Seeking info from Ivermectin users for Demodectic mange

[Cami]

I am now using Ivermectin on Cami for her demodectic mange. Can anyone tell me what their experiences have been with their dogs who have used this medication before?

We had been using (nearly 3 weeks) the Goodwinol ointment and determined that it wasn't working because the original spots were getting larger and more spots were appearing daily, hence the switch to Ivermectin...(among other reasons listed in previous posts).

We started out with 1/2cc for the first 8 days then per the vet's instructions increased the dose to 1cc per day to be continued until the bottle is used up.

I guess I am wanting someone to explain what they noticed as far as improvement in their dogs while using this. I have noticed new spots since starting the Ivermectin (now at 2 weeks and 2 days). We were told to expect another skin scraping after the first dose (I assume the first bottle to be the first dose).

If this is going to work how will we know? Other than the negative skin scraping? I assume (and correct me if I am wrong), that the medicine would kill off the mites, no new spots would appear, the bald spots would remain, the itching would subside and then we would start seeing new hair growth.....

I had been giving her 25mg of Benadryl once in the morning and then again in the evening.....but I started noticing that she only needed one per day and actually now it's been a day and 1/2 without it and her itching has nearly disappeared.....(knocking on wood). ***As I type this she again starts to scratch at her bald spots and chew at her feet ARGGG!!!!***

I am brushing her daily and thought it would help with the shedding but she is just losing SO much hair....when I pet her the hair just falls off her entire body....is this a normal seasonal Boxer thing or something related to the demodex?

Any help with personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. I guess it's too much to ask that her new magic potion being added to her meals would jump start her immune system.....(AM additions include 1 1/2 teaspoons of Missing Link, 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinager, 125mg Vitamin C chewable which she loves and 1 tablespoon of yogurt. PM meal includes same amount of Missing Link, Apple Cider Vinager & Vitamin C, 400IU Vitamin E, 1/2 Teaspoon of Flax oil.) any thoughts on these additions would be appreciated as well. She gets 3 cups daily split between the two meals of Natural Balance and Eagle Pack Select kibble.

Thanks,
Susi & Cami, who eats WAY better than most humans I know.

 

[Bella'sMom]

Cami, It sounds like you are doing absolutely everything you can for her and doing it right! Bella has had her bouts of demodectic mange for the 16 months she has been alive. It takes a while to see the results of the Ivomectin. And about a month before you see any results with the Missing Link. I swear by the Missing Link and California Natural Lamb and Rice. Bella's hair is now growing back. Before I would pet her and gobs of hair would come out, this is no longer happening. Be patient all your hard work will pay off!

 

[Sabrina Jay]

The ivomectin is generally mixed (diluted) down with glyco prophenal (sp?). A doseage your vet would have calculated. You would need to ask your vet the dilution he/she used.

The excessive hair loss could be from seasonal shedding along with the problems she has been experiencing. Just keep brushing her, it will stimulated her hair folicules.

Give it time.

 

[adeinert]

Hi,
My demodex foster who had been left afflicted for six months before being surrendered to rescue, had some hair when he came in. He was covered with infected sores and his face was bright red. After 2-3 dips, we became very discouraged. His hair was falling out and the mite count seemed unrelenting. It was 2 months if I recall till we saw a significant drop in mites with the ivermectin. I had heard of shorter time spans and was often discouraged. Then, his hair began growing back and it was all positive from there.
He started ivermectin in late- January of this year, hair was coming in by March and today he is gorgeous!!! Absolutely beautiful and not a spec since.

I wouldn't expect to be mite free at the next scraping, but hopefully the vet can tell you he sees a significant decrease in the amount of mites.

Wishing Cami well!
Ashlie and the rescued boxertrio

 

[Krikkit]

We have used Ivermectin to treat rescue Boxers with generalised demodectic mange c/w advanced secondary infections. All cases cleared fairly rapidly considering how bad they were, but it did take some time before they had lovely shiny coats. I also used a shampoo designed to really clean out the skin.

We then went to using Dectomax (injections) with great results. An older thread is here about this:
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20103&highlight=dectomax

Thinking of Cami

Sharon

 

[Cindy Creel]

Both of my furbabies had this at about 4 months. They were on it for 3 months. It took a few week to see results, but we caught it very early. The med. did help the scratching and itching very early in treatment.

They have not had it again, but I do understand that it can develop under stress.

Cindy

 

[Aristi]

demodex

I hate demodex. If you do a forum search you'll find some of my history with Mia. Ivermectin was about the only thing that worked. I suppose the Mitaban dips did kill the mites--but only temporarily and it weakened Mia's immune system in the process--which is counterproductive. She had no side effects with the Ivermectin (other than a disgusted look on her face with each dose given) It took a few months but she was doing super. I think also, when she became two years old and her immune system was fully developed, she was able to fight demodex on her own just like every other dog. She has been clear for over a year now.

I think you are doing all the right things--treating demodex is a slow process but I think you are doing great supplements to help out the immune system. I also gave Mia spirulina along with a fatty acid vitamin. Good luck and keep us posted

Arika