Sebaceous Adenitis "itis" means something is inflammed, such as Arthritis (inflammation of a joint). Adenitis means a gland is inflammed. So this horrible condition is basically the unexplained inflammation and destruction of the sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands are responsible for producing sebum which is the waxy material that makes the skin soft, supple, and waterproof. It also adds luster and protection to the hair. The result of this inflammation is the production of heavy scaling and crusting, typically to the ears, face, and top or dorsum of the dog including down the tail. Treatment includes treating secondary infections of the skin, fatty acid supplements both orally and topically, and possibly the use of systemic drug therapy including prednisone, cyclosporin, or even chemotherapy drugs such as Asparaginase. Topical treatments may be required daily to manage, and in long haired animals such as Standard Poodles, there is a tendency to progressive, untreatable disease. There is no easy test for this disease, and sadly it may not show up until middle age in Standard Poodles. Annual skin biopsies evaluated by a skilled veterinary dermatohistopathologist provides the only specific insight on this condtion. Animals without crusting may still show signs of SA on histopathology and thus should not be bred.