Mange

[judymomrn]

Does anyone have any suggestions from treating their dog for demodectic localized mange. I need some help from someone who has had this problem.

[RWDVM]

Dear judymomrn:

I occassionally encounter demodectic mange in clinical practice. This kind of mange is different from the infectious type of mange known as sarcoptic mange, because the demodex mite is actually an organism that normally resides on the canine skin. When the number of demodex mites increases to the extent that it causes clinical disease, it signifies that there is an inherent flaw in the dog's immune system. In the puppy this condition is known as juvenile onset. Juvenile onset carries a more favorable prognosis because the immune system flaw is likely age related. Adult onset demodectic mange, however, carries a guarded to poor prognosis.

Since demodectic mange can be quite stupborn to get rid of, and given that it often returns, I usually treat topically and systemically. This consists of an injection of ivermectin once very two weeks for three treatments, combined with concurrent Mitoban dips once a week for 6 treatments. In severe juvenile cases and all adult onset cases, I will place the dog on tranfer factor, an immune system booster. Please do not begin any treatment protocols without the guidance of your veterinarian.

Best of luck to you.

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Veterinarian, Webmaster http://www.askdvm.com

[lillywa1]

Hi Judy- I know exactly what you are going through. I just recently bought a pure-bred beagle puppy and after having him for about a month I noticed some hair loss on his forearms. Took him to the vet and sure enough he has demodectic mange. He was treated with the goodwinol ointment and an oral solution given twice a day 1/2 a CC of Ivermectin. He has been on this treatment for one month now and his mange is spreading very fast still. As I understood from my vet it all depends on if their immune systems will kick in and if they don't and the problem becomes worse then he will be euthanized because eventually he will itch himself so bad due to the mange that he will bleed everywhere and its just not good for the dog. Good Luck to you !