Sarcoptic mange MUCH WORSE!!!!!!!

[ulbsterx]

Both of my dogs have had Sarcoptic mange since Oct. (I have old posts w/ more details about it.) Since then we have tried basically everything BUT chemicals on them and also switched to raw food in the middle of Nov. At first they seemed to get better but now are much worse. Noone can sleep at night because they are constantly licking, chewing or scratching. Sugar is more pink and scabby or bloody than white now. It is very painful and depressing to look at them. I can only imagine how uncomfortable they are. They gave it to me, but I have learned to ignore it.
I will quickly list what we have done for them. First (late Sep/ early Oct) went to our reg. vet many times for scrapes etc. She wanted to do Ivermectin and we did not want to so decided to use natural treatments. Beg. of Nov we switched to raw food, used natural enzyme products to kill the mites (Bug Arrest), used every oil/herb/tea combo that we could find to kill mites, help their skin and coat. Because it wasn't "working" started working w/ a homeopathic vet at the beg of Dec. We have tried every option that is listed here and on other sites, in Dr. Pritcairn's book, etc.,etc. to treat mange w/out chemicals.
In closing, we have spent almost $1,000 w/ all of the changes, supplements, vet visits, phone consults, homeopathic remedies, etc. etc. They (esp. Sugar) are MUCH WORSE and we are at the end of our rope here and don't know what we "should" do. Sugar keeps chewing her tail until it bleeds for example. How do you know when to "give up" and go the traditional route and dose them w/ harmful chemicals? I have literally spent the majority of my time and the majority of my money on this since Oct and they have only gotten worse. Any words of advice and/or support would be helpful. It hurts so much to look at them and know how unconfortable they are. I don't know how much longer I can stand it. Thanks.

 

[gmacleod]

Well, personally I'd be inclined to give the chemicals a try. If natural methods aren't working and in fact they're getting worse, then that may be the way to go in this case. Unlike demodex, my understanding of sarcoptic mange is that the underlying cause is not a supressed immune system, but rather an infestation of mites that aren't naturally 'always there'. In short, the chemicals may affect the immune system adversely, but that isn't going to be what causes another outbreak, as would be the case with demodex.

Just as an aside though - have you consulted a holistic vet? Could be a good option, they would be able to best advise on if/when to try a chemical treatment.

 

[Vela]

If they were my dogs I would have tried the chemicals at this point. The dogs are suffering and while your intentions to go the best route possible are sound and I do understand not wanting to subject them to chemicals if you don't have to, it sounds to me like it is time that you really do have to. Their quality of life is being compromised at this point and using the chemicals sounds like their best option now. You can't say you didn't try everything else, because you have. Good luck.

 

[ulbsterx]

Well, personally I'd be inclined to give the chemicals a try. If natural methods aren't working and in fact they're getting worse, then that may be the way to go in this case. Unlike demodex, my understanding of sarcoptic mange is that the underlying cause is not a supressed immune system, but rather an infestation of mites that aren't naturally 'always there'. In short, the chemicals may affect the immune system adversely, but that isn't going to be what causes another outbreak, as would be the case with demodex.

Just as an aside though - have you consulted a holistic vet? Could be a good option, they would be able to best advise on if/when to try a chemical treatment.

Thank you, that's what I've learned about the Sarcoptic version as well. As far as the holistic vet goes, I am only working w/ my traditional vet and w/ a homeopathic vet. I have done tons of reasarch on the different chemical treatments also. My traditional vet wants to do Ivemectin injections, but it seems less harmful to do a topical like Revolution for example. Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[tyson&ali]

I realize that demodex is different than sarcpotic mange but I have found that a combination of chemical treatments along with diet and supplements seems to be the most effective in our demodex case! I agree with gmacleod!

 

[sashamom]

Oh PLEASE try the chemical way. I also refused to treat my Sasha's mange (demodetic) with meds, but we were EXTREMELY fortunate that she healed on her own. Sarcoptic mange is so much more serious and dangerous....your babies must be miserable.One thing that makes me feel better is there are SO many rescues that have mange and have to be treated before they can be adopted.....they almost ALL go the chemical route as it is quick and has a high success rate. Please keep us posted and know you have tried the best for your babies and ruled out all the natural possiblities!!