Scaling Dermatosis in Three Dogs Associated with Abnormal Sebaceous Gland Differentiation

In a study from 2013, three adult dogs with a rare condition known as 'sebaceous gland dysplasia' were examined. This genetic defect leads to abnormal sebaceous gland development, resulting in symptoms such as progressive scaling, hair casts, and poor coat quality starting from puppyhood or early adulthood. Skin biopsies revealed small sebaceous glands with a mix of basal reserve cells and mature sebocytes. Treatments with topical keratomodulatory agents, oral essential fatty acids, and oral vitamin A led to moderate to marked improvement in two of the dogs. The study concluded that while sebaceous gland dysplasia is uncommon, it should be considered in dogs with primary keratinization defects, and ongoing treatment is necessary to manage the condition.