Correlation between meibomian gland dysfunction and sebaceous adenitis in dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Sebaceous adenitis (SA) is an immune-mediated disease affecting sebaceous glands.
• Meibomian gland dysfunction involves inflammation of the meibomian glands.
• Shared similarities exist between sebaceous and meibomian glands, yet their connection in SA remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate meibomian gland alterations in dogs with SA.
• To compare meibomian gland health in SA-affected dogs versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled nine dogs with SA and nine age/breed-matched healthy controls.
• Performed dermatological exams, Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), tear meniscus height (TMH), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, interferometry (INT), and noncontact infrared meibography (NIM).

Main Results:

• One-third of SA dogs exhibited subepithelial crystalline opacities.
• No significant differences in TMH or STT-1 between groups.
• INT and NIM showed significant differences, with SA dogs having higher INT and lower NIM grades.
• INT values decreased with age, while NIM scores increased.

Conclusions:

• Subepithelial crystalline opacities in SA dogs may indicate reduced tear film quality.
• INT and NIM are valuable, noninvasive tools for examining meibomian glands.
• SA dogs present with thinner lipid layers and more severe meibomian gland abnormalities, worsening with age.