Applied dermatology: sebaceous adenitis in dogs.

Abstract

Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology that leads to a poor haircoat. It occurs mostly in young adult to middle-aged dogs. Clinical signs vary in severity and distribution among breeds and types of haircoat. Lesions include alopecia, scaling, and follicular casts that are typically distributed over the face, head, pinnae, and trunk. Diagnosis is based on histopathologic findings of sebaceous gland inflammation and loss. Treatment for sebaceous adenitis involves lifelong management with various topical therapies containing keratolytic/keratoplastic agents, emollients, and humectants in addition to oral therapies such as omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids, cyclosporine, and/or retinoids.