SEBACEOUS ADENITIS IN AKITA DOG – CASE REPORT

Sebaceous adenitis is observed in different animal species, with dogs being the most commonly diagnosed. This study aimed to report a case of sebaceous adenitis in a 5-year-old male Akita dog weighing 35.8 kg, initially presented with pruritus and alopecia on the inner ear surfaces, face, and head. Over time, signs of changes in sebaceous glands appeared in other body parts. The dog was sent to a veterinary clinic in Kamyanets-Podilsky, Ukraine. During the clinical examination, the body temperature was 38.4°C, heart rate 78 bpm, and a respiratory rate 27 breaths per minute, with no change in appetite. Clinical and dermatological methods and histopathological examination were used to detect the disease. The hair on the head was curling, and the lesions appeared on the dorsal tail, the distal front and hind legs, the groin, and the abdomen. Initially, redness and itching occurred in the affected areas, and the skin lost elasticity and became dry. The hair was stuck together with gray crusts. The diagnosis was confirmed based on pathohistological studies. An inflammatory infiltrate with migration of lymphocytes, histiocytes, neutrophils, and atrophy of sebaceous glands was diagnosed, focusing on the pathology of the dermis. Treatment included topical therapy with shampoo applied for 3-5 minutes, then rinsed and followed by Conditioner for 2 minutes, over 30 days. Omega-3 was administered orally at 1000 mg twice daily. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane®, 20 mg) was administered orally twice daily for 30 days. Moreover, Cyclosporine was dosed at 5 mg/kg once daily orally, on an empty stomach, for 30 days. During the treatment, signs of inflammation gradually disappeared, with itching and hyperemia disappearing from day 3. From day 7, desquamation and hair loss decreased, and on day 12, signs of new hair growth appeared. The areas were completely restored on day 28 of treatment. Sebaceous adenitis was found to lead to the destruction of sebaceous glands, causing scaling, hair loss, and skin inflammation, which could be a hereditary condition in Akitas. Immunomodulation and normalization of trophic processes in the skin are crucial in the treatment.

A 4-year-old rabbit was presented with a chronic exfoliative dermatitis and patchy alopecia. General physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative. A blood sample was obtained for a complete blood cell count and biochemical profile, and yielded results that were within normal limits. Radiographic examination of the thorax excluded the presence of a thymoma. Histopathology of the skin showed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, absence of sebaceous glands and mural lymphocytic folliculitis, consistent with sebaceous adenitis. Oral treatment was started with ciclosporin dissolved in a medium-chain triglyceride solution (Miglyol 812), combined with essential fatty acids and topical propylene glycol sprays. Within 2 months of treatment, complete regression of skin lesions and regrowth of hair was observed. Serum chemistry values including kidney and liver function tests remained within reference range during the course of treatment. Histopathological examination of control biopsies of the skin showed presence of normal sebaceous glands and active hair follicles. Treatment was changed to a different pharmaceutical formulation of ciclosporin without Miglyol and deterioration of clinical signs was noticed. Using pure Miglyol 812, however, resulted in a gradual improvement of 60%. A nearly complete response was again observed after re-administration of the combination ciclosporin/Miglyol. It is hypothesized that sebaceous adenitis in the rabbit is most likely due to an autoimmune reaction directed at the sebaceous glands and a defect in lipid metabolism. The outcome indicates that a combination of ciclosporin and Miglyol 812 is a promising new treatment for sebaceous adenitis in rabbits.

Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an immune-mediated disease targeting the sebaceous glands. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a disease affecting meibomian glands with inflammatory features. Sebaceous and meibomian glands share anatomical, physiological and embryological similarities. The involvement of meibomian glands in dogs with SA is currently unknown. To evaluate meibomian glands in dogs affected by SA and compare them with healthy dogs. Eighteen dogs were enrolled. Nine dogs with SA were retrospectively identified from clinical records and represented the case group. Nine healthy, breed- and age-matched dogs were prospectively enrolled in the control group. Both groups underwent dermatological examination, Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), tear meniscus height (TMH), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, interferometry (INT) and noncontact infrared meibography (NIM). One third of SA dogs presented subepithelial crystalline opacities. No significant difference between groups was observed in TMH (p = 0.944) and STT-1 values (p = 0.066). INT (p = 0.016) and NIM grades (p = 0.010) were significantly higher and lower in the SA group compared to the control group, respectively. INT values decreased with age (η = 0.930), while NIM scores (η = 0.935) increased. Clinical Relevance: Subepithelial crystalline opacities in SA dogs might reflect a reduced tear film quality. In the absence of standardised methods, INT and NIM proved to be noninvasive and useful methods to examine meibomian glands. Dogs with SA showed a thinner lacrimal lipid layer and more severe meibomian gland abnormalities than control dogs, which seemed to progress with age.

Sebaceous adenitis is a suspected immune-mediated disease that targets and destroys sebaceous glands. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical presentation and incidence of sebaceous adenitis in Havanese dogs. Sebaceous adenitis was diagnosed in 35% (12 of 34) of Havanese dogs presented over a 5-year period. Onset of clinical signs occurred during young adulthood. Follicular casts were present in 92% (11 of 12) of affected dogs. Other common clinical signs included alopecia and hypotrichosis. The trunk, head and ears were commonly affected, with 67% (8 of 12) of cases having pinnal and/or external ear canal involvement. Secondary pyoderma was seen in 42% (5 of 12) of dogs. Histopathology revealed absent sebaceous glands in 83% (10 of 12) and a lymphoplasmacytic periadnexal infiltrate in 92% (11 of 12) of samples. Treatment included multiple modalities. Cyclosporin was prescribed in 83% (10 of 12) of cases. Other systemic therapies included vitamin A and fatty acid supplementation. Topical therapies included antiseborrhoeic shampoos and sprays, and oil soaks. Follow-up ranging from 2 months to 3 years was obtained in 67% (8 of 12) of dogs. Improvement ranged from minimal to marked, with better clinical response associated with longer duration of treatment. Owners with follow-up of more than 1 year commonly reported occasional flares of the clinical signs. This study found that sebaceous adenitis was a common diagnosis in Havanese dogs, that the ears were commonly affected and that a lymphoplasmacytic periadnexal infiltrate associated with absent sebaceous glands was frequently seen on dermatohistopathological examination.

