Chronic Mange?

[firef2005]

Ok people. Is this possible? Titan has mange for the third time. I actually have to take him into the vet tomorrow to make sure, but I'm pretty positive. He's had two positive skin tests for demodex, was treated with oral ivermectin for 6-8 weeks (until we got a negative skin scraping). It's been about two weeks since we last stopped treatment. He's got bumps again. I don't want to do the ivermectin again because it makes him so sick, he stops eating, loses weight, etc. Any suggestions on why this may be happening???? From what the 'breeder' said, two of the other pups got mange when they were about 8 wks old, but only a bump or two that cleared up immediately. My poor man! What am I going to do?

[CarolB]

Mange

Are you giving him any supplements to boost his immune system?

[lurchmom]

I am so sorry this is happening. As you know it is immune related and some dogs just have chronic problems with it their whole lives. Since you are catching it early, I would start topical treatment asap. Tea Tree and Lavender oil together and dabbed on the spots is a good start. You can dilute those with a bit of almond ol or similar. Bump his MSM up to 3-4 grams a day and give 400 IU natural E also. Coconut oil is great too for skin issues and immune system. Neem capsules are a natural supp for this also and/or can be used topically in shampoos. Google 'natural treatments for Demodex in dogs' and see what else looks like something you may want to try. Don't give up hope yet!

[Paradis]

Do you also have access to Advantage Multi, it is supposed to help out with Demodex as well instead of going the ivomec route again with him. You can use it alongside the wonderful advice that lurchmom has given.

[firef2005]

Are you giving him any supplements to boost his immune system?

He's on Esther C, and coconut oil as per recommendations here on the forum. He also takes acidophillus and prilosec (not related to immunity). I will get him some MSM, I cant find just MSM, do I give him the glucosamine/condroitin with MSM? The bumps showed up last week, and I was hoping he could fight it off himself. The bumps have now spread from his muzzle to his neck. Only about 5 or so, but they're there.

[lurchmom]

He's on Esther C, and coconut oil as per recommendations here on the forum. He also takes acidophillus and prilosec (not related to immunity). I will get him some MSM, I cant find just MSM, do I give him the glucosamine/condroitin with MSM? The bumps showed up last week, and I was hoping he could fight it off himself. The bumps have now spread from his muzzle to his neck. Only about 5 or so, but they're there.

Plain Msm is very available. Try Walmart or any drugstore, health food store or feed store.

[firef2005]

Plain Msm is very available. Try Walmart or any drugstore, health food store or feed store.

I've checked our walmart, walgreens, and health food store, and can't find it. Maybe I'll order some online. Shouldn't take long to get here. I'm also giving him fish oil everyday as well.

[lurchmom]

I've checked our walmart, walgreens, and health food store, and can't find it. Maybe I'll order some online. Shouldn't take long to get here. I'm also giving him fish oil everyday as well.

That's WEIRD! Feed stores carry it in larger sizes for horses. Have you asked your health food store if they have it or would get it for you? That is were to get Lavender and Tea Tree oils too......

[bluebeetlemom]

So sorry to hear you're going through this again.

[jenni0482]

Tiernan is 17 months and still struggles with demodex occaisionally.. We give him Ester C and Vitamin E regularly to help keep it under control and Advantage multi every couple of months. We always notice the hairloss coming back when we take him off the supplements, but for the most part this is enough to keep him on top of it.

I hope you get on top of it soon!

[Floyd's mom]

Oh I'm so sorry you are going through this. I thought you had it licked. I hear some dogs fight it all there lives.

[DextersMomma]

I would start using some Goodwinol on those lesions in case they are demodex. Did you get 2 negative skin scrapings in a row before discontinuing the ivermectin? Sorry that you have to struggle with demodex, it's a crappy thing that it can take so long to treat.