Cutaneous Asthenia

Cutaneous asthenia is a group of rare inherited disorders of the collagen in skin. Collagen fibres are responsible for the strength of skin. In this condition the arrangement of the fibres is disturbed greatly reducing their effectiveness and strength.
There are 3 forms described at this point:
1. Autosomal dominant inheritance; domestic shorthaired cats
2. Autosomal recessive inheritance-seen in Himalayan cats
3. Additional cases of unknown inheritance

Affected cats have histories of fragile skin that is easily torn . The skin is often thin and velvety, and has fine scars. Any trauma may result in a large hole.

The diagnosis will be based on the visual examination and be supported by a biopsy (sample of tissue) taken for examination under a microscope, in this particular disease that may include both a conventional microscope and an electron microscope. There is also a test which measures the ablity of skin samples to stretch before tearing called an extensibility index which aids in diagnosis.

There is no specific treatment for this condition. Affected cats should be declawed to prevent them from damaging their own skin