Sebaceo us adeniti s is a granulomatous or pyogranul ornatous dermatitis with inflammation located around sebaceous glands. In chronic cases, these gland s are replaced by fibrous connective tissue} Many breeds of dogs have been affected , but adult Standa rd Poodles, Sam oyeds, Vizlas, and Akitas are appare ntly predisposed.' Etiologic facto rs are unknown. Seconda ry pyoderma is often a complicati ng factor. Sebaceous aden itis should be considered in the different ial diagnosis of dogs with seborrhea sicca that is unresponsive to medic al therap y.' A 9-year-old, castrated male Samoyed dog was euthanatized and presented to the Colorado Stat e University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for necropsy. It had a 3-year history of a generalized derm at itis and blepharitis that was unresponsive to conventional medical therapy. Serologic and endocrine function tests were never performed. Th e entire hair coat was thin, and the skin was rough, dry, and scaly. Th ere was partial alopecia and crusting of the eyelids . Th e externa l ear canal s were dirty and scaly. A postmort em examination of the abdomen, thorax, and brain revca led no other gross lesions. Th e tissues that were examined histologically were multiple areas of trun cal skin, external auditory canal, upper and lower eyelids, nictitating membrane, th yroid , adrenal, hypophysis, and both eyes. Sebaceo us gland s were absent in all areas ofskin examined. Dorsal thoracic and dorsal lumbar skin had mild to moderate epidermal and follicular orthoke ratotic hyperkeratosis and moderate infiltrat ion aro und hair follicles by lymph ocytes and plasma cells (Fig. I). Ove r 150 sections from one sample of skin were cut and examined. No sebaceo us glands were found in any section. Focal areas of epidermis were mi ldly acanthotic, varying from two to five cell layers thi ck. Sma ll numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells were scatt ered in the papillary derm is. Hair follicles were in catagen and anagen phases. Apocrine sweat glands were moderately dilated and were often surro unded by a Iymp hoplasmacytic infiltra te. Changes in ventral thoracic skin were simi lar but less pronoun ced. Hair follicles in an externa l auditory canal were hyperkeratotic. Ceruminous glands and hair follicles were surro unded by lymphocytes and lesser numbers of macroph ages, fibroblasts , and a few neutrophils. As in the skin , sebaceous glands were absent. Epith elium of an upp er eyelid was acanthotic and had parakerat otic hyperkeratosis. A superficial crust consisted of keratin debris and neut roph ils. Hair follicles were plugged with kera tin and often con tained neutrophils. Heavy infiltrations of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages surrounded hair follicles and the tubul ar gland s of Moll. Tarsal glands , which are modified sebaceous glands, were absent. Th e nictit at ing membrane contained a normal am ount of tubular lacrimal gland s with sma ll interstitial accumulations of plasma cells. Th ere were dense accumulatio ns of plasma cells in the subconjunctiva. The zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of an ad renal gland were j udged subjective ly to be thickened in relation to the zona glomeru losa and the medu lla. Examination of thyroid gland revealed no microscop ic abnormalities. Th e eyes had no microscopic lesions. In the adenohypophysis, multiple, large foci contained a Iymph oplasmacytic infiltrate and scattere d cells that were either chro mophobic pitu itary cells, which they closely resembled, or macroph ages. Th ese cells had vesicular , sometim es indented nuclei, and indi stin ct cytoplasm. Acidophilic and basophilic cells were greatly decreased or absent in the inflam ed areas (Fig. 2). Th ere was a pale, eosinophilic, loose, fibrillar matrix in affected foci. A Masson 's trichrome-stained sectio n failed to reveal an increase d amo unt ofcollagen. The neurohypoph ysis was not affected. Sebaceo us glands are normally present in all regions of haired skin.' Th e history, signalment, distribution of skin lesions , and absence of sebaceous gland s in thi s case are compatible with chronic or end-s tage sebaceous adenitis of dogs.'> In contrast to those cases of sebaceous adeniti s previously described in the literatu re, the dermatitis in thi s dog was not granulomato us. It is possible that the leukocytic infiltrate was modified as the sebaceo us glands disapp eared. It is also possible that thi s case represent s a non-granulomatous variant of the disease syndrome.

Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is a chronic, idiopathic inflammatory condition targeting the sebaceous glands, leading to their destruction and subsequent glandular dysfunction in dogs. Clinically, SA is characterized by alopecia, scaling, follicular casting, and secondary bacterial infections, significantly impacting quality of life and representing a therapeutic challenge for veterinarians. Traditional management strategies, including antibiotics, antifungals, and topical treatments, have often proven inadequate, primarily addressing symptomatic relief without altering the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms. Cyclosporine, a potent immunosuppressant widely used in human medicine for organ transplant rejection prevention and autoimmune disease treatment, has shown promise as an alternative therapeutic option for sebaceous adenitis in dogs. Cyclosporine exerts its effects by inhibiting calcineurin, thereby preventing T-lymphocyte activation and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). This immunomodulatory action targets the autoimmune component of SA, potentially offering more sustained clinical remission and improved dermatologic outcomes compared to conventional therapies. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed evaluation of cyclosporine as a treatment modality for sebaceous adenitis in dogs as well as to provide a critical review on the available clinical evidence regarding its efficacy and safety on long term use. Three canine patients with histopathologically confirmed granulomatous sebaceous adenitis received treatment with cyclosporine for 12 months. Overall, cyclosporine therapy resulted in clinical improvements in dogs with sebaceous adenitis, with initial benefits observed within the first four months of treatment and more notable outcomes evident after 12 months of continuous therapy.

