637 To cite this paper: Zhelavskyi M, Maryniuk M, and Drobot M (2024). Sebaceous Adenitis in an Akita: Symptoms and Therapeutic Approaches. World Vet. J., 14(4): 637- 644. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.54203/scil.2024.wvj72 2024, Scienceline Publication World ’s Veterinary Journal World Vet J, 14(4): 637-644. ISSN 2322-4568 Sebaceous Adenitis in an Akita: Symptoms and Therapeutic Approaches Mykola Zhelavskyi 1* , Mykola Maryniuk 2 , and Maryna Drobot 2 1 Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Sonyachna Str., 3, Vinnytsia, 21008, Ukraine 2 National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str., 15, Kyiv, 03041, Ukraine *Corresponding author's Email: nicoladoctor@gmail.com ABSTRACT Sebaceous adenitis is observed in different animal species, with dogs being the most commonly diagnosed. This study aimed to report a case of sebaceous adenitis in a 5-year-old male Akita dog weighing 35.8 kg, initially presented with pruritus and alopecia on the inner ear surfaces, face, and head. Over time, signs of changes in sebaceous glands appeared in other body parts. The dog was sent to a veterinary clinic in Kamyanets-Podilsky, Ukraine. During the clinical examination, the body temperature was 38.4°C, heart rate 78 bpm, and a respiratory rate 27 breaths per minute, with no change in appetite. Clinical and dermatological methods and histopathological examination were used to detect the disease. The hair on the head was curling, and the lesions appeared on the dorsal tail, the distal front and hind legs, the groin, and the abdomen. Initially, redness and itching occurred in the affected areas, and the skin lost elasticity and became dry. The hair was stuck together with gray crusts. The diagnosis was confirmed based on pathohistological studies. An inflammatory infiltrate with migration of lymphocytes, histiocytes, neutrophils, and atrophy of sebaceous glands was diagnosed, focusing on the pathology of the dermis. Treatment included topical therapy with shampoo applied for 3-5 minutes, then rinsed and followed by Conditioner for 2 minutes, over 30 days. Omega-3 was administered orally at 1000 mg twice daily. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane ® , 20 mg) was administered orally twice daily for 30 days. Moreover, Cyclosporine was dosed at 5 mg/kg once daily orally, on an empty stomach, for 30 days. During the treatment, signs of inflammation gradually disappeared, with itching and hyperemia disappearing from day 3. From day 7, desquamation and hair loss decreased, and on day 12, signs of new hair growth appeared. The areas were completely restored on day 28 of treatment. Sebaceous adenitis was found to lead to the destruction of sebaceous glands, causing scaling, hair loss, and skin inflammation, which could be a hereditary condition in Akitas. Immunomodulation and normalization of trophic processes in the skin are crucial in the treatment. Keywords: Akita, Diagnosis, Dog, Sebaceous Adenitis, Treatment CASE REPORT Received: September 22, 2024 Revised: October 30, 2024 Accepted: November 24, 2024 Published: December 30, 2024 INTRODUCTION Sebaceous adenitis is defined as inflammation of the skin glands characterized by degenerative changes and their atrophy. Sebaceous adenitis is observed in various animal species, though it is most frequently diagnosed in dogs. Sebaceous glands play an important physiological role in dogs and provide protective mechanisms for the body's natural defense and maintaining homeostasis. These glands also play a vital role in dogs in maintaining the health of the skin and coat by secreting sebum, an oily substance that provides moisture and protection. Sebum forms a barrier that prevents moisture loss, reduces the risk of microbial infections, and enhances skin elasticity. Moreover, sebaceous glands play a crucial role in sustaining the natural equilibrium of the skin's microbiome (Abbas et al., 2021; Harris et al., 2022; Anderson et al., 2023). Skin glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that moisturizes the skin and hair, ensuring their flexibility (Wang et al., 2022; Older et al., 2023). Located primarily near the hair follicles, their activity is regulated by hormones and other physiological factors. Neutered or spayed dogs may experience changes in sebaceous gland activity, which can affect the condition of their skin and coat (Lee et al., 2020; Older et al., 2021; Outerbridge and Jordan, 2021) . Sebum forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, helping to prevent the entry of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens (Zhelavskyi et al., 2023a). Since dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, with their skin exposed to various environmental factors, the protective function of sebum is particularly significant. Sebaceous glands are situated in the dermis, typically at the upper part of hair follicles (Cugmas and Olivry, 2020). Sebaceous glands are distributed throughout the dog's body, with the highest concentration found in areas with dense hair, such as the back, neck, and tail. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.54203/scil.2024.wvj72 PII: S232245682400072-14