Case 22

A 3-year-old neutered Japanese Akita presented with a 6-month history of progressive hair loss, primarily affecting the legs, rump, perineum, head, neck, and shoulders. The dog showed no pruritic behavior and was otherwise healthy. Diagnostic tests, including trichogram, skin scrapes, and biopsies, indicated sebaceous adenitis (SA), characterized by the absence of sebaceous glands and follicular casts. Treatment with oral ciclosporin and sporadic topical therapy led to early hair regrowth, though the hair coat remained dry and brittle. SA is a non-pruritic, largely cosmetic disease, often requiring ongoing treatment. The pathogenesis is likely immune-mediated, with a higher incidence in certain breeds, including the Japanese Akita.