Granulomatous Sebaceous Adenitis
The other autoimmune disease that I see regularly is Granulomatous Sebaceous Adenitis, 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.
Heritability has been proven in some breeds thus the affected dogs & their siblings, should not be bred nor should their parents continue to breed.