Dr White, Riki's Doctors StoryRiki's major problems developed on or about 12/1/92 when she presented with the sudden onset of "excess skin folds" hanging from the ventral neck. On closer examination, there appeared to be an over-abundance of skin over the entire body. The skin in the neck region was filled with a thin blood tinged fluid at this time. The seromas (accumulation of fluids) were drained and Riki was sent home. Cutaneous Asthenia is a group of inherited congential connective tissue disease characterized by loose, hyperextensible and abnormally fragile skin that is easily torn by minor trauma. This disease has been reported in sheep, cattle, mink, dogs and cats as well as human beings, but only a few of the syndrones that affict humans have been identified in animals. The adnormal physical properties of the skin result from a defect in the packing of collagen (the elastic component of skin) into fibrils and fibers. In animals the most prominent clinical sign is hyperextensible skin that is soft, pliable, thin and very loosly attached to the underlying tissue. If the skin gets a small tear it makes a very large wound that can be repaired but usually the skin rots and then replaces itself. The Johnsons were advises of the nature, heritability, and chronic incurable course of this disease. Riki was already spayed so there was not a question of breeding her. Due to the heritability of this disease, the breeder of Riki's litter was informed of this diagnosis. Treatment can only consist of taking every precaution to prevent injury to Riki. As a veterinarian, seeing and diagnosing this condition has been a learning experience for me. This condition is very rare, and I may never see another case in my practice career. The majority of animals diagnosed with this disease are euthanized due to the difficult and challenging task of protecting the animal from injury, even during simple daily activities.Editors note: Riki was the same as always when we went to feed her Saturday morning. She begged for another cookie and we thought we shouldn't give her another one. At 9:30 she went and laid down and went to sleep and never got up again. She died so peacefully and in her bed with all the people who loved her. She did not suffer, thank God for that. It was hard enough with a peaceful death. I could not have stood it if she had suffered. Her DR. couldn't come until after 12 noon so it was best that she is at peace and not have to depend on that shot to put her to sleep. Her brother is still looking for her, Nacu and Riki were best buds, they often snuggled up next to one another and slept the day away. She will be miss every day by her family. We love you Riki, and always will.
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This is Riki's first sign that something was wrong.
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