Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Page 1

Hi there, I have a friend who's GSD puppy was diagnosed with connective tissue disorder (EDS). My question is how common is this disease in German shepherds? He was told that this disease is a freak genetic mutation. Any comments on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

This is terrible. I have never heard of it. However, I did Google search for Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome German Shepherd. Check out this URL: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1686814 Although this disorder is rare, it does occur in the GSD, other breeds, and humans. It is thought to be genetic.

Thanks Louise Never heard of that either. From what I was told the entire litter is normal except the one. The female tried to abandon her and she has been hand fed. Her rear ligaments are loose and unsteady and the pup is about 1/3 of the size as her litter mates. I was hoping to get some input from experienced breeders on this one.

O.K, I get it. Its more important to bash and badmouth people then to address serious issues on this board. I posted this question yesterday and only one reply? Btw thanks Louise! Obviously the character Tim Helser (30 replies)is more important and deserves more attention than this disease, which apparently I and Louise are the only ones interested in. SHAME on everyone who participated in bashing and not being interested in more pressing problems like OUR GSD's!

firefly, Perhaps those of us not answering don't know enough about this syndrome to have any input. With only 26 dogs in Canada diagnosed since 1991 there may not be many breeders with first hand knowledge. It looked like Louise found a good informational site for you. It also sounds like the mother knew something was wrong with the pup if she tried to abandon her. Please don't lump all into your bashing, many of us have not posted on the other situation either for lack of knowledge. We read, we listen, we learn. When we feel we can give good input, we do. Sorry you feel we all let you down.

My mistake, the link brought up a different article hence the incorrect number of dogs diagnosed.

animules, I am not bashing and thanks for responding. The people I am talking about know who they are. The pup was diagnosed at a Veterinary research Hospital and they have been told by the Vet that this disease is quite common in GSD's and HEREDITARY. I can only come to the assumption that the big breeders are quietly sweeping this under the rug (since no average GSD owner knows about this disease) . The female who happened to give birth to this pup was a rescue already pregnant. I was told pups who are born with EDS used to be called jelly puppies and usually are still born. If live born they are culled by the breeder.

Sorry Firefly, I have only heard of it once....but have never seen it first hand. Our vet actually is the one who told us of this puppy...and it was not a GSD puppy...it was a Bull Mastif puppy.