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Sebaceous Adenitis (Inflammation of the Sebaceous Glands) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Skin/Fur

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands in dogs that leads to a disruption of sebumsebum is the oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps keep the skin and hair supple and provides some protection against bacteria and fungi. production and is often associated with hair loss and skin problems.

The most important facts at a glance

Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands in dogs that often occurs in breeds such as Poodles, Akitas, and Samoyeds. The exact cause is unclear, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. attacks the sebaceous glands. This leads to skin dry, scaling and increases the risk of secondary infections. Symptoms include hair breakage, hairless areas, unpleasant skin odor and itching. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by a skin biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions., which confirms the inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

Treatment approaches include the use of glucocorticoidsGlucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that play an important role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress response. They are also used therapeutically as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. and immunomodulatoryImmunomodulatory describes the ability of a substance to modify the reaction of the immune system. Immunomodulatory drugs can either stimulate the immune system to fight infections more effectively or suppress it to prevent overreactions. drugs such as ciclosporin to control the inflammation. TopicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. treatments and antibiotics may also be necessary. Although the disease is chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time., early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and consistent therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. can help to improve the quality of life of affected dogs. Regular veterinary examinations and good coat care are important to manage the symptoms. Preventive measures are difficult because genetic factors play a role, but a healthy lifestyle can help to support the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body..

Current research focuses on genetic predispositions and new treatment methods, including the use of stem cell therapies and omega-3 fatty acids. These approaches show promising results and could in the future lead to personalized treatment strategies that improve the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for affected dogs.

Causes

The sebaceous glands of the skin are responsible for producing sebumsebum is the oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps keep the skin and hair supple and provides some protection against bacteria and fungi., an oily secretion that moisturizes and protects the skin and hair. In dogs with sebaceous adenitis, these glands become inflamed, impairing their function. The exact cause of sebaceous adenitis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. attacks the sebaceous glands.

Certain dog breeds such as Poodles, Akitas, and Samoyeds are often affected, suggesting a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases.. This genetic susceptibility plays a central role in the development of the disease, as it increases the likelihood of an autoimmune reaction. Scientists suspect that environmental factors may also play a role, although this needs to be investigated more closely.

The inflammation leads to the destructionDestruction means "demolition." In medicine, it refers to the destruction of cells, tissues, organs, or body parts. The growth of malignant Tumors is also usually accompanied by destruction of the surrounding tissue. of the sebaceous glands, which makes the skin dry and scaly and often leads to secondary bacterial infections. Without the protective sebumsebum is the oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps keep the skin and hair supple and provides some protection against bacteria and fungi., the skin can no longer maintain its natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to damage and infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Another possible factor that can contribute to the development of sebaceous adenitis is a hormonal imbalanceImbalance refers to an imbalance or disruption of normal function or composition in the body, which can lead to health problems.. Hormones play an important role in regulating sebumsebum is the oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps keep the skin and hair supple and provides some protection against bacteria and fungi. production, and changes in hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream to affect specific cells or organs in the body. They regulate numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. levels could exacerbate inflammatory reactions in the skin.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of sebaceous adenitis vary depending on the severity of the disease and the breed affected. A common sign is hair loss, which often occurs symmetrically. In long-haired breeds, the coat may become dull and brittle, while in short-haired breeds, hairless patches may appear.

The skin may appear scaly and dry, often accompanied by a fine, powdery scaling that resembles dandruff. In some cases, the scales are large and sticky, leading to clumping of the hair. This scaling is often most pronounced on the back, flanks, and around the neck.

Another symptom is itching, which does not occur in all dogs, but can be very severe in some dogs. This itching can lead to scratching and further hair loss, which worsens the skin problems and increases the risk of secondary infections.

In addition, the skin may thicken and harden, which can impair the dog’s flexibility and well-being. In some cases, unpleasant odors also develop due to bacterial infections or the accumulation of dead skin cells.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of sebaceous adenitis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination, in which the veterinarian assesses the symptoms and general condition of the dog. A detailed medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. is also important to record the course of the symptoms and possible predispositions.

An important diagnostic step is the skin biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions., in which small skin samples are taken and examined histologically. These samples often show a characteristic inflammation and degeneration of the sebaceous glands, which supports the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of sebaceous adenitis. The biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. is the most accurate way to confirm the disease.

In addition, blood tests and other laboratory tests can be performed to assess the dog’s general health and rule out other diseases that could cause similar symptoms. A complete blood count can provide indications of systemic inflammation, while other tests can help identify hormonal or metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders.

Since sebaceous adenitis is often associated with secondary bacterial infections, cultures and sensitivity tests of skin samples may be necessary to determine the appropriate treatment for these infections.

Therapy

The treatment of sebaceous adenitis aims to control the inflammation, relieve the symptoms and treat secondary infections. As it is a chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. disease, long-term therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. is often necessary.

GlucocorticoidsGlucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that play an important role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress response. They are also used therapeutically as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs., such as prednisone, are often used to reduce the inflammatory response. However, these drugs can have side effects, especially with long-term use, so the dosage must be carefully monitored.

Another effective remedy is ciclosporin and other immunomodulatoryImmunomodulatory describes the ability of a substance to modify the reaction of the immune system. Immunomodulatory drugs can either stimulate the immune system to fight infections more effectively or suppress it to prevent overreactions. drugs that regulate the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and reduce inflammation of the sebaceous glands. These drugs can be very effective in some dogs, but also require close monitoring and adjustment of the dosage.

TopicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. treatments, such as special shampoos and moisturizers, help to moisturize the skin and reduce scaling. They can also be helpful in relieving itching and supporting skin healing.

Antibiotics are used as needed to treat secondary bacterial infections that often occur due to damaged skin and a compromised immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body..

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with sebaceous adenitis varies depending on the severity of the disease and response to treatment. With early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and consistent therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., many dogs can achieve a good quality of life and effectively control their symptoms.

In some cases, however, the disease can progress and lead to permanent damage to the skin, especially if it is not recognized or treated in time. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. cases can be difficult to manage and often require lifelong treatment and care.

The collaboration between veterinarian and dog owner is crucial to develop an individual treatment plan that is tailored to the needs of the dog. Regular follow-up checks are important to monitor the course of the disease and adjust the treatment.

Prevention

Since the exact cause of sebaceous adenitis is not yet fully understood, there are no specific measures to prevent the disease. The genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of some breeds makes complete preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. difficult.

However, regular veterinary examinations and early detection of symptoms can help to diagnose and treat the disease at an early stage before it progresses.

A balanced diet and good coat care can help to support general skin health and reduce the risk of secondary infections. Dog owners should also pay attention to changes in their pet’s behavior or appearance and consult a veterinarian immediately if they suspect skin problems.

Avoiding excessive stress and supporting the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. through a healthy lifestyle can also be helpful in reducing the risk of autoimmune reactions. This could be achieved through regular exercise, a stress-free environment and, if necessary, the use of dietary supplements to support the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body..

Outlook on current research

Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands that is relatively rare in dogs. The exact mechanism that leads to the development of this disease is not yet fully understood. Researchers suspect that it is an autoimmune disease in which the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. attacks and destroys the sebaceous glands. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of inflammatory infiltrates, consisting of T cells and macrophages, in the affected areas. The loss of the sebaceous glands leads to a disturbed skin barrier function, which explains the symptoms of the disease such as scaling and hair loss.

An important part of current research focuses on the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for sebaceous adenitis in certain dog breeds. Some breeds such as the Poodle, Akita, and Vizsla show a higher incidenceIncidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur within a specific time period in a specific population group. It provides information about the risk of contracting the disease. of this disease, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role. Researchers are currently investigating various genetic markers to identify specific genes that are associated with an increased risk of sebaceous adenitis. This research could help in the future to develop breeding programs that minimize the risk for the offspring.

Another area of research is the development and evaluation of new treatment methods. Traditional treatments include the use of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine, which can help to dampen the immune responseAn immune response is the immune system's reaction to foreign substances (antigens), such as microorganisms or proteins. It involves a series of processes aimed at recognizing, fighting, and eliminating these antigens. and relieve the symptoms. However, newer studies are investigating alternative approaches such as the topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. application of sebumsebum is the oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps keep the skin and hair supple and provides some protection against bacteria and fungi. substitutes, which can restore the skin barrier function, or the use of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. results show that these approaches have the potential to improve the symptoms and increase the quality of life of the affected dogs.

Another interesting approach is the use of stem cell therapies. Some research teams have begun to investigate the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells to promote the regeneration of the sebaceous glands and reduce the inflammatory response. These treatments are still in the early stages of research, but show promising results in animal models.

In the long term, research aims to develop more comprehensive and personalized treatment strategies that are tailored to the individual genetic and immunological profile of the dog. This could lead to a significant improvement in the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. and quality of life of dogs with sebaceous adenitis.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the most common symptoms of sebaceous adenitis in dogs? The most common symptoms are hair loss, scaling, skin thickening and an unpleasant odor of the skin. These symptoms often occur symmetrically and usually begin on the head or back of the dog.
Which breeds are most commonly affected by sebaceous adenitis? Breeds such as Poodles, Akitas, Vizslas and Samoyeds are more commonly affected. This indicates a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. that plays a role in the development of the disease.
How is the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of sebaceous adenitis made? The diagnosis is usually confirmed by a skin biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions.. In this procedure, a small piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of inflammatory cells and the absence of sebaceous glands.
Can sebaceous adenitis be cured? Currently, there is no cure for sebaceous adenitis, but the symptoms can be effectively managed. With the right treatment, many dogs can live a comfortable life.
What treatment options are available? Treatment often includes the use of immunosuppressants, topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. sebumsebum is the oily substance produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps keep the skin and hair supple and provides some protection against bacteria and fungi. substitutes, special shampoos, and omega-3 fatty acids. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.
Can sebaceous adenitis lead to other health problems? Yes, untreated sebaceous adenitis can lead to secondary bacterial infections that can further damage the skin. Therefore, early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment are important.
Is sebaceous adenitis contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious. to other dogs? No, sebaceous adenitis is not contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious.. It is an inflammatory disease that is not caused by parasites, bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. or viruses.
How often do affected dogs need to be examined by a veterinarian? Dogs with sebaceous adenitis should be examined regularly by a veterinarian to monitor the progress of the disease and adjust the treatment if necessary. The frequency depends on the individual case.
Can environmental factors influence sebaceous adenitis? While the exact cause is not known, environmental factors such as stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or an inadequate diet could worsen the symptoms. A balanced diet and a stress-free environment can be helpful.
Are there special care products for dogs with sebaceous adenitis? Yes, there are special shampoos and conditioners that can help to relieve the symptoms. These products are often moisturizing and gentle on the skin to support the natural moisture content.