What is Sebaceous Adenitis?
This is a perplexing condition in which the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. These glands normally produce sebum, a fatty secretion that helps prevent drying of the skin. Clinical signs vary with the severity of the condition, and between different breeds. What is Alopecia? Alopecia is a general term to encompass any loss of hair. Alopecia is used as a broad term and does not tell you WHAT MEDICAL ISSUE affects the dog. How is sebaceous adenitis inherited? It appears that the disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; however the wide variation in clinical signs suggests that inheritance is not straightforward, and breeding studies continue. Being Autosomal recessive means that EACH parent MUST be or carry for the disease and each must give one of their affected genes to the offspring in order for the offspring to be affected. A genetic disease of this type cannot be cured, but can be treated and most definitely
