I just got off the phone with our vet and the biopsy results for Edsel show demodecosis or "puppy mange." He says it's caused by a sensitivity and overgrowth of some of the mites that normally live on all dogs and is seen a lot in puppies and senior dogs because of immature or weakened immune systems. He was very calm and stressed that it's very treatable and he is confident it will clear, but because it is systemic in Edsel, several spots on all different places, he has to take oral medication for likely up to 2 months. We go in this afternoon to meet with him, go over the treatment and pick up the medication. I am so worried about side effects or long term effects but my vet says we will slowly increase the dose and watch him closely. Has anyone had experience with this? Lori
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried I've had a lot a puppies as well as adult dogs come through my kennels with demodex. We used to joke that it was the 'good' sort of mange because it's not contagious and easier to treat! I don't think I ever saw a dog that had long term health or skin issues as a result of having demodex, though I understand that this is often a worry and can sometimes happen. I'll bet the cases I saw were so much more severe than Edsels though as these were very often dogs who had been straying or neglected for months. Some were totally bald with open sores. They all made full recoveries. The thing to do is to go and make a list of all your queries and take them along when you see your vet tonight so you don't forget anything you want to ask. The treatment sounds like it could be steroids (only guessing as you said the vet mentioned about slowly increasing the dose) though I have also seen it treated using medicated baths and topical treatments that will kill the mites, alongside steroids to reduce the itching.
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried It was thought that my pup may have this as he was moth eaten underneath and his legs and very thin coat underneath. He had two months of Advocate and Effavet Capsules for his skin. It cleared up, but six months later I "think" it is starting again, he has been scratching just a little and had a couple of moth eaten places, so I have put him 3 months Advocate, he has nearly finished month one. As others on the forum know, I don't like using products such as Advocate routinely unless there is a problem. When he last had Advocate it rained every day and as it is advisable not to get the coat too wet, this may have reduced its efficacy. It is a bind as I cannot do any water training with him Don't worry, it isn't the end of the world and I am sure will not be a long term problem with today's medications.
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried I know your worried about the treatment Lori but at least the diagnosis isn't a bad one. It's not nice but it's not bad. :-\ I agree with Lauren make a list of your concerns to take to the vet so you don't forget anything. I'm rubbish at that I will leave the vets and then remember something I should've asked. : It's not usually a good idea to google info on illness etc because you can get scare stories and make yourself feel worse. However as long as you don't panic you could google the treatment for demodecosis then you would have some info to base your questions on. From the sound of it though it's not uncommon. My two had 6 weeks of antibiotics and a special diet for urine crystals when they were 4/5 months old. I gave them a probiotic supplement because of the antibiotic and I mixed the food with their puppy food as the diet would not sustain growth. They had no side effects that I could see. Try not to worry the vet will give you the best advice. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried It's horrible when they are poorly, but I'm sure your vet will reassure you with his treatment. At least it was diagnosed quite quickly good luck tonight x
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried Thanks all. Our vet is wonderful and very calming, so I feel confident in him. Hoping Edsel just responds well to treatment and the medicine doesn't cause him problems. Poor little pupperkins.
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried It's great that you have a diagnosis - with treatment Edsel will recover just fine. All dogs have demodex mites - every single dog. Every dog on this forum. They get them as puppies from their mother. That's why they are not contagious - because all dogs have them already! But mostly the immune system keeps the mite numbers under control and actual mite numbers are very low and never present a problem. If the immune system isn't quite doing its job (eg because it's not fully up to speed yet, as with a puppy) then the mites can get the upper hand and multiply to reach numbers that start to have visible effects. Treatment will give Edsel's immune system a hand and help him put those mites back in their box. In time his immune system will full develop and will be able to manage on its own. The treatment is probably not steroids as they have an immune suppressing effect (which you don't want). Steroids can make this problem worse. Treatment will be something that kills mites. It will work and he'll be fine
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried I can understand why you feel worried, but everyone's experiences sound very reassuring. Of course we don't want to medicate our dogs unnecessarily, but sometimes it is needed and very few dogs have adverse reactions. Hope Edsel's skin clears up soon.
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried Home from a rousing trip to the vet. Edsel was bonkers and extremely irate and a rude woman was shouting and arguing with one of the staff. Rather nerve wracking! . Had Edsel's biopsy incisions checked out and as I suspected, he's popped 1 stitch in each site. There is no keeping him any calmer than I've managed. Started first dose of treatment tonight and am quite anxious. Using Ivomec orally and the possible reactions are a little frightening but hopefully, we won't see any of them. Guess now it's just treat, wait, watch and hope for the best. Lori
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried Collie type breeds should never have ivermectin in high doses, as some individuals have a problem gene that can result in a fatal response to too much of the drug. But a Labrador - no problem They don't carry the problem gene. There is a genetic test for the gene that Collie owners can have done. Ivomec (or Ivermectin) is a very widely used drug and is very safe and effective against mites (in non-Collies). There are a number of variants e.g. selamectin (which is in the spot-on treatment Revolution), moxidectin (which is in the spot-on treatment Advocate) which are used on a huge range of species other than dogs - chickens (I use it on my chickens), cows, horses, pigs and humans.... So, relax I'm sure he will be absolutely fine and the only ones who should be shaking in their boots are the mites!! [size=6pt]Edited to say that moxidectin is in Advocate[/size]
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried I cant add anything other than to say good luck with Edsel, you really have had a rough ride recently x
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried I don't know anything about this - but it sounds like it's not an unusual problem, and you have a vet you trust (I'm not pushing aside your worries - I worry like mad about my dog!). But it does sound as though you've done all the right things, got a proper diagnosis and proper treatment. That's the important thing. Hope it clear up soon. Pats to Edsel from us.
Re: Skin issue diagnosed...so worried Thanks for the support everyone. I'm sure all will be fine and Edsel will have all his missing fur bits back in no time. I think I fret over him more than I did my kids! I'm a nurse and comfortable with people problems, but this sweet pup gives me fits. Lori
