Demodectic Mange

hilosmom · 03-22-2011, 07:00 PM

So, we just got home from the vet to find out our little man has generalized demodectic mange. Any thoughts on the use of Ivermectin as treatment? Also, the vet did not prescribe antibiotics, nor suggest anything to help boost his immune system . I am here to get the advice of you all. Poor little guy has some dry skin and hair loss around his face, neck and shoulderblades. Hilo is just shy of 17 weeks old.

ShiroInu · 03-22-2011, 09:34 PM

Wow, terrible news about your pup's mange.

I like to search through the Merck Vet Manual for answers. You might find this article interesting, as it does talk about Ivermectin. Humm . . . it appears I cannot post links yet, so google Merck Veterinary Manual and do a search on the site for mange, then click on dogs and cats.

As far as hair loss I am a real believer in adding vinegar to water to help with skin problems. I use distilled. Most recommend apple cider vinegar. Add a couple of drops to your dogs water to get him used to the taste, and then slowly increase until you are adding a tablespoon or more. My dogs love the taste, but it took awhile to get my daughter's Boston Terrier to accept it.

My late Boxer, My Max, had skin problems and my daughter's Boston did too. Vinegar cleared their skin right up. It sure beat all the money we were spending on antibiotics and shampoos.

Good luck!

Scooby · 03-22-2011, 10:00 PM

Demodectic mange is caused by mites, a little parasite that lives in the skin. I don't know if ivermectin will kill them, but I'm sure it will. Ivermectin is typically used as a dewormer, both taken internally and externally. I know those heartguard plus pills contain ivermectin to keep away internal worms. All I know is that in cattle, ivermectin is commonly used for worms, ringworms, and so on, so I would assume it would work in dogs too. Good luck!

Marylou Mader · 03-23-2011, 06:25 AM

You have gotten some great ideas from ShiroInu, and I can say, He may outgrow it to a point, *quite young, immune system not fully developed* it(the mite) is on all dogs, but whether it breaks out is due to the immune system. I don't think food in general will help, but stress should be kept at a minimum, bathing will help, as it keeps the mites environment non-habitable,

hilosmom · 03-23-2011, 03:44 PM

Thank you everyone. Our vet did call me and suggested I add vitamin E to his diet and agreed that vinegar in their (Hilo has a sister, Daisy) water would be a good idea. I decided, after much research, that Ivermectin is the way to go. I'll keep you all updated on how it works for future reference.

Spyglass Sally · 03-23-2011, 04:27 PM

I found a very good article on the topic: Demodectic Mange/Alternative Therapies for treatmentby Dr Jeanette (Jeannie) Thomason

bruinsBoxers · 03-23-2011, 08:25 PM

Vit E is good for the skin . And vit C will give his immune system a boost , neither will hurt him so it may be worth it to give a try before you use ivermectin . I have also heard great things about using goodwinol ointment to treat mange .
The Use of Rotenone (Goodwinol Ointment) in Dogs and Cats

Marylou Mader · 03-24-2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruinsBoxers

Vit E is good for the skin . And vit C will give his immune system a boost , neither will hurt him so it may be worth it to give a try before you use ivermectin . I have also heard great things about using goodwinol ointment to treat mange .
The Use of Rotenone (Goodwinol Ointment) in Dogs and Cats

Missi I too have heard about the goodwinol...

ShiroInu · 03-24-2011, 08:04 AM

Ivermectin is a great product. We use it to worm our homing pigeons and our sheep, although we do alternate wormers with the sheep as sheep can become resistant to wormers.

We also use it as a heartworm preventative for our dogs rather than buy the prescription preventatives from our vets.

As for vinegar, it is a great product too. I use it to clean floors, refresh clothes in the washing machine, break down mineral build up in the coffee maker, clean the entire bathroom with it, sanitize my nebulizer cup (for asthma breathing treatments), etc.

I put it in the dog's water to balance the PH in their skin, and drink a little of it in a glass of water before going to bed. My parents have been drinking it for years at night saying it prevents charlie horses at night. Does not always help me, but what the heck. I like the taste and often crave pickled veggies, so I figure my body is telling me something.

Plus it is CHEAP!

I just noticed this icon and like it, so here it is . . .