Introduction

• Causes: an inflammation of and around the sebaceous glands leading to loss of these structures.
• Signs: dry skin, scaling and hair loss.
• Certain breeds are predisposed, but has been seen in over 60 breeds plus crossbreeds.
• Etiology and pathogenesis unclear.
• Treatment: shampoos, sprays, immunomodulatory therapy and antibacterials.
• Prognosis: guarded but variable.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Pedigree studies in some breeds have demonstrated an autosomal recessive mode of transmission.

Pathophysiology

• Poorly understood but various speculative theories proposed.
• Speculations include:
  • Sebaceous gland destruction is developmental and genetically inherited defect.
  • Sebaceous gland destruction is an immune mediated (T cell mediated) or auto-immune disease directed against a component of the sebaceous glands.
  • The initial defect is a keratinization abnormality with subsequent obstruction of the sebaceous ducts resulting in sebaceous adenitis.
  • There is an abnormality in lipid metabolism causing reduced production of sebum which in turn leads to abnormal keratinization and follicular atrophy.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes