Demodectic Mange Linda Faris, DVM, CVA Boxer Rescue April 22, 2006 Hollis Renewal Center

Lecture  What is demodectic mange?  What causes demodectic mange?  Why do some dogs get it and others not?  Different presentations of demodicosis.  How is it diagnosed?  Why is it hard to diagnose?  How is it treated?  Incorporating alternative therapies.  Case Study

What is demodectic mange? Dermatitis caused by a follicle mite.  Folliculitits  Small or large areas of allopecia  Erythema  Seborrhea  Bacterial pyoderma  Itching

What causes demodectic mange?  Demodex canis mite  Genetic susceptibility  Doberman  Schnauzer  Shar Pei  Weimaraner  German Shepherd  Samoyed  Beagle  Boxer?

Why do some dogs get it and others not?  Almost all normal dogs have a few  Exposure while nursing  Hand raised pups don’t get it  Individual immune system issues  Weak individual  Stress  Treatments  Vaccine  Spot on flea and tick products  Poor quality diet  Steroids

How is it diagnosed?  Physical Examination  Skin Scraping  Biopsy-histopathology  Trial therapy-evaluate response

Why is it hard to diagnose?  Different presentations  Severe symptoms  Few mites  Multiple skin scrapings  Expensive-multiple attempts at diagnosis  Often mistaken for allergies  Often mistaken for fleas  Treatment for allergies makes it worse

Diagnostic tests Skin Scraping

Microscopic

Different presentations  Generalized  Localized  Face  Feet  Abdomen  Spot  Vaccine location  Chemical burn

How is it treated? Traditional Medicine  *Mitaban Dip (Amitraz)  *Ivermectin  *Interceptor (milbemycin)  *Topical organo-phosphates  *Antibiotics

Incorporating Alternative Therapies in a treatment protocol  Stop doing anything that stresses the patient  Immune support  Colostrum/IgG/Plant Sterinols/Antioxidants  Diet and nutritional support  Natural foods  Vitamins  Fatty Acid supplements  Acupuncture  Chinese Herbal Medicine  Tonify the Blood  Move the Blood  Treat infection

Herbal Prescription

The bugs

Case Study Georgie

Demodectic Mange  Presented February 7, 2003  Owner lived in Independence  Found us because we carried Amore (frozen raw)  15 month old Female spayed Pitbull  History  Found in July as a stray  Multiple other therapies by other vets  Vaccinated multiple times  Spayed w/severe dermatitis

February 7, 2003

February 17, 2003

April 15, 2003

August 5, 2003

Treatment Included  Chinese Herbs (1 year duration)  Cephalexin 500 mg BID (2 months)  Medicated baths 2/week  Ivermectin injections (6)  Mitaban Dips (4) started when most of the sores were healed (March 21, 2003)  Acupuncture (6)  March 11, 2002 –June 4, 2003

October 29,2003

April 20, 2004  Needed Rabies vaccine-trouble & high risk Breed-likely to bite-kills cats  3 year Rabies vaccine administered  Herbal remedy with ingredients to help Liver and immune system cope with challenge of vaccine.  No adverse reaction or return of symptoms

February 22, 2005 Mild outbreak of skin symptoms Related to change in diet One herbal prescription resolved symptoms

Georgie March 16, 2006

Questions? Thank You For all you give to the rescue dogs. For asking me to share my passion and work with you. For referring pets and people to our practice.