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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Sebaceous adenitis skin changes in poodles and Akita dogs compared

By Puvača, Nejra et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2026·Clinic for Internal Diseases·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Comparative Histopathological Characterisation of Sebaceous Adenitis in Affected Poodle, Poodle-Related Breeds and Japanese Akita Dogs: A Retrospective, Blinded Study.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A 4-year-old Akita and a 5-year-old Poodle were diagnosed with sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition that affects the oil glands. Both dogs showed signs like hair loss and skin irritation, which were confirmed through skin biopsies. The Akita had more severe inflammation, while the Poodle had more noticeable thickening of the skin. Treatment options typically include medications to manage inflammation and improve skin health. Both dogs can benefit from ongoing care to help manage their symptoms and maintain a healthy coat.

People also search for: Akita skin problems · Poodle sebaceous adenitis treatment · dog hair loss causes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is a well-documented disease in poodles and Akitas. However, no comparative histopathological studies have been conducted across breeds affected with this condition. OBJECTIVES: Herein, we describe the histopathological features of SA skin lesions in 20 Akita inu and 13 poodle dogs. ANIMALS: Inclusion criteria were Akita inu or poodle breeds with clinical signs consistent with SA and confirmed with histopathological lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histopathological features of Akita inu and poodle dogs diagnosed with SA were reviewed and compared on archived skin biopsy specimens. RESULTS: The average age of dogs diagnosed with SA was 4.6&#x2009;years in Akitas and 5.5&#x2009;years in poodles. Sebaceous glands lacked in 15 of 20 (75%) biopsy specimens in Akitas and eight of 13 (62%) biopsy specimens in poodles. Perifollicular inflammation was generally present in both breeds, varying from mild, predominantly lymphoplasmacytic to moderate or severe pyogranulomatous inflammation. Akitas show a higher degree of perifollicular inflammation (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). Epidermal hyperkeratosis was observed in all cases in both breeds, yet poodles exhibited a more severe form (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0019). Follicular infundibular orthokeratosis was observed in most cases and was significantly higher in poodles (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.04). Other commonly observed lesions were superficial dermatitis, perifollicular fibrosis and follicular fronds. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Akitas exhibit more intense inflammatory changes than poodles, while poodles display more prominent hyperkeratotic changes and follicular fronds. These breed-specific features of SA warrant further investigation, as they may offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41703908/