Demodectic Mange (not sure how to spell it)?

Question

My doggy Oscar (a boxer) has had this 3 times in his short year in a half of life. Every time he has to be dipped 4 to 8 times in some toxic poison which he looks ill after and take an orally medication initially. I am losing my mind because this is soooo costly. He is neutered because I do not want some other dog going through this suffering.

Is there anything I can do to build his immune up..What is the best dog food out there that is full of nutrition. Right now he is on Beneful. Are there supplements? Please help me. My vet says supplements don't seem to work...I think that is a bunch of c**p, but not sure since I really don't know...Thanks help.

Answer 1

First step is to dump the Beneful.  It's not a very good food.  Try a different brand like Wellness, Canidae, or other no corn food.  A lot of the tendency toward demodectic mange, which you spelled just fine, is hereditary.  One way to help prevent it is a decent diet and reduction in any stressful events in his life.  Glad you were responsible and neutered him.  

Sounds like they are doing Lyme dips for him, as well as possibly ivermectin. Pretty standard procedure.  I assume they explained to you that the mites are present in all dogs, but stress and other factors prevent the natural defenses to them most dogs have, which is what causes the flare-ups.  Not a whole lot I can reliably suggest other than food change and stress reduction.  Good luck.

Answer 2

You're correct in wanted to boost his immune system.  While the demodex mites are not inherited per se, the immune deficiency can be inherited, making your dog less able to resist the mites.   The protocol your vet followed is standard, but switching to a better food can only help.  Many of the premium foods have ingredients to support a healthy immune system, or a raw food diet may help.   Salmon oil supplements may help his immune system.

Some of these foods may be a good choice, Orijen is an excellent one.  Good luck.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_...

Answer 3

You spelled it correctly.

Ask your vet about treating with Ivermectin.  It is the DOC for most vets to treat for mange.  It will be off-label use, but it's the most effective when treating a dog for mange.  It's also fairly inexpensive.

Here, have a read: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_dem...

ADD: Glad Jen was able to add all of that info for you.  Take her advice.  "Taking a Breather" is really wreaking havoc for me today as I'm unable to post all of what I want.

Answer 4

Some dogs are very susceptible to mange and it is hard to treat and cure.  There isn't a magic cure and your vet is your best avenue to treat this.  Just the luck of the draw at this point.  

Answer 5

The site listed below is a fabulous treasure trove of mange info!!

It looks like you are treating the illness factor but demodectic mange can also result from alot of stress. Is there something in the home that may be affecting him?