Seborrhoea in dogs: definition and origins
Seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder caused by excessive production of sebum. Sebum is an oily secretion secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin in order to protect it from drying out and to maintain the balance of the skin's bacterial flora.
Depending on their origin, two types of seborrhea are usually distinguished: primary seborrhea and secondary seborrhea.
Primary seborrhea
In dogs, primary seborrhea is a probably hereditary condition that is characterized by a defect in keratinization of the skin.Keratinization is the process by which the outer protective layer of the skin is constantly renewed by new skin cells.
Dog breeds prone to primary seborrhea are American Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, Labradors, American Cockers, Dachshunds, Miniature Pinschers, Irish Setters and Shepherds Germans. In dogs with primary seborrhea, there is usually a family history of the disease, which suggests that genetic factors are involved. The disease usually begins before the dog is one year old and progresses throughout the dog's life.
Secondary seborrhea
Secondary seborrhea is a symptom of the presence of another condition in dogs, such as:
- hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease,
- Allergies and in particular food allergies,
- the presence of external parasites: fleas, ticks or even Demodex canis, the mite responsible for demodicosis,
- fungal infections and especially yeast skin infections like Malassezia,
- nutritional deficiencies in vitamin A or diets that are too low in omega-3 fatty acids,
- among other causes.
Secondary seborrhea can also find its cause in an inappropriate maintenance frequency of the dog, when the baths are far too frequent or on the contrary far too rare!
What are the symptoms of seborrhea?
Here again, there are two types of seborrhea depending on how they manifest themselves: dry seborrhea and oily seborrhea. Most dogs with seborrheic dermatitis have a combination of both forms of seborrhea.
Dry seborrhea
A dog with dry seborrhea has a dull coat, numerous scabs and dandruff forming like large white scales and rough skin that leaves a waxy feeling to the touch.
Oily seborrhea
Oily seborrhea is manifested by oily and smelly skin, the presence of comedones (blackheads) and pilar sleeves, that is to say an accumulation of keratin and follicular material adherent to the hair and visible on the surface of the skin.
Seborrhea can be localized to certain areas of the body or be generalized. It can be complicated by skin and ear infections.
How is seborrhea treated in dogs?
When seborrhea is secondary to an underlying condition, the treatment will obviously target this cause.
If no underlying cause can be identified, then a diagnosis of primary or idiopathic seborrhea (without known cause) is made.Unfortunately, there is no cure for primary or idiopathic seborrhea, only treatments that help limit the severity of symptoms. In general, treatments that help manage seborrhoea include food supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids and topical treatments based on sebum-regulating and/or kerato-modulating shampoos. This medical treatment should continue throughout the life of a dog with primary seborrhea.
Medical treatment can combine antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, if present.
When local treatments have no effect, systemic treatments based on corticosteroids or retinoids can sometimes be considered, although they have side effects when used long term.
Phytotherapy to the rescue of conventional seborrhea treatments
Plants can be of great help in treating the symptoms of idiopathic and primary seborrhea. Orally, it is possible to bet on a synergy of glycerinated extracts of burdock, fumitory and echinacea and locally, to apply a mixture of essential oils of aspic lavender, oleander and rose geranium diluted in 70% vegetable oil. But, before administering these natural remedies to your dog, seek advice from a specialized veterinarian to ensure that there are no contraindications for your dog.