Seborrheic & Breed Disorders

Abnormal Skin Formation (Keratinization)

Seborrhea, describes skin which is dry, dull, lusterless hair coat, excessive scaling (dandruff), scaly and crusty, greasy, smelly patches.

Most cases of seborrhea are secondary to other disease like allergies and infections. However if it starts in the first year of life it can be primary seborrhea.

Primary seborrhea is a hereditary disorder of skin formation (keratinization). The highest incidence is in American Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, West highland White Terriers and Bassett hounds.

Vitamin A – Responsive Dermatosis of American cocker Spaniel

Focal areas of crusting and scale forming plugs or discrete patches. Occurs almost exclusively in 2-3 year old American cocker spaniels.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is another congenital defect in skin formation (keratinization) which covers the body with large accumulations of scale (dead skin) in large sheets. In the first year of life it may effect Westhighland White Terriers, Golden Retreivers, Cavalier King charles Spaniels, Doberman Pincers, Jack Russell Terriers, Norfolk Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers.

Sebaceous Adenitits

Mild to severe scaling, localized, multifocal or generalized. In short or long hair coated breeds. Highest occurrence is in young to middle aged Standard Poodles, Hungarian vizslas, Akitas and Samoyeds.

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

Zinc responsive dermatosis is a zinc deficiency induced disorder of skin formation (keratinization). An inherent diminished ability to absorb zinc from the intestinal tract. It occurs mostly in adult northern breeds, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes. Crusting, scaling and hair loss around the eyes, mouth, muzzle, nose, ears, genitals, elbows, stifles and other pressure points.

Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome

Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome is an acne-like disorder of formation of hair follicle keratin comedones or blackheads and crusted papules are found on the back.

Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis of Labrador Retrievers

Crusts and scabs form on the nose of Labrador Retrievers between 6-12 months of age.

Hair Loss Associated with Breeds

In a study of dogs in northern California conducted at the University of California at Davis, 31 breeds were found to be at elevated risk for skin diseases, including Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, Dalmatian, Dachshund, Golden Retriever, various terrier breeds, Shar pei, Chow Chow, and Akita. In the same study, decreased risk of skin disease was found for dogs of mixed breeding and for 12 purebred breeds, including St. Bernard, Standard Poodle, Beagle, Basset Hound, German Shorthaired Pointer, Afghan Hound, and Australian Shepherd.

Breed predilection determines the incidence of some skin disorders, see below for some examples. Breeds in (brackets) are popular mixes of the primary breed that may or may not be affected by the same predilection.

Cats:

Dogs: