A 4-year-old rabbit was presented with a chronic
exfoliative dermatitis and
patchy alopecia. General physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative. A blood sample was obtained for a complete blood cell count and biochemical profile, and yielded results that were within normal limits. Radiographic examination of the thorax excluded the presence of a
thymoma. Histopathology of the skin showed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, absence of sebaceous glands and mural lymphocytic
folliculitis, consistent with sebaceous
adenitis. Oral treatment was started with
ciclosporin dissolved in a medium-chain
triglyceride solution (
Miglyol 812), combined with
essential fatty acids and topical
propylene glycol sprays. Within 2 months of treatment, complete regression of skin lesions and regrowth of hair was observed. Serum chemistry values including kidney and liver function tests remained within reference range during the course of treatment. Histopathological examination of control biopsies of the skin showed presence of normal sebaceous glands and active hair follicles. Treatment was changed to a different
pharmaceutical formulation of
ciclosporin without Miglyol and deterioration of clinical signs was noticed. Using pure
Miglyol 812, however, resulted in a gradual improvement of 60%. A nearly complete response was again observed after re-administration of the combination
ciclosporin/Miglyol. It is hypothesized that sebaceous
adenitis in the rabbit is most likely due to an autoimmune reaction directed at the sebaceous glands and a defect in lipid metabolism. The outcome indicates that a combination of
ciclosporin and
Miglyol 812 is a promising new treatment for sebaceous
adenitis in rabbits.