Sebaceous Adenitis In The Japanese Akita Inu
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) in the Akita Inu
Sebaceous adenitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that leads to the destruction of sebaceous glands. It's often hereditary and disproportionately affects Akitas, along with Standard Poodles and Vizslas.
Symptoms include:
- Dry, scaly skin
- Patchy hair loss
- Odor and secondary infections
- Recurrence despite treatment
While treatment (immunosuppressive medications, antiseborrheic shampoos, omega-3 supplements) can manage symptoms, prevention through smart breeding is the most powerful tool.
Veterinary Experts Leading SA and Genetic Research in Akitas
Dr. Niels C. Pedersen, DVM, PhD – UC Davis
A pioneer in canine autoimmune disease and genetics, Dr. Pedersen led both the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) and the Center for Companion Animal Health at UC Davis. He spearheaded the development of the Canine Genetic Diversity Test used today to guide Akita breeding worldwide.
"We are now in a position to help preserve breeds genetically — not just structurally."
– Dr. Niels Pedersen, UC Davis
Dr. Pedersen also confirmed that SA is likely inherited, with a significant autoimmune component. You can learn more about his work and access the diversity test at vgl.ucdavis.edu or read his foundational papers in the UC Davis archives.
Dr. George M. Padgett, DVM, PhD
In his book Control of Canine Genetic Diseases (1998), Dr. Padgett documented SA in Akitas as a serious concern with recessive inheritance. His work formed the basis for many current health protocols in Akita breeding.
"Breeders must be the first line of defense against inherited disease. That means tracking carriers and widening the gene pool."
– Dr. George Padgett
Source: Padgett GM, Control of Canine Genetic Diseases, Howell Book House, 1998
Dr. Karen A. Moriello, DVM, DACVD – University of Wisconsin
A clinical dermatologist, Dr. Moriello's research into diagnosing and managing SA helped define how veterinarians identify the disease through skin biopsies and clinical staging.
For practitioners or breeders seeking diagnostics, her work is cited in:
Moriello KA. "Sebaceous adenitis in dogs." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1999;29(6):1387–1395.
Dr. Sheila M. Torres, DVM, PhD, DACVD – University of Minnesota
Dr. Torres authored several clinical-pathological studies on SA in Akitas and Standard Poodles, advancing our understanding of its progression, treatment response, and immune mechanisms.
Search her peer-reviewed work via PubMed or veterinary dermatology journals under:
Torres SM Sebaceous adenitis dogs
Dr. Rosanna Marsella, DVM, DACVD – University of Florida
An immunodermatologist, Dr. Marsella's research informs how autoimmune skin diseases like SA are diagnosed and treated using multimodal approaches, including diet, cyclosporine, and topical therapies.
Japanese Researchers and Breed Clubs
Veterinary dermatologists and breed health committees in Japan have studied SA prevalence and pedigree risk lines in Akitas for years, though much of the data remains unpublished or in Japanese veterinary bulletins. International cooperation is crucial to expanding this knowledge base.