My westie developed dem mange 2 years ago at the age of 4, and since then it's been a nightmare with regular trips to vet and various meds, he's now on  a different wash for the mites + antibiotics (keflex), but he's constantly asleep now and very off form, i'm wondering is it the antibiotics that might be affecting him this way, would appreciate any help anyone can offer, it's awful looking at once a demented bubbly dog to a the zombie he is now. Thanks

Im sorry, your poor baby - Have you used Advocote? Spot on

I can vouch for the efficacy of the Advocate as a Friend has a 11 year old bitch whose immune system has been ruined by a virus and one of her problems now is Demodectic mange.  She finds that she must stick to the monthly dosing to avoid flare ups.

Hi we have had the same probelm with our shih tzu who has just turned 2. and we have used mitaban baths which arn't very nice and also advocate spot on its been 5 weeks since we started and have only just started to see an improvement he spent most of the day and night a sleep. We have also been giving him salmon oil and sulphur tablets twice aday. in addition to this we have reduced the amount of kibble dog food he eats and increased meat and fish. I am not exactly sure if all of the above is required however it seems to be working. He plays alot more and has begun to run around the park. so hope this helps

Gary

I agree Advocate is about the best spot on out there for mange.

Emma

tess was diagnosed with demodex mange at 6 months we used advote every month without fail and we have never had it return, also once a bitch has been diagnosed with this you should never allow her to have puupies.

Not just the bitches, a dog that has this should not be used either,a s it isn't the mites that are hereditary as such (most dogs have them) but the weak immune system that allow the number of mites to breed and get out of control causing symptoms.

I would imagine all the medication he is on is affecting his behaviour, he must feel really uncomfortable.  I'm no exptert on this but I do know that neem shampoo from neemgenie is a good product, they have a specific mite shampoo, and is gentle on the skin, might be worth a try rather than using all the medication?  www.neemgenie.co.uk

sorry brainless, yes of course

Advocate is fantastic for sarcoptic mange mite as well.  It sometimes takes an application 2 weeks apart for the first month then monthly afterward, with much less overall deterioration in the dogs condition than continuous oral medications cause.

NB only my opinion I am not a vet just a breeder and shower.

generalized demodex is very commomn and generally self limiting the was an article in the LRC news letter last month by Dr Raechel Peeples her opinion was the generalized demodex on 2-9 month old dog is NOT genetic more likely the result of a developing imature immune system

> generalized demodex is very commomn and generally self limiting the was an article in the LRC news letter last month by Dr Raechel Peeples her opinion was the generalized demodex on 2-9 month old dog is NOT genetic more likely the result of a developing imature immune system

Does anyone have this article?..is it available to view on the net?

Thanks :)

My chi puppy had demodex mange when i picked her up. She was the smallest and her immune system must of been weakened. I have read that the breeder should not treat it for a couple of weeks to see if it spreads. If it stays localised to a few spots on face, it shouldnt be hireditory and is more likely to be lowered immunity and is easily treated. If it spreads the pup or parents shouldnt be bred from. A breeder that treats too soon will never know if it might of spread. Also the immunity dont reach its strongest till around 18 months so it could still re-occure, obviously less likely with a good diet and care.
Luckily my little terror seems very healthy, her coats good, but theres one troublesome little bald spot and sometimes she a litle dry. I have used quistel that promotes hair growth but if anyone has tried any good products or has any tricks to promote a good coat i would love to hear from you. Obviously she on a good diet etc....
Thanks

Look on www.neemgenie.co.uk. They do shampoos etc.

If you give them a call and talk to David he will give you some great info regarding all sorts of stuff for your dog.

Thanks...i will do that and let you know what i find :) I also forgot to add on last post that hers didnt spread and was treated and cleared with a spot on from breeder very quickly. :)