Sebaceous adenitis is an autoimmune, inflammatory, skin disease of currently unknown cause. Research is currently underway to find if there is a genetic predisposition for SA, and the exact mode of inheritance remains unknown. There are two expressions of this condition, one for long or double coated breeds and one for short coated breeds, both with differing presentations.

For long- or double-coated breeds such as Poodles, Akita’s and Samoyeds, the condition often presents itself with silvery dandruff which adheres to the coat, hair loss (not to be confused with moulting or “blowing coat”), a dull and brittle coat, and later on skin lesions along the back and ears as well as thickened skin and a musty or rancid odor. For short-coated breeds such as Hungarian Vizslas, the condition causes facial swellings, nodular skin lesions, fine dandruff which does not adhere to the coat, and a general “moth-eaten” appearance to the coat.

Symptoms of SA can resemble allergies and can often go improperly diagnosed for some time. The most common symptoms are excessive dandruff (scaling) and hair loss which can be from moderate to severe. The hair loss is usually patchy, giving a moth eaten look. Itchiness is not indicative of SA, but can accompany secondary skin infections, which can flare up and are often accompanied by a musty odour. In Akita’s, systemic illness (weight loss and fever) appears more common.

In SA the sebaceous glands that adjoin the hair follicles become inflamed and gradually are destroyed. Accurate diagnosis requires punch biopsy. A local anaesthetic is injected into the site to be biopsied (usually near the withers or affected area). A parent may or may not show clinical symptoms, instead being what is known as sub clinically affected meaning some inflammation may exist but hasn’t progressed to destruction of the glands and the subsequent loss of hair or they may have been described as having some skin allergies. But they are carriers none the less.

Currently there is no cure for SA but with good care, the affected dog can be kept comfortable, healthy and happy, giving and receiving love just as before developing SA. The treatment includes antibiotics when secondary skin infections are present. Oil baths, non-perfumed oil is rubbed well into the skin ensuring saturation (baby oil or bath oil), this is allowed to soak on the dog for about an hour. The oil loosens the scales and lubricates the skin, now compromised from absence of sebaceous oil glands.