Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a skin condition characterized by an accumulation of excessive oil (sebum) on the skin.

It is believed that seborrhea represents a chain of events that involve excessive production of oil by the oil glands of the skin.

“Dandruff” seen on the skin in cases of seborrhea is nothing more than dried skin oil.

In many cases, seborrhea is inherited, although it can occur as a secondary complication to other diseases in older dogs.

Excessive sebum (skin oil) provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria break down the “sebum” into certain products that irritate the dog’s skin. This irritation causes the skin to become red and inflamed.

It is this inflammation that leads to improper functioning of the growth process of the skin, which in turns leads to scaling and itching.

The bacterial breakdown of the skin oil is also the cause of the foul odor often associated with seborrhea.

With greater oil production, the bacteria thrive, increasing the possibility of skin infections.

Symptoms Of Seborrhea:

Certain breeds have a tendency to show the dry, scaly form of seborrhea, while others show a more “oily” form.

Signs vary from a dry flaking skin to an oily, greasy, crusty skin with a foul odor and open “sores.”

Regardless of the initial signs, the underlying process causing seborrhea remains the same—excess “sebum,” bacterial involvement, and scaling of the outer layer of the skin. The variables are the amount of oil produced and the number of bacteria present. The predominant signs seen in each individual dog is determined by these factors.

Dogs with seborrhea are also prone to secondary infections of the skin, both bacterial and yeast infections.

There may be involvement of the ears causing a waxy ear infection as well as thickening of the foot pads and even brittle toe-nails, along with the skin lesions.

Skin lesions may range from mild flaking and dullness of the skin coat to a dull coat with excessive scaling and a greasy feel and smell to the skin.

Diagnosis Of Seborrhea:

Diagnosis will require thorough examination by your dog's veterinarian.

A detailed history of your dog's medical history and symptoms is important to aid in diagnosis also.

Your veterinarian may need to perform additional diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings, biopsies, and cultures, to confirm the diagnosis and search for secondary infections which need to be addressed as part of your dog's treatment protocol.

Treatment Of Seborrhea:

There is no cure for seborrhea.

However, proper treatment and care of your dog will allow you to control the problem.

Seborrhea is a chronic skin disease which requires routine maintenance. If routine maintenance is not followed, there will be a recurrence of the original signs.

Your veterinarian may recommend anti-seborrheal shampoos and/or moisturizers to control your dog's symptoms. Your veterinarian will also discuss with you how to properly use these products and how often they will need to be used, depending on your dog's physical condition.

If secondary bacterial or yeast infections are present, it will be necessary to treat these as well.

Ear infections may require treatment with regular ear flushing/cleaning. Follow your veterinarians instructions carefully.