Seborrhea is a type of skin condition that can affect humans and animals. In dogs, Seborrhea results in an oily looking and flaky coat. In medical terms, Seborrhea can be characterized by excess production of sebum. Disruption in the natural process of keratinization can also cause this condition in dogs. Dogs with Seborrhea may experience scaly or flaky skin and dandruff. If your dog is itching in excess lately, you must consult Virginia Beach Veterinary hospital.
In this blog, we will discuss Seborrhea in detail and look into some methods to treating the condition.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of Seborrhea is essential for its treatment. In most dogs, Seborrhea results in flaking of the skin, hair loss, and oily coat. Foul odor from the fur or skin folds is another common sign of this skin condition. If you see pigmentation and redness in the skin or ear infection, you should get your dog properly evaluated by a vet.
What are the causes of Seborrhea in dogs?
Seborrhea is categorized as primary and secondary. In dogs, most cases of Seborrhea is secondary.
Primary Seborrhea is a hereditary condition that mostly affects certain dog breeds. The dog from breeds like Dachshund, American cocker spaniel, basset hound, Labrador retriever, German shepherd, English springer spaniel, and West Highland white terrier is susceptible to primary Seborrhea.
Primary Seborrhea may appear in dogs in the early years and progress as they age. On the other hand, secondary Seborrhea can arise due to skin problems. Some skin conditions common to cause secondary Seborrhea are fungal and bacterial skin infections, imbalance of endocrine, allergies, or parasites. Dogs that have sensitive or irritated skin are more likely to develop secondary Seborrhea. Thus, a proper checkup from the veterinary hospital is recommended.
What are the treatments for Seborrhea?
Since primary Seborrhea is hereditary, it’s incurable. Medical treatments and medicated baths can help in managing the condition. Many vets prescribe anti-seborrhea shampoo besides other retinoid to maintain skin regeneration. If your Fido is suffering from primary Seborrhea, he is more likely to be on medication for his entire life.
Secondary Seborrhea is treated after understanding the cause of the skin disorder. The vets start by performing various skin tests like a biopsy, skin scrapes, or culture test. Blood tests may also be required to look for endocrine issues. The initial skin test allows vets to determine the underlying skin condition and formulate an effective treatment strategy. The treatment plan for curing secondary Seborrhea focuses on treating the skin disorder and managing the Seborrhea.
If bacterial skin infection is causing Seborrhea in your dog, the vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition. In case of a fungal infection, the vet might put your dog on antifungal medication.
How can you Prevent Seborrhea in Dogs?
Primary Seborrhea can be prevented by adopting controlled breeding practices. However, breeders should breed dogs affected with primary Seborrhea. Preventing secondary Seborrhea requires early treatment of skin conditions before it turns severe. Regular health assessment of your dog is essential when it comes to keeping them healthy and happy.