demodectic mange

[tucker_weeks]

D-Mange

Tucker came down with this about 6- 8 weeks ago (4.5mos old) - the vet recommended the mitaban dip which i allowed not knowing any better. He's had 2 dips and now they say he needs a 3rd after which they will scrap him again to determine if he needs a 4th - i don't like this dip think at all. I'm in the process of changing his food to Canidae from Nutro ultra and i'm getting him some EFA's now every day to hopefully help his immune system. it's a spot that's about 1x2 inches on his shoulder but has gotten no worse in a month and in fact looks like it's healing and is barely noticeable.
I just figured the vet knew best what to do but i'm starting to worry that i'm causing more harm than good. Also tucker seems to come back from the vets in a very skittish mode after the dips, takes him a couple days to get back to normal. Also my doggie daycare person says' he is contagious but the vet says he is not - anyone have any experience with this type of situation.
thanks

 

[gmacleod]

If it is demodectic mange, then no, he is not contagious. Every dog he comes into contact with already has demodectic mites. You've got a human version too, btw (LOL - not nice to think about, but you do). Mange doesn't happen because the mites are present, it happens if the dog's immune system isn't strong enough to keep them controlled. And a suppressed immune system is not contagious

If it is sarcoptic mange though, then yes, it is contagious. Very. Sarcoptic mange is scabies (aka Nits). And it's transferable to humans too, even if that particular form of scabies mite generally prefers canine company.

 

[tucker_weeks]

It is the non contagious according to the VET so I've got to hope she's correct. The spot on his shoulder isn't getting any worse so I assume the Mitaban dip has worked, I just don't know if I need to subject him to 1-2 more as the vet said. Will the hair return on his shoulder? It's not red at all just a light grey/brown - his skin color there I assume. I hope his immune system catches up with the rest of him. He's 5 1/2 months old and already 55 lbs but not fat at all. hopefully it's his rapid growth that contributed to the problem.

thanks

 

[Fawn's Mom]

It is the non contagious according to the VET so I've got to hope she's correct. The spot on his shoulder isn't getting any worse so I assume the Mitaban dip has worked, I just don't know if I need to subject him to 1-2 more as the vet said. Will the hair return on his shoulder? It's not red at all just a light grey/brown - his skin color there I assume. I hope his immune system catches up with the rest of him. He's 5 1/2 months old and already 55 lbs but not fat at all. hopefully it's his rapid growth that contributed to the problem.

thanks

I think you may need to do a bit of research - here on BoxerWorld would be a great start.
Do some research for yourself on what Demodectic Mange is and why dogs get it.
You may realize that the Mataban dips aren't the route to go...you may want to cancel any remaining dips that you have scheduled...it is a very harsh treatment for such a small spot in my opinion.
Either way - good luck with your decision.