Akaya’s story –how it started
This picture was taken a few weeks prior to my dog starting to show Signs of SA.
March 2015.
Background
My Girl Akaya has been on Antibiotics steroids mite medications Yeast antibiotics and nothing has helped her she lost 15 lbs. but was still eating, she had open sores all over her back and sides under her neck and legs they were open and bleeding. She also seemed to have muscle atrophy in her back legs and warm to touch.
My Vets were at a loss they tried everything during this time she was becoming worse, they said I would have to go and see a specialist in Dallas that is a dermatologist my appointment was not until November as they only came once a month to Oklahoma City. This was terrifying to me as I could not foresee he condition getting any better.
Sebaceous Adenitis?
While waiting for my appointment I started researching on the Akita Web Site and have come to the conclusion that she has Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) after calling and speaking with my Vet, they got onto the Akita Web Site with me and said yes this looks and sounds like the problems she was having. They had never heard of this disease.
Akita’s are not seen very often in Oklahoma and I have been going to my vets for over 17 years whom I trust implicitly they have always cared for my pets and always got my pets back to full health. After a long discussion with my Vet I told him I wanted to start the treatment plan on the Akita web site while waiting on my appointment with the Dermatologist in Dallas he looked over the treatment plan they had on their Web Site and we decided to start her on this until she has been diagnosed as there was nothing to lose. All the treatment was natural and could not harm her.
The Akita Information Center Web Site
This is the information I found on the Akita Information Center Web Site This is what brought me to the conclusion that my baby had SA
This disorder is still being studied and its cause is unknown. This enigmatic condition occurs when antibodies attack and destroys certain skin glands. The glands that are affected are called the sebaceous glands, which open into the hair follicles. The glands are permanently destroyed and affects can be lifelong. There is no official cure, however there are treatments that can help an Akita recover to a certain extent.
Symptoms
Often the head, back and neck are affected first. As this progresses, legs and underbelly are affected.
Fur becomes brittle and loses its shine Hair falls out at varying rates. You will notice a thinning at first and then as scaled develop sometimes quite large areas will permanently shed off. There may be an odor secreting from the affected skin areas, often described as a musky type smell. The skin may become very itchy As this condition advances, there will be bald areas of complete fur loss and remaining areas on the Akita’s body will have damaged spots of fur (clumps of dry, coarse hair). Bacterial infection can develop at the base of hair follicles Scales may develop which are often shiny white in color. These can be quite thick. There may also be sores and scabs. Only with the Akita breed there can also be fever and discomfort. Other dog breeds do not show these symptoms.
Diagnosis
This is diagnosed with a small biopsy
Treatment
There is no known cure for this and therefore a medication does not exist to treat this specific skin disease. This strikes many different dog breeds and unfortunately, the Akita is one of the less responsive breeds in regard to treatment at home. However, owners are encouraged to follow all treatment guidelines, under the advice of the dog’s veterinarian.
• Brushing and Combing – Using a small plastic comb and a soft pin brush, the skin and coat can benefit from gentle grooming that works to remove flaking.
• Supplements – Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can bring some relief.
• Keeping fish in the diet – Cod, salmon, herring and mackerel (types of fish that are already normally recommended for the Akita) contain naturally found Omega fatty acids that will aid in skin and coat health.
• Oils and Washes – The veterinarian may prescribe soaks in medicated oils and/or antimicrobial shampoos that will work to loosen flakes and scales while moisturizing.
• For any areas of bacterial infection, antibiotics will be given.
This is tracey Viney with update on Akaya my beautiful girl Akita. She will be 12 in decmber we are still giving her the mineral oil baths. During the winter we are doing them every other week . According to her Dermatologist in Dallas she is the oldest patient he has treated with the diagnosis of SA. She is an amazing girl. We lost our big boy Akita Biggan last year and Akaya spiraled into a depression. We never breed her due to the conditions. She was sitting in the corner not eating. My husband suggested we get another dog. But I’m getting older and have back issues. We were afraid she was going to leave us so we got a puppy german shepherd. She rejected him the first week.then the next week she became the best mommy you could imagine. She perked up started eating and teaching the puppy everything. One thing people say about our shepherd Maxamus that he doesn’t bark lol that’s because he has an Akita mommy. She’s doing wonderful.