To evaluate the effects of cyclosporine A in the treatment of sebaceous adenitis in dogs. Open-label clinical trial. 12 dogs with sebaceous adenitis. Dogs were treated with cyclosporine A at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/d (2.3 mg/lb/d), PO, for 12 months and reevaluated every 4 months. A clinical score was calculated by grading the extent of alopecia and severity of follicular casts as absent, mild, moderate, or severe in each of 17 body regions. Biopsy specimens were obtained and examined histologically and by means of immunohistochemical staining. Mean clinical score was significantly decreased, compared with baseline score, after 4 months of treatment and remained low after 8 and 12 months. Histologically, the severity of inflammation was significantly decreased, as were numbers of macrophages, CD3+ T cells, and major histocompatibility complex class II-expressing cells. The percentage of hair follicles with sebaceous glands increased, suggesting regeneration of sebaceous glands. Clinical signs recurred when cyclosporine administration was discontinued. Results suggest that administration of cyclosporine A at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/d may reduce the inflammation associated with sebaceous adenitis in dogs. Long-term treatment appears to be neccessary to control the disease.

Introduction: Sebaceous gland adenitis is a rare condition found in large ruminants, eluding diagnosis and potentially progressing into neoplastic states if left untreated. The aim of the current study was to indicate the benefits of surgical excision of sebaceous gland adenitis in a Jersey crossbred cow. Case report: A 6-year-old Jersey crossbred cow weighing 300 kg was admitted to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India, in December 2022 with a soft tissue mass in the right vulval lip. Initially observed as a small skin bump, the condition had progressively worsened over 2 months, becoming an extensive mass contaminated with external debris and live maggots. Palpation revealed the mass to be firm without eliciting pain. The physiological parameters, such as rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were within normal limits. The hematological and serum biochemical parameters were normal. The mass was resected surgically, and the vulval lip was reconstructed. Postoperatively, the cow received a 5-day course of enrofloxacin (Enro, India) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight, along with 3 days of intramuscular meloxicam at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg body weight and topical application of antiseptic ointment (Lorexane, India). The animal had an uneventful recovery after 2 weeks. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis as sebaceous gland hyperplasia and chronic adenitis. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that timely diagnosis and excision of the vulval tissue mass resulted in a complete recovery and preserved the animal's value. Chronic sebaceous gland adenitis may have a tendency to transform into a benign tumorous condition. The early presentation of the animal and successful surgical intervention prevented this transformation of sebaceous gland adenitis to a benign or malignant condition.

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Sebaceous adenitis (SA) may be idiopathic (ISA) or associated with other disorders. The purpose of the present study was to compare the cutaneous histopathology of SA in cases in which Leishmania organisms were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with that of cases diagnosed as ISA. Skin sections of 29 patients were evaluated histologically and divided into two groups, one characterized by several epidermal and subepidermal lesions, a granulomatous to pyogranulomatous nodular to diffuse dermatitis involving the sebaceous glands and a positive IHC for Leishmania spp. The other group was characterized by orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis with different degrees of pyogranulomatous to granulomatous SA, lack of nodular dermatitis and a negative IHC for Leishmania spp. Hidradenitis was present in both groups. From these results it can be concluded that SA in canine Leishmaniosis (CL) is usually present together with a nodular to diffuse dermal infiltrate and epidermal and subepidermal lesions, and that SA in the absence of dermal inflammation is probably not associated with or suggestive of CL, even in regions where the disease is endemic.

To describe a case of feline sebaceous adenitis and mural folliculitis, and its successful treatment with topical fatty acids. A 5-year-old, male castrated Norwegian Forest cat was presented with a progressive seborrhoeic dermatitis. Clinical examination and histopathological examination of skin biopsies. There was severe, multifocal, lymphocytic mural folliculitis and perifollicular dermatitis, moderate hyperkeratosis and sebaceous adenitis on histopathology. Sebaceous glands were either absent or almost completely effaced by a dense lymphocytic infiltrate. Clinical signs began in spring on the face and neck and progressed over an 18 month period to involve the legs. Initially, topical and systemic antibacterial therapy for a mild bacterial overgrowth resulted in partial clinical response. There was no improvement with oral omega 6 fatty acids and surface cleaning. Treatment with a spot-on product containing essential oils, smoothing agents and vitamin E as the sole therapy was associated with a good--but incomplete--clinical response over a 6 month period, with hair regrowth and a marked decrease in seborrhoeic dermatitis. This improvement was sustained until 12 months later when a severe deep pyoderma with associated anorexia and depression occurred. This was symptomatically treated and the cat remained clinically stable for a further 18 months. Periocular and perinasal seborrhoea was a persistent feature. Topical essential fatty acid therapy may offer a viable alternative to ciclosporin, which has been reported for the successful treatment of this rare disease in cats.

