Sebaceous Adenitis in an Akita: Symptoms and Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract

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.