Mary Allen
Animals suffering from sebadenitis require lifelong treatment.
Definition
Sebadenitis is a rare disease in dogs and cats in which the sebum glands of the skin are irreversibly destroyed by an inflammatory reaction. Among dogs, Poodles, Viszlas, Akitas, and Hovawarts are frequently affected, but sebadenitis has been described in over 50 breeds and also in mixed breeds. Inheritability has been proven in the poodle and is suspected in other breeds. Middle-aged dogs are usually affected.
Cause
The actual cause is not yet known. Recent studies assume an autoimmune disease, i.e. the sebaceous glands, which are located on each hair follicle, are attacked by cells of the body’s own immune system.
In any case, there is inflammation and thus the destruction of the sebaceous glands. The hair thus lacks the “lubricant” and the skin’s surface lacks the protective film. In addition, the skin becomes excessively calloused, the skin flakes sticking around the tufts of fur like cuffs.
Symptoms
First, the hair breaks off or falls out in individual areas. The hairless areas are dry and scaly. Thick rings of scales from around the remaining hair. In the beginning, there is usually no itching, this and the unpleasant skin odor only come with the secondary infections caused by bacteria and/or yeast fungi.
The changes begin in the head, ears, and tail area and then spread to the entire back and possibly the ear canals. In the beginning, the course often fluctuates between better and worse phases.
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis can only be made by taking a tissue sample that shows no or only destroyed sebaceous glands.
Treatment
A combination of oral medication and local treatment. It has to be done for a lifetime.