Granulomatous Sebaceous Adenitis
The other autoimmune disease that I see regularly is Granulomatous Sebaceous Adenitis (GSA), which is described as an uncommon, chronic, progressive disease, in which the sebaceous glands are the target of an inflammatory attack.
Sebaceous glands are a key dermal component & therefore essential for healthy hair coat & skin. In sebaceous adenitis, these glands are attacked and eventually lost, leading to scaling, crusting, hair loss, plus recurrent skin & ear infections.
Early diagnosis & treatment are very important to minimize the loss of the glands & the development of infections. Sadly, I have diagnosed cases who had been suffering from this condition for years (8 in 1 case!). The disease can be often be managed very well but never cured. Management depends on client compliance & sustainability, as well as patient temperament.
A 2024 study has advised that serial ophthalmic assessments should be considered of GSA cases as sebaceous & meibomian glands (within the eyelids) share anatomical, physiological & embryological similarities.
Heritability has been proven in some breeds thus the affected dogs & their siblings, should not be bred nor should their parents continue to breed.