Four domestic rabbits were presented with a history of nonpruritic scale. Multiple skin biopsies revealed findings compatible with sebaceous adenitis as reported in other species: inflammation directed at the sebaceous gland, and/or an absence of sebaceous glands, a perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate at the level of the absent sebaceous glands, hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis, follicular dystrophy, perifollicular fibrosis, and a mural infiltrative lymphocytic folliculitis. Histological changes not consistent with sebaceous adenitis in other species were interface dermatitis and interface folliculitis with single cell necrosis and basal cell hydropic degeneration.

Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is characterized by a cutaneous inflammatory process targeting the sebaceous glands. It has been described in several species and breeds. A developmental, possibly inherited, disorder of the sebaceous glands or an immune‐mediated disease, triggered by unknown stimuli, is currently suspected. The authors describe clinical data, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of SA in three related Hovawart dogs (a dam, and a male and female off‐spring of this dam from different sires). In all three dogs, the skin lesions developed around the fifth year of age and they were characterized by a generalized hypothricosis, hyperpigmentation, scaling and rat‐tail. Trichography revealed blocks of keratin within the hair shafts. Superficial and deep skin scraping and fungal culture were negative. On histopathological evaluation of skin biopsy specimens, there was an advanced pattern of SA, with marked follicular keratosis and mixed perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate targeting and destroying sebaceous glands. Complete blood count, biochemical investigation, T4, fT4 and TSH were within the normal range. A leishmania test (IFAT) was negative. Treatment was started with weekly keratolytic shampoos, 50% propylene glycol dips and baby oil applications. Oral administration of 1 mg/kg once daily of prednisone acetate and 1 mg/kg once daily of etretinate for 3 months gave partial amelioration of the skin lesions. The diagnosis of SA in three related Hovawart dogs suggests a genetic basis in this breed, and we suggest that breeding of affected and related dogs should be avoided. Funding: Self‐funded.

Ninety-seven pure-bred Akitas were examined clinically and histologically for sebaceous adenitis. The diagnosis was established histologically in 23 Akitas by demonstrating an inflammatory reaction targeted against the sebaceous glands or a reduction in the number of glands. The clinical course of sebaceous adenitis in the Akita was similar to that seen in other breeds. The first skin lesions occurred mainly on the dorsal midline and ears. Compared with the Poodle, the age at first onset of the disease was more variable and the hair loss affected mainly the undercoat. The progression of sebaceous gland destruction varied between dogs and was not seen in all cases. Because bud-like sebaceous gland proliferation could be identified, it seems that regeneration of the sebaceous glands may occur. An autosomal recessive inheritance appears to be possible. Apart from a genetic background, immune-mediated factors possibly influence the onset and course of sebaceous adenitis.

Sebaceous adenitis and concurrent meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were diagnosed in a two-year-old mongrel dog presenting with hypotrichosis, exfoliative dermatitis and blepharitis. Diagnosis of sebaceous adenitis was based on history, clinical signs, the histological demonstration of multifocal lymphohistiocytic and neutrophilic inflammation targeting the sebaceous glands and sebaceous glands loss. MGD was diagnosed by non-contact infrared meibography followed by tear film lipid layer interferometric evaluation. Ciclosporin and sebolytic shampoos controlled the dermatological condition, while doxycycline, warm compresses, palpebral massages and tobramycin/dexamethasone ointment controlled the blepharitis. This case report should stimulate clinicians to investigate MGD in dogs suffering from sebaceous adenitis, because the meibomian and sebaceous glands share similar anatomy and physiology.