Hair Loss in Akitas

The good news is that sebaceous adenitis is fairly rare. The bad news is that there's no way to tell if a puppy will eventually have the problem. Basically, the dog's oil-producing sebaceous glands become inflamed, then die off. In a 2008 Swedish veterinary study of the disease in several breeds, the mean age of Akitas diagnosed with sebaceous adenitis was nearly 5 years. Because there is a hereditary component, affected dogs shouldn't be bred.

Along with hair loss, Akitas with sebaceous adenitis develop a strong, musky scent and thickened skin. Lesions might appear in balding areas, resulting from hair follicle infection. Usually, the loss of hair is symmetrical over the back, neck, head and face. The feet, abdomen and tail are generally spared. Your Akita might appear to have a bad case of dandruff. When infections are present, the lesions might itch. Your Akita might run a fever and become lethargic.

Because sebaceous adenitis looks like other inflammatory skin issues, your vet must take a skin biopsy in order to make a definite diagnosis. She might recommend dietary changes, fatty acid supplementation and special shampoos to slow the progress of the disease. If your Akita suffers from secondary bacterial infections, your vet will prescribe oral and topical antibiotics to clear them up. Other treatments include steroids and retinoids, the latter related to vitamin A and used in dermatology.

Sebaceous adenitis is far from the only potential cause of hair loss in Akitas. Besides the various types of skin problems that more commonly plague dogs, such as allergies and mange, Akitas sometimes are afflicted by another autoimmune disease, pemphigus, which causes pimples and lesions along with hair loss. Four types of pemphigus exist, most of which have similar symptoms that vary in severity. Pemphigus vulgaris, the most serious condition, often brings fever and appetite loss with it, because the blisters affect the mouth. Your vet takes a skin biopsy for diagnosis, along with blood work and a urinalysis. She might prescribe steroids to get pemphigus under control, as well as medications to treat the specific type of pemphigus afflicting your Akita. She may also recommend dietary changes.