Primary-Seborrhea.Pdf

Primary Seborrhea

Emily Rothstein, DVM, DACVD

BASIC INFORMATION be needed to rule out other causes of seborrhea. Diagnosis is Description and Cause confirmed with a skin biopsy, which shows the subtle thickening Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin disease in which the surface of the skin surface. cells of the skin multiply and turn over (shed) three times faster than normal. This rapid growth and shedding results in visible sca- TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP liness and dandruff on the surface of the skin. Primary seborrhea occurs most commonly in the American Treatment Options cocker spaniel, West Highland white terrier, English springer Treatment of dogs involves the following: spaniel, and basset hound. Other breeds that may be affected • Secondary bacterial and yeast infections on the skin and in the include the Jack Russell terrier (Parson Russell terrier), Cavalier ears are treated with appropriate drugs. King Charles spaniel, Wheaton terrier, Chinese shar-pei, dachs- • Antiseborrheic shampoos are helpful, and emollients (softening, hund, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd dog, Irish setter, and soothing agents) may be used on dogs with dry skin. Initially, Labrador retriever. The condition may also be seen in Persian, bathing may be required several times a week until the seborrhea Himalayan, and exotic shorthaired cats. is controlled; it is then decreased to several times a month. • Most shampoos that are effective contain sulfur, salicylic acid, Clinical Signs or both. In dogs, itchiness is common, since the abnormal skin surface • Fatty acid supplements may help control the scaliness. develops infections easily. Signs develop early in life and progress • Daily oral vitamin A is often helpful, and severe cases may with age. Some breeds have skin that becomes quite greasy, espe- respond to oral vitamin D3 therapy. cially in the neck fold, below the tail, and on the feet. Some breeds For cats, no effective treatment is known, but periodic clipping, have a dry, flaky hair coat. Waxy and thickened ears are common. bathing, and grooming may keep the cat comfortable. Foot pads may look thicker than normal. Most cats develop signs within the first 2-3 days of life. The Follow-up Care hair appears dirty and sticks together. Eventually the whole body When vitamin D3 is given, calcium levels in the blood must be becomes greasy and scaly, and the hair coat becomes very thin. monitored closely. Recheck visits are needed to monitor the con- Waxy material may accumulate in the ears and around the folds on dition of the skin and to determine when changes in therapy may the face. A rancid odor may be detected on the skin. be needed. Rechecks are also needed any time a change in the skin is detected at home (such as more odor from the skin, increased Diagnostic Tests greasiness, or more itching). Primary seborrhea is usually suspected when the disease arises at Prognosis a very early age. Certain tests, such as skin scrapings and skin The long-term outlook for the pet depends on the severity of the cultures, may be recommended to eliminate other skin diseases seborrhea. Seborrhea is a lifelong condition and is not curable. that produce a similar clinical appearance. Laboratory tests may Affected cats are often euthanized.