Riddle has mange!!

[Savage Destiny]

Localized demodectic mange, to be precise.

She lost a small patch of hair on one of her toes a few weeks ago, but I didn't think much of it. But she started losing hair in a few more places, so I took her to the vet's today.

Apparently its not serious- The mange is being caused by mites. She has the mites all over her body, but they're only affecting small patches. If she was going bald in big patches all over her body, it would indicate an immune system disorder, but she's losing very small patches in only a few places.

She's getting astragalas syrup to boost her immune system, and some gel to help repel the mites. Apparently there's no real cure; most puppies get over it themselves. We're just helping her body out a bit.

The problems with this puppy never end!

[Dax]

Poor thing.. extra hugs coming her way.

[Camberaoh]

Poor riddle!! it must not be too bad, because at my clinic they will dip them in a mitaban bath once a week i think it is to kill the mites.. that stuff stinks so bad!!

[Savage Destiny]

Originally Posted by Sararee

Poor riddle!! it must not be too bad, because at my clinic they will dip them in a mitaban bath once a week i think it is to kill the mites.. that stuff stinks so bad!!

Well, treatment options are limited, because Riddle already has serious sensitive skin issues. A medical dip would probably make things worse on her.

I'm using an all natural skin remedy shampoo though, which helps fight fungus and ringworm... Hoping it'll help the mange too.

[Camberaoh]

Oh ok!! well i really hope it works for you, i know the dips can take a long time.. so this way will probably take awhile too. so dont get discouraged if you dont see results right away.

[RoughCollies]

Yep, been there, done that.

http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...=demodex+mites

[Savage Destiny]

Originally Posted by RoughCollies

Yep, been there, done that.

http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...=demodex+mites

Wow, RC, I'm glad Riddle's isn't that bad!!

Thanks Sara. We have an appointment in 4 weeks to see how the treatment is working.

[Deidre]

Good luck with Riddle, I am battling with the same problem with a maremma sheepdog that I have had for the last 2 months; she belonged to my neighbours for a short period of time and I got a call one morning that if I wanted her I was welcome to pick her up as they couldn't be bothered with caring for her, they said that if I wasn't going to pick her up they would shoot her. She is the most affectionate dog too. Her mange is on her legs, neck and muzzle but I am working on strengthening her immune system, I don't like the idea of using poisonous dips and rinses, I have had success with treating a japanese chin in the past simply by supplementing her diet with vitamins and it's been one year now and she is looking great.

Fingers crossed for Riddles and Luna (my maremma).

[Savage Destiny]

Originally Posted by Deidre

Good luck with Riddle, I am battling with the same problem with a maremma sheepdog that I have had for the last 2 months; she belonged to my neighbours for a short period of time and I got a call one morning that if I wanted her I was welcome to pick her up as they couldn't be bothered with caring for her, they said that if I wasn't going to pick her up they would shoot her. She is the most affectionate dog too. Her mange is on her legs, neck and muzzle but I am working on strengthening her immune system, I don't like the idea of using poisonous dips and rinses, I have had success with treating a japanese chin in the past simply by supplementing her diet with vitamins and it's been one year now and she is looking great.

Fingers crossed for Riddles and Luna (my maremma).

Poor Luna! She has an extremely sweet face, too. Good luck with treating her!

If my skin remedy shampoo I'm trying helps out with Riddle, would you like me to let you know so you can try it on Luna?

[golden&hovawart]

How do you get mange and is it contagious to other dogs and humans?