My 17 month old Australian Shepherd was diagnosed with demodectic mange a few months back. I have been treating her with ivermectin as well as a collar that is suppose to help control the outbreaks as well as fleas. She gets regualr baths with a hypo-allergenic shampoo. She recently had an outbreak and it is really bad this time despite all of our precautions. Her eye is also getting inflammed again as well as oozing. The poor thing is so miserable I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions that might help ease her itchies? I've tried everything that I know of to make her as comfy as possible. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it!

Have you tried allergy shots? I have never heard of mange affecting the eyes.

When she first starting getting sick I thought it was allergies but the vet told me it was the mange. Her eyes were really runny and puffy and the area around them got really red. I know it affects the face and the paws and around the tail mostly. She's been getting benadryl to help but even it doesn't seem to be helping anymore. :???:

I have a dog with a severe repeating case of this as well. The products are well described and you will get some relief. It will still be necessary to stay on top of the situation. I am currently working on some nutritional solution for a more permanent solution. They say this condition occurs when the dog's immune system is down. I will let you know if I find a solution since this is an awful condition to which vets give you no real solution if the traditional treatment doesn't work. Also mange can affect the eyes. The mites must get into the tissue around the eyes making them itch and irritated also.

[lulusmom]

Adult dogs do not get demodectic mange unless their immune system has been compromised. If an adult dog has repeated infestations, there is a very apparent underlying condition that has weakened the immune system. Dermatologists will immediately start testing for common conditions that wreak havoc on the immune system. Cushing's, hypothyroidism, cancer and heartworms are the top four conditions and none can be effectively controlled with holistic treatment(s). I have three dogs with Cushing's in my home....two are forever mine and one is a foster. Two of the three had demodectic mange prior to being diagnosed and placed on treatment. Both required long term treatment with Ivermectin and one had two relapses requiring additional treatment with Ivermectin. Unless there is a secondary bacterial infection accompanying the demodectic mange, dogs usually aren't itchy. Neither of my dogs were and they had generalized demodex which is the worst form. Their skin and fur would peel off in sheets when I bathed them. It was horrible and thank goodness we found out what was causing it.

[Twang]

I had a dane that had Demodex so bad she had no fur from her collar up. Her whole head was one big sore. I tried several things to no avail. I did the mitaban dips on her and she healed up or I should say the vet did the dips on her. I know alot of people are against using the mitaban but it worked for my dog. I hope this helps you and that your little one gets better. It took about 8 dips before she was mange free. She has a small spot that comes back on her leg once a year but it gets no bigger than dime size and its easy to treat.

[danyawinters]

Have you read up on demodectic manage at all? It is a mite that is not contageous as most dogs already have these mites on their bodies. Generally, a dog with demodectic mange has a depleated immune system, so their natural immune system is not fighting the mites - as it would in most normal, healthy dogs...

We often treat dogs with demodectic mange with a product called "advantage multi". This is an oil which you apply between the shoulder blades - it fights fleas, ticks, parasites and mange mites...

We have also used Ivermectin and it is very effective - but note that it is toxic to Austrailan Shepherds, Collies and crosses of these breeds! It can be very effective in treating mange... I am pretty sure you are NOT supposed to use flea collars with Ivermectin. You may be overdosing your dog!

The very best treatment for mange alongside Ivermectin is simply time to re-built his immune system. Get him on a good quality diet, make sure that he is up-to-date on vaccinations, and keep him healthy and happy. Make sure he gets exercise, affection and love - because when his immune system gets back into shape - it will take care of everything else

I was just re-reading your post. Please go back to your vet and change medications! There is a genetic mutation of the MDR1 gene which is common in Australian Shepherds and Collies. Ivermectin and other anti-parasitics can be toxic to dogs with this genetic mutation. Vets normally never prescribe Ivermectin for these breeds because of this! Do a search on the internet if you like - type "Ivermectin Australian Shepherds" and see for yourself... It is a known and common problem... Actually, if you read the info with the Ivermectin, I know it says it in there as well... I really hope your dog is okay!

[Yogi]

You are replying to a post that is 2 years old. No longer a member here.

[Jules]

Hi - hope someone can help, a friend asked if we would have her 10 month old bull terrier girl as her other dogs were attacking her,she was/is a highly stressed bitch (although not as bad as when we first got her - she used to be sick if she came into the house and will not move if a leash in on her) she is now 18 months old and when I let het out for a run all her hair goes up and she runs round with a slight grumble even when a flock of birds fly over she gets agitated, I have spoke to my friend as my new girl had/has cirlces of hair loss and sore/red feet, my friend said that she had pressure sores from when she slept or laid but now after reading the internet I believe she may have mange, I spoke to my friend and she seemed to know about mange and was just ordering a dip for one of her other dogs and wiil order some for me. Also Can other dogs sense there is something wrong with another dog as I have 2 bitches of my own who does not like to be near our new girl (one even climbed over a fence to get away from her) and when my dogs was mated neither of them caught pregnant - please any advise is appreciated