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Seborrhea
Seborrhea
What is seborrhea?
Primary seborrhea is an inherited disorder of the skin in which the outer layer of the skin
(the epidermis), the sebaceous glands, and part of the hair follicles are hyperproductive.
The rate of cell turnover in these tissues is significantly increased, causing excessive
production of scale (dry flakes of skin) and sebum (fatty lubricating substance). Seborrhea
oleosa is the more greasy form while seborrhea sicca is a dryer form. Many dogs have a
combination of both types. Chronic waxy ear infections (otitis externa) also occur
commonly as part of this disorder.
Signs of primary seborrhea are usually apparent by a year of age. Affected dogs are often
greasy, scaly and smelly.
Secondary seborrhea is seen in older dogs. It looks the same clinically but is a response by
the skin to other conditions, rather than an inherent defect in the skin itself.
What breeds are affected by seborrhea?
Primary seborrhea is most commonly seen in the American cocker spaniel, West Highland
white terrier, English springer spaniel, and Basset hound. It is also seen in the Irish setter,
German shepherd, dachshund, Doberman pinscher, Chinese Shar-pei, and Labrador
retriever.
For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the
frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for
which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary
practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.
What does seborrhea mean to your dog & you?
Early evidence of the disorder such as mild flaking and dullness of the coat may appear as
young as 10 weeks of age. Because these signs are subtle, they often go unnoticed.
However, usually by a year to 18 months, the signs have become pronounced. Affected
dogs commonly have a dull coat with excessive scaling, a greasy feel and smell to the skin
(especially in areas of body folds), smelly waxy ears which may be infected, thickening of
the foot pads, and dry brittle claws. Some breeds (West Highland white terrier, cocker
spaniel, springer spaniel, Basset hound, Shar-pei) are more prone to the greasy form of
seborrhea (seborrhea oleosa) with chronic ear infections and greasy skin, while others
(Doberman pinscher, Irish setter) are more likely to develop the dryer form (seborrhea
sicca)
Dogs with seborrhea are prone to secondary infections, either bacterial or yeast, and
frequently develop skin lesions and associated itching. This condition is called seborrheic
dermatitis. Scratching leads to worsening of the lesions and spread of the infection.
How is seborrhea diagnosed?
The signs associated with primary (inherited) and secondary (response to another
condition) seborrhea are the same. Your veterinarian will take into consideration your dog's
clinical signs and age (primary seborrhea is seen in young dogs), and submit a skin biopsy
to a veterinary pathologist who will look for changes in the skin typical of primary
seborrhea, to rule-out other conditions that cause similar clinical signs. (This is a simple
procedure, done with local anaesethetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small
sample of your dog's skin.)
When there is severe seborrheic dermatitis, the secondary infections must be cleared up
before a diagnosis of primary seborrhea can be made.
How is seborrhea treated?
Primary seborrhea requires life-long management. There is no cure, and the ease of control
varies between dogs. Dry scaly seborrhea can usually be controlled more easily than the
greasy form. You and your veterinarian will need to work together to determine what is
best for your dog. You will quickly become an expert on recognizing changes in your dog's
skin and ears, and knowing when veterinary care is required.
Antiseborrheic shampoosand moisturizers are the most important components of treatment.
Initial bathing of 2 or 3 times per week is generally required, with frequency gradually
reduced to a maintenance level as the condition is controlled. If your dog has a secondary
bacterial or yeast infection (as is common), this must be treated with appropriate
medication at the same time that antiseborrheic therapy is started.
Effective bathing requires that the medicated shampoo remain in contact with the skin for
10 to 15 minutes after lathering, followed by very thorough rinsing which removes debris
(scales, grease) and shampoo, and also moisturizes your dog's skin. An after-bath rinse will
also help to retain moisture. Occasional misting of the coat with the dilute rinse can often
reduce the frequency of bathing required. Careful monitoring is required, since overbathing can worsen seborrhea.
There are a large number of antiseborrheic products available. Your veterinarian will likely
suggest a milder product to start, and change to a stronger one if necessary. Stronger
products are usually required to control dogs with greasy skin, with possible switch to a
milder product for maintenance. Long hair makes effective shampooing more difficult so it
is best to keep the coat short.
Ear infections are common in seborrheic dogs. The best way to keep on top of these is to
check your dog's ears regularly. Your veterinarian will show you how to flushyour dog's
ears with a product designed to reduce wax build-up. Use this when your dog's ears have a
waxy odour. Signs of an infection include a need to clean the ears more frequently,
itchiness (as shown by head shaking, pawing at the ears, rubbing the head along the carpet)
and/or an unpleasant odour. This requires prompt treatment, usually for 2 to 3 weeks.
It is important to watch carefully for any other conditions in your dog, as the signs of
seborrhea will worsen dramatically if s/he develops nutritional inadequacies, external
parasites (fleas for example) or some other illnesses. A sudden worsening of seborrhea (a
need for more frequent bathing or an increase in odour) can also indicate a secondary skin
infection to which these dogs are prone. Such infections should be brought under control
quickly with the appropriate medication, as they can quickly become severe and
widespread.
In some dogs it is almost impossible to control the seborrhea and recurring yeast or
bacterial infections, despite the most diligent efforts of their owners. Various drugs have
been tried in these dogs with varying results. If effective, they are needed life-long and all
have side effects, so they are used only where other measures fail.
Breeding advice
Dogs with primary seborrhea and their close relatives (parents and siblings) should not be
used for breeding.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR
VETERINARIAN.