Cutaneous asthenia is a skin disorder caused by a

collagen Collagen () is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissues of many animals. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up 25% to 35% of protein content. Amino acids are bound together to form a trip ...

defect.

Collagen Collagen () is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissues of many animals. It is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up 25% to 35% of protein content. Amino acids are bound together to form a trip ...

is the protein that binds the cells of the

dermis The dermis or corium is a layer of skin between the epidermis (skin), epidermis (with which it makes up the cutis (anatomy), cutis) and subcutaneous tissues, that primarily consists of dense irregular connective tissue and cushions the body from s ...

together. It is also called dermatoproxy, hereditary skin fragility or ''cutis elastica'' ("elastic skin") and is found in humans, cats, dogs, mink, horses, cattle and sheep. In cattle and sheep, it is called dermatosparaxis ('torn skin'). The skin is also abnormally fragile. The skin flaps peel or slough off very easily, often without causing bleeding. This explains why cats with the condition suddenly "molt" their wings. It is variously known as: *

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) is a group of 14 genetic connective-tissue disorders. Symptoms often include loose joints, joint pain, stretchy velvety skin, and abnormal scar formation. These may be noticed at birth or in early childhood. Co ...

— humans *

Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), also known as hyperelastosis cutis (HC), is an inherited autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder. It develops from a homozygous recessive mutation that weakens collagen fibers that allow th ...

— horses * Feline cutaneous asthenia — cats

References

Mammal diseases {{Veterinary-med-stub