Pathology in Practice: Sebaceous Gland Dysplasia in Persian Cats
June 2018
in “
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
”
TLDR Three related Persian cats have a rare, likely hereditary skin condition causing hair loss and poor coat quality, with limited treatment options.
Three related Persian cats, including a sire and two kittens, exhibited alopecia, hyperpigmentation, scales, and crusts from a young age, unresponsive to broad-spectrum treatments. A 5-month-old female kitten was evaluated, showing generalized hypotrichosis and severe periocular crusting. Histopathological examination revealed sebaceous gland dysplasia, characterized by atrophy and abnormal sebaceous gland morphology. This rare congenital dermatosis, likely hereditary, involves nonpruritic hypotrichosis and poor coat quality. Diagnosis requires skin biopsy, and while complete recovery is unlikely, topical treatments and supplements may offer some improvement. The condition's etiology remains unclear, with potential links to genetic factors and in utero environmental influences.
