Sebaceous Adenitis

What is Sebaceous Adenitis?
Sebaceous adenitis is a skin disease in which the sebaceous glands become inflamed and eventually are lost. This leads to gradual loss of hair. It begins most frequently when dogs are still young. It is primarily a cosmetic disease in most breeds, but nonetheless a potentially serious one.

How does my dog get Sebaceous Adenitis?
Sebaceous adenitis is believed to be hereditary in most affected dogs. It may also be immune-mediated.

How do I know if my dog has Sebaceous Adenitis?
Sebaceous adenitis may have a different initial appearance depending on breed. The most common signs are excessive scaling and dandruff along with hair loss. In many breeds the initially affected areas are the head, muzzle and ears, although German Shepherds tend to be affected around the rear end first. In some breeds, such as Akitas, the condition is often associated with weight loss and fever. In general, short coated breeds tend to have mild scaling along with a moth-eaten appearance due to hair loss. Long coated breeds tend to have silver-white scales that adhere tightly to the hair shafts, along with brittle, matted tufts of hair and symmetrical hair loss. A definite diagnosis requires a skin biopsy. This can be done with a local anesthetic or require a sedative or anesthesia. The sample is then sent to a veterinary pathologist for microscopic evaluation.

What can I do about Sebaceous Adenitis?
Your veterinarian will prescribe soaking in baby oil followed by medicated shampoos to help remove the oil and scales from the skin. Oral medications may also be prescribed, including antibiotics for any secondary infections. Results of therapy vary widely.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Sebaceous Adenitis?
Because sebaceous adenitis in believed to be hereditary, do not breed affected animals. In breeds in which the condition is a concern (see below), particularly Standard Poodles, buy puppies only from parents that have been cleared by skin biopsy as free of sebaceous adenitis.

Are there certain breeds that get Sebaceous Adenitis more often?
Standard Poodles are the breed in which sebaceous adenitis is most well-known, but Akitas, Vizslas, Samoyeds and German Shepherds also appear to be predisposed.