What do we know about "mange"

When treating localized demodex (one or two small spots), I like Goodwinol ointment.

If that is ineffective or when dealing with generalized demodex a more intense treatment is indicated. Mitaban works, but the only time I use it is when I have a breed that might be sensitive to the higher doses of ivermectin (or other avermectin) necessary for treatment.

Ivermectin is my treatment of choice in most generalized cases.

Use here for mange is an "off label" situation. It is a commonly accepted, effective and safe use, but this drug has not been approved for this specific condition or application.

Doug, DVM

When Jesse got sarcoptic mange last year he was treated with Ivermectin and antibiotics. Sarcoptic is HIGHLY contagious but Jake never got it. We also did medicated baths, but I don't know what we used. One of the reasons why we use Revolution vs some of the other flea/tick preventives is it's very effective against the parasites that cause mange.

Make sure Maggie is good and dry before getting in the car with her, or roll the window down for fresh air. I learned that the hard way on the 101.....

I had the vet do the first couple of dips but then I took over. It was quite the project, especially once his coat grew out.

Our Vet will be doing the "Dip" which is probably for the best with the three other girls about plus our latest arrival, a Mini Schnauzer(7-8 months old).....seems like I'm living at the Vet's lately with teeth issue's with two girls and our sweet Rubie with CHF......

Mitaban....wow, I figured they'd have moved beyond that. Memories... Word to the wise, in close quarters it'll make you groggy. If you do the bath at home, I'd wait a little while before hopping in the car, and I found I needed to either wait until Andy was dry before bringing him home if the vet did it, or ride with my window open.

SARGUY yes, they get raw beef or chicken, right now with some cooked carbs so I can use a little less meat plus have something to mix vitamins into. And vitamins and of course taurine. There are books on the subject and I would do some reading if you're interested in raw feeding. Many are not fans of it... I have seen the results with my dogs and it's worth the effort and braving the controversy to me. Andy went from needing $100/month in meds (heartworm meds that work on demodex) to keep his demo under control... in lieu of me having to constantly dip him... to no meds and an occasional quarter sized bald spot that would take care of itself. His situation was chronic and had been extremely severe when I got him (vet said "he looked like the Elephant Man!") so the change was really very striking.

Thanks Susan and Yes "Demodex" is right on the money. Our Maggie had some medical issues when we adopted her, a cyst on her front leg and foxtails in her ears, both of which she had been treated for just before adoption. She is also on "thyroid" mediation which I guess makes sense since this is a immune system disorder. Our Vet prescribed Amoxicillin 100mg and the bathing will be the "Mitaban" dip. I will check into the probiotics and any additional methods to address the root cause and improve the immune system as best we can. Thanks again!

You make a couple of references to raw food, could you explain a little more about that. Do you give your dog raw meat and chicken? Please elaborate as to the diet you are using.

Demodex?

Ivermectin shots seem to be the starting treatment of choice these days, at least here on the west coast. We see a fair amount of it in rescue. Antibiotics won't treat the mange, but will address the secondary infections that often develop.

Bathing, yes....

Demodex is an immune system problem that often occurs in puppies (puppy mange is one term I've heard for it, or red mange) and dogs under stress, or who have weakened immune systems for whatever reason. From a holistic standpoint, supporting the immune system is then important. That can include steps such as probiotics and bovine colostrum, or as I ended up finding with my demo dog, raw food....

There are some oils and alternative treatments that people I know have had good results with with severe cases, but if it's an uncomplicated case I am supposing you'll take what the vet gives you

My vet also tested for thyroid and he was on meds for that for a few years, until we switched to raw food. After that, he just didn't need it. Low thyroid affects the immune system, so that's why we did that.