The phone rings; it's the vet. (Left radar ear is up).





se·ba·ceous
Pronunciation: si-'bA-sh&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin sebaceus made of tallow, from sebum tallow
1 : secreting sebum (sebaceous glands)

ad·e·ni·tis
Pronunciation: "a-d&n-'I-t&s
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin
1 : inflammation of a gland

That’s what you have, Roxy. (She looks at me, nonplussed). Well at least those bumps weren’t tumours. (She lays her head back down and feigns sleep).

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a cosmetic skin disorder. Currently the causative factors for this condition are unknown. The sebaceous glands are located within the dogs skin; they both lubricate and protect the skin. But with SA, the sebaceous glands become inflamed and are eventually destroyed. When the sebaceous glands are no longer functioning the dog will exhibit a variety of symptoms, such as loss of hair, thickening/scaling of the skin, and secondary skin infections which appears as bumps – that’s you Roxy! (‘Tell me something I don’t know.’).

Sebaceous Adenitis is not a common skin disorder, it does however occur more often in certain breeds of dogs, most commonly in Standard Poodles and Akitas. However, SA has been diagnosed in Vizslas, Weimaraners, Old English Sheepdogs, Dalmatians, Collies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds & Miniature Pinschers. Within Standard Poodles, SA has been determined to be inherited (a recessive characteristic both the sire and the dam) and therefore, dogs with SA should never be used for breeding. (‘Oooh, lucky me…or rather, unlucky me.’).

Presently there is no effective treatment for SA, just frequents baths with specialized shampoo every 10-14 days, (a moan comes from the body sprawled on the floor). Some dogs have been reported to respond well to baby oil soaks following the baths. The baby oil soak helps to temporarily restore moisture to the skin; it is recommended that the oil be left on the coat for 20-30 minutes, however, removing the oil will necessitate several thorough shampoos. (‘SEVERAL shampoos???’).

Poor Roxy. Wanna bath? (Eyes wide, left radar ear up, she uses her front legs to push...just enough momentum to get her up on her feet, do a couple backpedals...and she’s off to find a place to hide).