Eden

Do you know whether it is demodectic mange or sarcoptic mange, both require different treatments. Sarcoptic mange is usually far itchier than the other BUT is nevertheless easier to treat.

I do agree with Miranda, this is very sad indeed; unless the vet has diagnosed another problem, I don't see why it should cost so much. Having said this, in diagnosing another problem would probably constitute running some blood tests which doesn't sound as if this is the case so I would definitely recommend another vet!! In my opinion, the best treatment for fleas is FRONTLINE PLUS without a shudder of a doubt; perhaps you could tell your nanna to supplement her dog's diet with some fish oil capsules to help with the itchiness.

I have to disagree with you on the raw egg bit there, kelpiecuddles. Raw egg white contains 'avidin' which is a protein that binds with Biotin (a B vitamin) thereby making it impossible for the body to absorb it. Once the egg white is cooked that is no longer a problem but I hear this all the time about giving dogs raw eggs and it is not a good idea. It's best to boil the eggs or separate the egg yolk from the white and give the dog the yolk only. I have known this for a long time and managed to find a link that discusses this issue: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/biotin/

Thank you all for the great advice. Nicestman, I had a look in your website and found it extremely informative and I will be sure to send my clippers your way for some serious sharpening

I use the 'Blackmores" brand of glucosamine (1000mg). I also give my dogs fish oil capsules 3x weekly of the same brand. I tend to believe that human formula would have to win hands down in comparison to pet products.

I have used glucosamine for my knees and have found it to be fantastic; I also have a 12yo rough collie that was having problems jumping in the car and started giving him glucosamine (human formula) and before long there was an incredible improvement and now he gets into the car without needing me to give him a lift and he seems to be wanting to walk more; I definitely recommend it but I am not sure whether in your case it will be of any help with regards to fractures but you have nothing to lose by giving it a shot.

Thank you all so much; I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks poodle and nicestman for offering further advice, I'm sure I will be needing it

Thanks for you fast replies. I have to admit that I have never heard of Double K or Moser. Will do a search and see what I can come up with. Okay, so the trick is to never clip a dirty coat but what if the coat is so matted that if you wash it it will take forever to dry, what do you do then? I clip my friends and neighbour's dogs and some of tthem do end up with a badly matted coat, much to my disgust!! I have a pair of Oster golden 2 spd clippers but the downside is that they got very hot very quickly unfortunately and I have place an order a couple of weeks ago for a pair of Andis 2 spd clippers as I have heard numerous reports that they don't tend to heat up quite as quickly as the Oster, fingers crossed. Is it okay to dip the blades in metho in order to cool them? I do have the cool lube but I have heard that it tends to dull the blades so I haven't used it any longer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I was just wondering as to what brand you favour in the way of pet clippers? And for those in the know, how do I keep my blades from going blunt after only one use? Is it okay to wet clip or will that blunt the blades?

A friend has a japanese chin who had demodectic mange and the vet wanted her to have the oral form of ivermectin and she wasn't too keen on administering that to her beloved Kira so she was at her wit's end not knowing what to do and I suggested that she try to work on strengthening the immune system by giving her some pentavite drops and 2 months down the track there is no evidence that Kira has ever had such an affliction. Also, some puppies tend to go thru this state and then when they get to the age of 6 months seem to overcome this problem with no cure whatsoever providing that it's only a mild form of demodectic mange. Some bitches tend to have this problem everytime they go on heat so it may be a good idea to desex them besides which they shouldn't be bred with anyway. How old is your dog?