What it is
Sebaceous glands sit beside each hair follicle and release a fine oil that coats the hair and keeps the skin supple. In sebaceous adenitis, inflammation thought to come from the body's own defences destroys these glands. Once they are gone, the skin dries out, scale builds up around the hairs and binds them together, and the hair breaks off or falls out.
It tends to start in young adult to middle-aged dogs. At first the skin is not itchy, so the coat may change for months before anyone notices. Skin infections can join in later and bring itching and a smell.
The condition calls for care and patience. Regular brushing helps you spot new patches early, and a dog with a thin coat may feel the cold more, so it may need a coat in winter and protection from strong sun in summer.
Signs you may notice
- Thinning or patchy coat
- White or silvery scale
- Waxy clumps on the hairs
- Dull, brittle hair
- Musty smell from the coat
You may notice a thinning or coarse coat, white or silvery scale on the skin, waxy clumps sticking to the hairs and sometimes an unpleasant smell from the coat. The changes may begin on the head, the ears and along the back.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog's coat thins, turns dull or develops scale that does not settle with ordinary grooming. Red, itchy, oozing or smelly skin is worth a prompt visit.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.