Epidermolysis Bullosa in Animals: A Review

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) was a hereditary disease in animals and humans, marked by skin and mucous membrane fragility, leading to blisters and erosions from minor trauma. It was caused by mutations in genes coding for structural proteins in basal keratinocytes or the basement membrane zone. EB was categorized into epidermolysis bullosa simplex, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa based on tissue separation levels. While human EB had several subtypes, animal subtypes were not fully established. EB affected 1 in 17,000 human births, but its frequency in animals was unknown. In animals, multifocal ulcers were common, and nail deformities in humans corresponded to hoof and claw issues in animals. The review discussed the molecular biology, diagnosis, classification, clinical signs, and pathology of EB in animals.