Very Discouraged - Demodex

[Dave Gagnon]

Don t get frustrated

My Boxer had the three dips when she was very young. I have to have her treated almost every month for itching and red spots. It gets so bad at times. I have used several vets and it always boils down to using steroids by pills and some times an injection of prednazone (SP) This is the only way to get her some relief and she does well for 3 or 4 weeks. If anyone has ideas please help. Talk to your vet about the treatment Gretta is getting. Good Luck
Has anyone heard of the new treatment called A-Topia ?

 

[adeinert]

Well Roxie just got back from her 2 week check-up and still no good news. This makes it a month since we have been treating her.The vet said he still is not seeing any improvement and has suggested that we gradually up her dosage of Invermectin, he also changed her antibiotic and gave us some special shampoo to wash her with once a week. Just this week I have started adding the supplement missing link to her food each day so maybe that will help as well.

It could easily take 3-4 months from the boxers I have seen. You said your vet is upping the ivermectin.... has he been gradually upping it all along? All of the vets that service our rescued boxers start with a low dose and gradually increase it. They also do baths throughout the treatment to cleanse and open the pores. My vet also suggests additives such as the missing link, vitamin E, omega oils, skin and immune system boosters.

Hang in there! We are all hoping for a quick recovery for Roxy!!!
Ashlie

 

[grvgrl]

I know how you feel, Junior had it as well for 2 months, maybe not as many patches, but he scared people away!

My vet did give him a mitaban dip; and with research thru the net and this website, I did add the Missing Link and vitamins that helped his immune system. I dont recall the vitamins, but if you do a search on this site you will find them. I am sure his immune system is low, so that doesnt help in him getting any better.

I decided to give the other to "dips" myself to save myself 60 buck seach time. A month later he was back on track. I do believe the missing link and those vitamins helped A LOT.

Good Luck!

 

[samsonite]

Hi to Roxy, hang in there. Samson was diagnosed with it also about 6 weeks ago. He only had about 3 spots, but overall his coat was thinning. The spots been there too long for me to believe it was anything else, so we went to the vet and had the scrapings. We did two mitaban dips, but he had trouble with the dips so now we are doing the ivermectin.
Just today I REALLY looked at his spots - and I could barely find them! That may sound crazy, I've just been used to seeing them for so long I didn't realize they are clearing up. The past few weeks I've gotten much better about his diet, giving him raw eggs, fruit and veggies (that he won't eat), yogurt, and now some raw bones/chicken. We also switched his kibble to Nutro last week. I'd like to get Chicken Soup, but have had a little trouble getting it. It has only been in the last several days that his spots are looking so much better, so please believe that what you put into the dog will show on the outside. We will still be treating for at least 4 more weeks. My vet said there is no point in doing scrapes every two weeks, because even if the dog was improving, scraping off his hair and skin would make it look worse than the actual mange! Just something to consider.

 

[mcooper]

don't give up!

I have 2 boxers that I knew would have this problem when I got them at 7 weeks old. Both had demodex at 5-6 months old; it took months of treatments - including months of oral ivermectin - but eventually they recovered completely. One of my boys is currently going thru it again but TRUST me, I have walked in your shoes (x2); it will take several months and at first it appeared to get worse but 3-4 months of treatment is commonly needed. My vet's kids will almost certainly receive Ivy-League educations on a full mcooper scholarship (I also have a Boston Terrier who has mast cell cancer) but please, don't give up, just give time and be diligent with treatments and your little one will be just fine.

 

[Foxy Roxy]

Thanks Again

Well I'm feeling a little better since I have heard that a lot of pups take 3 to 4 months to heal. I just thought that after treating for a month I should atleast see SOME improvement. We are gradually increasing her ivermectin by 4 cc's each day and the vet changed her antibiotic and gave us some special shampoo to wash her with once a week. I'm going to continue to give her missing link each day along with little treats such as banana's and canned salmon. We have been taking her to the vet every two weeks but he told us this time he doesn't want to see us again for another month. Wish us luck!

 

[sgbtab]

good luck. and it does take time. sam has it but it is starting to clear up. with the healthy diet and missing link.he seems to be doing great it has been 2 months now so be patient it will get better.