DERMATOLOGY By Carol S. Foil, DVM, MS, Diplomate A.C.V.D. Board-certified specialist through the American College of Veterinary Dermatology

Seborrhea is a clinical syndrome that has several different forms. It can be seen as excessive flaking and extremely dry skin, odiferous greasy scale and yellow brown adherent oil deposits, or a combination of the two. In addition there may be circular scaling and reddened or pigmented areas of inflammation. Many of the symptoms are worse in the folds of the skin, especially on the feet, underneath the body, and the neck. The odor associated with this can be worsened by secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Many patients have ear problems.

Seborrhea is sometimes secondary to some underlying problem. These include hormonal imbalances, allergies, parasites (internal and external), fungal infections, dietary abnormalities, environmental factors (temperature, humidity changes) and obesity. Seborrhea occasionally can have no underlying problem associated with it. This is
primary or  idiopathic seborrhea. 

The treatment for seborrhea is to diagnose and treat the underlying disease if possible. If the underlying disease cannot be found or is not treatable or it is primary idiopathic seborrhea then the objective is control of the skin problem. There is, unfortunately, no cure for idiopathic seborrhea. However, synthetic vitamin A derivatives, called retinoids, or oral cyclosporine may be helpful in controlling clinical signs in some cases in cocker spaniels.

The main method for controlling symptoms is by the use of antiseborrheic shampoos. Several shampoos may need to be tried before the best one(s) for your pet is found. Sometimes two different shampoos may be needed. Medicated shampoos are most effective when they are kept in contact with the skin for 5 to 15 minutes! Gentle massaging during this time is useful. Be sure to avoid the tendency to undertreat the affected areas on the feet and in the skin folds while overtreating the middle of the back.
 
TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
(specifics to be given by your veterinarian)

1) Shampoo 1: apply ____________ every ______ days. Leave on skin for _____ minutes before rinsing.

2) Shampoo 2: apply ____________ every ______ days. Leave on skin for _____ minutes before rinsing.

3) Moisturizing treatments may be helpful after each bath.
Spray or rinse to be used: ____________ ________________
Apply every ______ days. Do not rinse off.

4) Dietary supplementation recommended: ___________________

5) Therapy for bacterial or yeast infection:
Antibiotic ____________________ give ____ tablets/capsules ____ times a day till finished.

6) Other:_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

Please make a recheck appointment for _______ days/weeks.

By Dr. Carol S. Foil, DVM, Diplomate A.C.V.D..
Dr. Sandra R. Merchant, DVM, Diplomate A.C.V.D.

Date Published: 10/20/2003 2:15:00 PM