Hi Everyone

Does anyone know how long it takes for the symptoms of "walking dandruff" to disappear.  Our 12 week old Cocker Maddy was treated with a good dousing of Frontline spray on Tuesday as per the vet's instructions, and the dandruff seemed to get a bit better over the next day or so.  But we've noticed this morning that it seems as bad as ever. 

We've parted her coat and looked at her skin, and it does seem to be a lot less dry and scabby, but the dandruff doesn't seem to be getting any less.

Any ideas anyone?

The mite Cheyletiella is also known as walking dandruff. If this is what it is (and that has been diagnosed with the dandruff being checked in  a microscope, so that it isn't just normal dandruff), the most effective treatment is Ivermectin. It isn't licensed for anything but farm animals and certain breeds, eg collies and collie crosses, cannot be given it. Ask your vet. I have had Cheyletiella in my cats several times and always used Ivermectin to treat it. It is really easy as it can either be injected or given by mouth so no bathing required. I know it says that frontline is meant to work, but I haven't found this to be true myself.

Marianne

hi Marianne

Yes, the vet confirmed it was Cheyletiella, but assured us that the Frontline would do the trick (not convinced mind).  They also prescribed Maddy antibiotics to treat the dermatitise caused by the mites.

I just wondered how long it should take before we see any real improvements, as if we don't see any change by a certain time, we'll know to try something else.  Any ideas?

Frontline will clear it as one of my BC's picked it up as a pup,My vet however told me that I may need to spray her a second time about a week after the first and this is what I did.

Just to add if you are worried about putting more frontline on your puppy try spraying a small amount on your brush and groom her instead

when I've used Ivermectin I've noticed a difference after about 3 days.

Marianne

Ivermectin is not licensed for animals other than farm animals in the UK & this & this are interesting & just one of the reasons it is not licensed for dogs

Yes that's what I said Moonmaiden. :) But it's still invaluable at certain times, when it is not for breeds that can be at risk, and it's grate for cats, guinea pigs etc, I even use it for birds. :)

It is not just collies or collie crosses that can be at risk & should not be used on any dog that hasn't had the DNA test done(as advised by my vet who does not perscribe it except as licensed)

Hi Frontline is very good but you could also ask your vet if he can give you Saleen shampoo that gets rid of the cheylientella mite, in fact ive just used it on my three boxers today, but im not totally sure you can use it on a puppy but you can ask the vet for their advise

what antibiotics did your vet prescribe?

I used STRONGHOLD.You will need a prescription for it but your vet should give you one if asked.
It cleared my dogs up very quickly and effectively
Archer

Benzyl Benzoate.  Quick, cheap, safe and easy!  Kills anything that moves - so my Vet said!!

The vet prescribed Synulox, which apparently is brilliant.  The breeder from whom we bought Maddy apparently swears by it - it can be given to puppies, pregnant bitches etc and cures a whole host of things.

She also mentioned this benzyl benzoate - any ideas where we can get this from (please don't see on presciption from the vet!) :o)

But Synulox is an antibiotic!  Why would that be given for creepy crawlies???

Benzyl benzoate is purchased very cheaply from any chemist.

Synulox, being a broad-spectrum antibiotic, will only cure problems caused by bacterial infection. ;)