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Discovered in the Labrador Retriever)

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. Lacerations can present following even minor trauma, and affected dogs tend to demonstrate poor wound healing. Additional signs may include hypermobile joints and seroma-like swellings following trauma. Affected dogs can otherwise appear clinically healthy and have normal skeletal development.

Treatment is focused on symptomatic and supportive care dependent on the severity of clinical signs. Owners may choose to restrict certain activities that could lead to damaging the skin. Welfare should be closely monitored, as humane euthanasia is often elected for more severely affected dogs.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disorder is autosomal dominant, meaning dogs with one or two copies of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Discovered in the Labrador Retriever) variant are at an elevated risk for being diagnosed with this condition. Use of dogs with one or two copies of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Discovered in the Labrador Retriever) variant are not recommended for breeding, as there is a risk that the resulting litter will contain affected puppies. For example, if a dog with one copy of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome variant is bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome variant, about half of the puppies will have one copy and half will have no copies of the variant. Please note: It is possible that clinical signs similar to the ones associated with this Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome variant could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.