Q: What is the disease hyperelastosis cutis?

A:Hyperelastosis cutis (HC), also known as hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), is a genetic connective-tissue disorder of the skin. An affected horse’s skin may feel mushy or stretchy and doesn’t seem to be “attached” over multiple areas of the body. The skin is extremely fragile, tears easily, and doesn’t heal well following injury. There’s no known cure; special wound treatment can help affected horses remain comfortable. Horses may carry the gene for HC without exhibiting signs; genetic testing ( horsetesting.com) can reveal if a horse carries the gene, which has been traced to Poco Bueno/King bloodlines in the Quarter Horse breed.

Source: The Comprehensive Guide to Equine

Veterinary Medicine, by Barb Crabbe, DVM