What is sebaceous adenitis?
Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an inherited disease that causes inflammation of your dog’s sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are located in your dog’s skin generally near the hair follicles. These glands secrete sebum, a fatty substance that helps to keep your dog’s skin moist. The inflammation caused by SA can also lead to secondary infections in your dog.

Sebaceous adenitis is found mainly in Standard Poodles, but is also found in a few other breeds such as Akitas, Vizslas and Lhasa Apsos.   

Granulomatous sebaceous adenitis is a related condition in which your dog's sebaceous glands are actually destroyed. 

What will sebaceous adenitis look like in my dog?
Sebaceous adenitis can vary in severity and appearance. Symptoms include scaly skin, itchy skin a darkening of the skin, a thickening of the skin, a foul odor from the skin and varying degrees of hair loss.

How does my dog get sebaceous adenitis?
Although the exact mechanism is not known, sebaceous adenitis is inherited.

How is sebaceous adenitis diagnosed?
A physical examination along with a skin biopsy is required to diagnose sebaceous adenitis.

How is sebaceous adenitis treated?
There is no cure for sebaceous adenitis. However, there are a variety of skin moisturizing ointments, medicated shampoos and dietary supplements to help control the symptoms.

How is sebaceous adenitis prevented?
Since it is an inherited condition, dogs with a family history of sebaceous adenitis should not be bred. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog with a family history of this condition.

Can I get sebaceous adenitis from my dog?
No, you cannot contract sebaceous adenitis from your dog.