Breed Club Testing for Sebaceous Adenitis: What Dog Owners Need to Know

Sebaceous adenitis is a hereditary skin condition causing inflammation of the sebaceous glands, often leading to fur loss and discomfort. Although it can affect any dog breed, it is notably prevalent in the Samoyed puppies, Japanese Akita puppies, and Standard Poodle puppies. Due to poodles' popularity in designer crosses, breeds such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos may also inherit the condition.

Recognising the impact on breed health, organisations like The Standard Poodle Club and the Akita Association have introduced breed club testing schemes. They encourage responsible pet ownership by advising members to have their dogs tested and promote ethical breeding to reduce the condition's prevalence.

Understanding Sebaceous Adenitis in Dogs

Diagnosing sebaceous adenitis can be tricky, as symptoms like scaly skin, dandruff, hair loss, and malodorous coat overlap with other skin issues. The age of onset varies greatly; some dogs show signs as early as one year, while others remain symptom-free until much later in life.

Research points to autosomal recessive inheritance, but the exact gene mutations remain unidentified. This means a dog must inherit two copies of the faulty gene to develop the disease, underscoring the importance of health screening before breeding.

Who Should Get Tested?

If you own a Samoyed, Japanese Akita, or Standard Poodle, testing your dog—even if they appear healthy—is wise. Early detection enables proactive coat and skin care, helping to manage the condition before it worsens. Breed clubs strongly advocate pre-breeding screening to improve overall breed health and minimise puppies born with sebaceous adenitis.

How is the Testing Done?

Sebaceous adenitis cannot be detected via DNA testing currently. Instead, it requires a veterinary examination and a punch biopsy—a small skin tissue sample taken under local anaesthetic. This sample is examined by veterinary dermatologist specialists to confirm the diagnosis.

The biopsy results fall into one of four categories:

• Normal: no evidence of sebaceous adenitis;
• Affected: clear signs of sebaceous adenitis present;
• Sub-clinically affected: no outward symptoms, but biopsy reveals markers of the disease;
• Equivocally affected: skin inflammation present, but diagnosis uncertain—retesting within 3 to 6 months is recommended.

Preparing for the Test

Before biopsy, ensure your dog’s coat is clean but free from sprays, conditioners, or shampoos for at least two weeks, as these could skew results. The biopsy should be taken away (about three to four inches) from any areas treated with topical flea or worming medications.

After collection, the sample is sent to a veterinary dermatopathologist for detailed analysis. Results are shared with the vet, owner, and breed club to aid in ongoing health monitoring and breeding decisions.

Why Breed Club Testing Matters

Breed club testing is a vital step in responsible dog ownership and breeding. By detecting sebaceous adenitis early and screening breeding stock, clubs help reduce the incidence of this uncomfortable condition. This supports healthier generations and improves quality of life for beloved breeds.

Although no genetic test exists yet, researchers and breed clubs collaborate to collect biopsy and DNA samples. These efforts aim to identify the genetic causes and develop future DNA screening tools, potentially revolutionising how sebaceous adenitis is managed.

Summary and Next Steps

Owners of at-risk breeds should be informed about sebaceous adenitis and the importance of diagnostic skin biopsy testing. If considering breeding, pre-breeding health screening significantly contributes to reducing the condition’s spread. Work with your vet and breed club to access testing and interpret results responsibly.

Learning about the condition now allows early management, protects your dog's well-being, and supports the health of future generations.