Her Majesty Dogmad Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 (edited) I've got a very sad case and wondered if anyone has had any success in using alternative methods such as Chinese herbs? I've had some great results from the use of alternative methods over the years but this is my first experience of mange. This dog was rescued at Christmas last year and he was on antibiotics, Ivomectin and regular Malaseb baths for a couple of months. Then the skin scrapes gave the all clear finally. The mites were never on the surface so scrapes had to be done under anaesthetic usually. The dog is a wonderful little boy and he found a wonderful home. Unfortunately the mites have returned and the prognosis isn't looking good. The owner is devastated as to her he is the world's most perfect dog. Just thought I'd see if anyone had any experiences they could share. Edited December 2, 2012 by dogmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 No I haven't but I know someone that had a similar issue and the dog is on monthly advocate and has no issues. Not alternative but successful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisovar Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Are you certain it is Sarcoptic and not Demodex? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted December 2, 2012 Author Share Posted December 2, 2012 Sorry, it is Demodectic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Not had any experience with alternative methods but overseas they use lime-sulfur dips and amitraz rinses daily to treat demodex. Not sure if this is available in australia and obviously it is quite time consuming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 I think demodex was close to incurable prior to modern chemicals wasn't it? So I wouldn't think there would be effective natural remedies. Woud the monthly Advocate help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 (edited) When we had an old girl who got a bad case ..I used malawash ..( Koolie - so avoided the moxidectin * ivomec* things) and scrubbed her with a chux pot scourer ..so it would get in ... fed her fresh & raw with an egg every day ..lots of fresh fruit ..and ironcyclen, plus ThriveD. She is 13 .... and she did get fat & fully coated again over time. Edited December 2, 2012 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Ahhh okay that would explain it. Demodex can be controlled by Advocate Monthly I am quite sure. I have an old packet somewhere I will look later I think it's down the kennels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyeopener Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Yes advocate dose Demodex but not Scarcoptic n works wonders, have a bitch here that was a rescue because owner could not fix mange or smell that came with it n it cleared it up perfectly. Every other dog here only gets it in the warmer months as only time they need it n I use worm tabs the rest of the yr but she must have it every 6 wks n she starts to smell before I even see signs if I miss it. I also found she is better off on a non processed diet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted December 2, 2012 Author Share Posted December 2, 2012 Thanks so much everyone. This is the little dog I fostered last Christmas. Unfortunately the owner is also very unwell and I think it has all become too much. I'm probably going to have him come back to me and am hoping I can get him well again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 demodex is linked to a weak immune system, the body cannot fight the mite and hence it keeps taking hold when the medication stops. A good diet and supplements that target immune function are a good start as well as probiotics - a healthy gut is a healthy immune system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winterpaws Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Yes we did try with Henry but with very limited success. Sticking to the vets treatment and a great diet combined with the pyohex washing seemed to have the most benefit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karly101 Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Advocate every 2 weeks and then monthly once skin scrapings are clear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 (edited) Given its an immune problem I would be looking at that if I were looking into alternative treatments. When Dante had it, only vet prescribed meds worked. I'd be looking at the dogs diet to ensure it is suitable (high quality ingrediants). We recently put together a kibble comparison chart which alot of people get suprised about the ingrediants of some of the 'top' brands. http://www.greatdanerescue.com.au/downloads.htm > Under 'Health Related' then 'Comparing Australian Kibbles'. Edited December 2, 2012 by sas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappie Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 The prescription drugs are required to treat the mites but if there has been a recurrence then it's important to assess underlying causes. Certainly general health plays a part and trying to achieve optimal health with reduce the risk of relapse, but depending on the age and breed there may be some kind of underlying medical problem that needs to be further investigated (often hyperadrenocorticism and entire reproductive status). I have come across a couple of dogs that achieve 'negative status' for mites but require life long (but sometimes intermittent or only a few days per week) treatment with ivermectin to prevent relapses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 I don't mean to disagree with anything Rappie says as I'm a nurse, not a Vet. I just wanted to add as a side note that we do occasionally see that type of thing in the remote community I visit - dogs who just don't respond for underlying reasons that we can't diagnose given our limited resources. BUT we have used Dectomax injectable in the clinic - off label, and the owners need to understand the risks. Have witnessed it work though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 I've treated dogs with nothing more than an all raw, all natural diet, aloe juice ( board certified ) and vitamin b complex injections. The nasty chemicals ( while they kill the might ) that you put on and in the dog are further weakening the immune system. I'd try all natural and see if the dog can recover on it's own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 On the farm when I was growing up, we used sump oil and sulphur powder - rub it all over the dog - and it's ok if they lick it. Worked a treat on the farm dogs, but wouldn't be all that pleasant on an indoor dog... errr! T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espinay2 Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 (edited) As mentioned you need to address the immune system internally. Good diet in general including things like fish oil, garlic, Vit c, a decent probiotic like Protexin etc which all assist immune function. If the owner is having a bad time, stress may also be a contributor for the dog. Wash the skin regularly with vinegar ( white is fine - sold in big bottles). This helps with secondary bacterial infection from itching and helps skin condition. If skin is broken, dilute a bit at first. You can also put it in a spray bottle to spray on between baths. I find the medicated washes to actually be too harsh as they remove too many of the natural oils. Something like Fidos herbal rinse is better IMO. Edited December 3, 2012 by espinay2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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