This is a placeholder text
Group text
by amysavesjacks on 06 January 2013 - 01:01
Want to hear others opinions on breeding dogs who have previously had Demodex (not a current infection).
There is a breeder whose puppies keep cropping up with Demodex. It is my understanding that, while the actual mites are not inherited, the lack of antibodies to defend it are. Could also make the assumption that if that pup is unable to fight off demodex... it may possibly end up being a chronic skin/food allergy dog, or even other auto-immune issues.
Just feeling this is really unethical... but have to keep my lip zipped... so I'm voicing here. Maybe you guys could give me insight (or make me more pissed off at this breeder ... lol)
There is a breeder whose puppies keep cropping up with Demodex. It is my understanding that, while the actual mites are not inherited, the lack of antibodies to defend it are. Could also make the assumption that if that pup is unable to fight off demodex... it may possibly end up being a chronic skin/food allergy dog, or even other auto-immune issues.
Just feeling this is really unethical... but have to keep my lip zipped... so I'm voicing here. Maybe you guys could give me insight (or make me more pissed off at this breeder ... lol)
by GSD2727 on 06 January 2013 - 04:01
The "cause" of demodex is when the puppy's immune system is low/weak and allows the mites to get out of control. A normal healthy dog has a good immune system which keeps the mites (which you can find on almost all dogs) under control. There are a lot of reasons that a puppy's immune system can be weak and allow demodex to show up. Sure, it could be a genetic issue... a genetically weak immune system... or it could be that the immune system was weakened by environmental things.
If you are having multiple puppies in litters end up with demodex, then yes I would take a serious look at the dogs you are breeding.
If you are having multiple puppies in litters end up with demodex, then yes I would take a serious look at the dogs you are breeding.
by Blitzen on 06 January 2013 - 14:01
The recommendation is to not breed a bitch that has recovered from a case of generalized demodex or one that has produced generalized demodex in a previous litter. An active case of generalized demodex is a result of an underactive immune system while allergies are the result of an overactive immune system, both are signalments that the dog has inherited an immune system that is compromised.
by TingiesandTails on 06 January 2013 - 22:01
Dogs only suffer from Demodex mange when they have a compromised immune system. Would I buy a pup from a breeder that breeds dogs with a compromised immune system? NO!
In your case I would look behind the scene and find out, why those dogs have reoccuring demodex...kennels, food, hygiene, lack of exercise??
A bitch with a compromised immune system should not be bred.
In your case I would look behind the scene and find out, why those dogs have reoccuring demodex...kennels, food, hygiene, lack of exercise??
A bitch with a compromised immune system should not be bred.
by amysavesjacks on 07 January 2013 - 01:01
These puppies comes from a VERY highly respected stud dog on the east coast... I am actually extremely surprised that the owner of this stud would continue to allow her dog to breed with these females (though for all I know the stud had this problem as well). The kennels they come from are clean and well respected. And one of the pups in particular that has come from there not only had demodex, but looks like it is going to also have dysplasia.
by Judy P on 07 January 2013 - 01:01
Ok there is a big difference between localized and generalized demo. While Demo is indeed due to weakened immune system it is not necessarily always genetic. Simply a change in home, surgery, illness or a major change in their life can trigger an outbreak. If a bitch produced a litter with a puppy who broke with a localized case Iwould not overly worry. But if she continually produced puppies with generalized demo that would be the end of her breeding life.
by Judy P on 07 January 2013 - 01:01
BTW I have treated many dogs for Demo over the years doing rescue. I have been quite successful and have had vets refer clients to me for treatment. The worst was a Min Pin puppy who had its skin falling off in sheets because it had been burned by using a dip which was to strong. It tooks almost 10 weeks but a happy healthy puppy went home.
by amysavesjacks on 07 January 2013 - 01:01
I hear what your saying Judy... but I know alot of breeders who have never had pups with Demodex....ever.
by SitasMom on 07 January 2013 - 02:01
Puppy i know (not mine) is on a "Puppy Plan" at their local big box pet store...6 months old now..Everytime they go to their vet, she gets another vaccination - last week she had her 6th puppy vaccination!. She was spay at last month at 5 months and of course was given a dose of vaccinations at that time......They were feeding her Loyal dog food......she was eating her poop..... her owners yell at her instead of train her.
2 weeks later she came down with demo..........
stress.........most likely
weakened immune system from all the puppy vaccinations.......quite likely
crappy food.........could be....
Correct management of a pupy is also very important...........
2 weeks later she came down with demo..........
stress.........most likely
weakened immune system from all the puppy vaccinations.......quite likely
crappy food.........could be....
Correct management of a pupy is also very important...........
by Blitzen on 07 January 2013 - 14:01
Today generalized demodex is relatively easy to cure so some keep on breeding dogs that have produced it thinking it's not a big deal. Actually it is a very big deal.
The way we treat demodex today is much more successful, but that doesn't mean that dogs that have had or have produced generalized cases should still be used for breeding. They shouldn't as they are producing dogs with compromised immune systems that will produce more of the same. If I were looking for a puppy I would always be sure to ask about any incidents of demodex in the litter or from other litters. Localized is fairly common in this breed and is generally the result of stress due to a new home or as Sitasmom has said, too many vaccinations, etc. Those dogs rarely develop generalized cases but every case of generalized begins as localized, so it is still a reason for concern.
The way we treat demodex today is much more successful, but that doesn't mean that dogs that have had or have produced generalized cases should still be used for breeding. They shouldn't as they are producing dogs with compromised immune systems that will produce more of the same. If I were looking for a puppy I would always be sure to ask about any incidents of demodex in the litter or from other litters. Localized is fairly common in this breed and is generally the result of stress due to a new home or as Sitasmom has said, too many vaccinations, etc. Those dogs rarely develop generalized cases but every case of generalized begins as localized, so it is still a reason for concern.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top