STILL can't get rid of demodex

[LeeAnnNJ]

I'm at witts end here. My Rocky just isn't getting over the demodex. We dipped him and he improved. I tried immune boosters (from what I read on here). Hasn't helped. We are trying a different dip now. It's supposed to be stronger.... but he is still beating himself up. His poor little face was bleeding this morning from scratching. I'm still giving him benedryl to help but he's still scratching like crazy.

I really don't know what to do. I feel like crying whenever I look at him because I know he's suffering and I feel like there's nothing I can do.

If you have any ideas please, please let me know. I'm desperate here. :(

 

[JulieM]

Since he's itching, I guess he's got a skin infection? You could try colloidal silver - either drops on the infected areas, or added to the food. (I'd go with the drops first, I'd guess it would be a more direct route to clear it up.)

Has the vet considered Ivomec at all? It's generally less toxic than the dips, and often more successful.

 

[Bella'sMom]

Bella had a bad case of Demodectic Mange. We could not treat her until 16 weeks, it was awful waiting. She got a secondary skin infection from all her itching. We took her to a Vet Dermatologist recommended by our vet. Our regular vet was nervous about giving her Ivomectin. The specialist had us giving Bella liquid ivomectin orally for about 3 months. We gave it to her in increasing dosages until skin scrapings came back negative for mange. It has been several months now since she has been off Ivomectin and occasionally gets a bump her or there that will go down in about a day or so. The mange seems to rear it's ugly little head when she gets stressed. Ex. When she plays with dogs that are bigger than her etc. Good luck. Also Bella got medicated baths reguarly to curb the spread of the secondary skin infection...

 

[LeeAnnNJ]

We originally had Rocky on Ivomectin but that didn't seem to do anything. When we dipped him the first time he finally got better and his hair grew back. Now it seems like he's going back to square one. Perhaps I should find a pet dermatologist. I'll try anything if it will help. He hasn't been stressed lately so I don't think that's the problem.

 

[Bella'sMom]

Bella never did the dip thing, she had other problems (cocidia and kennel cough) that I can remember. Keep trying though. The dermatologis said Bella was clear but not cured. She will have to go back after a year and get rescraped to make sure all is well. Unfortunately, I got her from and back yard breeder and was not aware of the grave mistake I made to buy her from him. I would never trade her for another. Unfortunately demodectic mange comes from the mother and a boxer who has had mange once should never be bred. We were never planning on breeding her but this BYB has a vicous cycle going. Long story...

 

[LeeAnnNJ]

Unfortunately I did the same thing. I got Rocky from a breeder's association. He too had severe kennel cough along with a host of other problems. In a way I'm glad that I'm the one that got him - Someone else may not have put up all of the money we've spent on him. He's my baby though and I'll do anything for him. I'll keep trying and hopefully something will work to help the poor little guy. I also have a 6 month old rescue who we thought we might have problems with (her original owner never took her to the vet - EVER) but she's completely healthy.

 

[Bella'sMom]

Good luck with everything. Maybe your regular vet can recommend someone else... It will go away though! It may come back now and then, but it will go away. That's what I keep saying. Your dog loves you for the care and concern you give him, and knows your trying your best. I used to come home from work and Bella would greet me and I would have blood on my clothes too. It's so sad. I took the BYB to court! Oh, and we won!

 

[LeeAnnNJ]

Congratulations on your win!! I considered taking the association to court but didn't think it would get me anywhere. In any event, Rocky is spoiled rotten and if I have to go to the ends of the earth to cure him.....I'll put my walking shoes on now! It's nice to know that we're not alone in this battle.

 

[Tank03]

Hi! My boyfriends boxer had the same problem and he used Ivomec and also mixed a supplement (Missing Link) with his boxer (Fritz)'s food and it cleared up quite quickly and has never come back. I think the supplement really helped his coat..might try it. Hope this helps..good luck!

 

[Tam319]

Hi There,

I've been dealing with this same issue with my terrier x, Tony. I tried the Ivermectin treatment and while it cleared the mange up after 3 months I wish that I hadn't done it. He is suffering from a lot of immune system problems now (hair loss, itching, running eyes, vet refuses to vaccinate because he is not well). There has been some research indicating that Ivermectin may trigger immune system diseases. I can't help but wonder if that may be the root of Tony's recent problems. I can never be sure. I've talked to a Canine Nutritionist who also feels that Ivermectin may cause long term harm. Be sure to ask your vet for all the pros and cons of the treatment so you know what you are getting into.

Check out this link for other ideas. It suggests feeding a really good quality diet (either premium kibble or a diet you make yourself) as well as supplements and topical treatments. Hopefully you can get some ideas.

http://www.akitarescue.com/demodectic_mange-a_natural_treatment.htm

And please hold off on vaccinating until this clears up. Demodex can indicate that the immune system is run down and not doing its job by keeping the mites in check. Vaccines are intended for use in dogs whose immune systems are healthy and will give a normal immune response. Vaccinating Rocky while his immune system is 'down and out' could result in even more health problems. Talk to your vet about postpoing your annual boosters for a couple of months til Rocky is 100% healed up. My vet wrote a letter for me explaining why Tony's boosters were not up to date just in case I needed to supply proof of vaccine for someone.

Also, try running a search for demodectic mange with the search button at the top as many people have discussed this topic in the past.

Best of luck and keep us posted,

Tamara and Tony