Changes

Seborrhea is characterised by a '''defect in keratinisation or cornification'''. This results in increased scale formation, a greasy skin and hair coat and often secondary inflammation and infection.

Seborrhea is characterised by a '''defect in keratinisation or cornification'''. This results in increased scale formation, a greasy skin and hair coat and often secondary inflammation and infection.

There are large amounts of free fatty acids and cholesterol and decreased amounts of diester waxes in surface lipids which lead bacterial populations to become pathogenic [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|coagulase positive staphylococci]]

There are large amounts of free fatty acids and cholesterol and decreased amounts of diester waxes in surface lipids which lead bacterial populations to become pathogenic [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|coagulase positive staphylococci]].

It is a '''chronic disease''' affecting mainly dogs, but also sometimes cats and horses.

It is a '''chronic disease''' affecting mainly dogs, but also sometimes cats and horses.

==Primary idiopathic seborrhea==

==Primary Idiopathic Seborrhea==

This is a common '''inherited skin disorder''' seen most frequently in '''Cocker Spaniels'''. Basal epidermal cells in affected dogs undergo accelerated cellular proliferation and turnover.

This is a common '''inherited skin disorder''' seen most frequently in '''Cocker Spaniels'''. Basal epidermal cells in affected dogs undergo accelerated cellular proliferation and turnover.

Abnormal keratinisation begins from a '''very early age''' and tend to worsen with time.  

Abnormal keratinisation begins from a '''very early age''' and tend to worsen with time.  

==Secondary seborrhea==

==Secondary Seborrhea==

Secondary seborrhea occurs due to an '''underlying disease''' predisposing to excessive scale, crusting and oiliness.

Secondary seborrhea occurs due to an '''underlying disease''' predisposing to excessive scale, crusting and oiliness.

The most common causes are endocrinopathies and allergies, but other diagnoses should be considered.

The most common causes are endocrinopathies and allergies, but other diagnoses should be considered.

For animals '''under the age of 1''': demodecosis, cheyletiellosis, scabies, nutritional deficiencies, icthyosis, epidermal dysplasia, food hypersensitivity and atopy.

For animals '''under the age of one''': [[demodecosis]], [[cheyletiellosis]], [[scabies]], nutritional deficiencies, icthyosis, epidermal dysplasia, food hypersensitivity and [[Atopic Dermatitis|atopy]].

In animals up to 5, '''allergy''' is the most common cause of seborrhea.

In animals up to five years old, '''allergy''' is the most common cause of seborrhea.

In animals over the age of 5 an '''endocrinopathy''' or neoplasia become more likely.  

In animals over the age of 5 an '''endocrinopathy''' or neoplasia become more likely.  

Sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoxyl peroxide should be used in more severe cases needing agents with keratinolytic, keratinoplastic and antimicrobial effects.

Sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoxyl peroxide should be used in more severe cases needing agents with keratinolytic, keratinoplastic and antimicrobial effects.

In most cases the '''prognosis is good''', but treatment is usually complex and involves alot of input from both the vet and the owner.

In most cases the '''prognosis is good''', but treatment is usually complex and involves a lot of input from both the vet and the owner.

{{Learning

{{Learning

Merck and Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''

Merck and Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''

[[Category:Integumentary System - Pathology]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Pathology]]