Common names or abbreviations:
 | Sebaceous Adenitis |
| SA |
Description or definition:
|
SA is a cosmetic skin disease caused by an inflammation of the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. The sebaceous glands are located within the dogs skin and work to lubricate and protect the skin. As this disease progresses, the sebaceous glands and hair follicles are destroyed, leading to loss of hair and scaling of the skin. SA is often cyclic in nature. The inflammation subsides, the hair grows back, and then the cycle recurs. As part of the inflammatory process, secondary skin infections can also occur. SA is hereditary and has an autoimmune component. |
Symptoms:
Excessive dandruff, greasy or dry scaling, darkened skin, a musty odor, thickening of the skin, hair loss ranging from scattered to total baldness. In the most severe cases symptoms of systemic illness (weight loss and fever) are observed.
Diagnosis:
Symptoms of SA can resemble other diseases and is sometimes improperly diagnosed as allergies, staph, or low thyroid. SA can be definitively diagnosed through a skin punch biopsy, which is done under local anesthetic. The biopsied skin sample is sent to a dermatopathologist for analysis. The removal site usually only requires one or two stitches. Skin biopsy can also detect subclinical SA. In other words, the test will reveal whether the dog has the disease even if it does not exhibit symptoms.
Treatment:
There is no cure for SA. However, the condition is mostly cosmetic and with appropriate management many dogs can live a happy pain free live. Frequents baths (every 10-14 days) using a good hypoallergenic shampoo is recommended. Some dogs reportedly respond well to baby oil soaks following a bath. The baby oil soak helps to loosen the scales and will temporarily restore moisture to the skin. The oil should be left on the coat for 20-30 minutes, followed by shampoos to remove the oil from the coat. If secondary skin infections develop, treatment with an antibiotic or ant inflammatory medication may be needed.
Links to sites about this disease:
| |
|
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/dermatology/sebaceous%20adenitis.htm |
| |
| |
|
http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00094.htm |
| |
| |
|
This summary provided by:
| Jessica in Arizona |