Skin cells normally die off and are replaced at a relatively rapid rate as compared to other tissues in the body. But the normal rate of turnover is accelerated with this disease. These conditions allow the skin to become easily infected with bacteria and yeast which further skin damage and increase the affected dog's discomfort. Seborrhea is a skin disease that is often secondary to problems such as allergies, poor nutrition, mange, hormone deficiencies or hormone excess. In these cases, if the underlying disease is diagnosed and treated or cured, the seborrhea will greatly disappear.
Some dogs are unfortunate enough to be born with seborrhea as a primary disease.
In these cases, no underlying cause for the disease can be found. Primary seborrhea is believed to be an inherited disorder. It is seen often in the Spaniel and Terrier breeds, and less commonly in Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Chinese Shar-Peis. At this time, there is no cure for this disease and dogs must be carefully managed their whole lives to keep them comfortable. Dogs with primary seborrhea are usually treated with shampoos.