Demodectic Mange - Page 1

Hello everyone, I was wondering has anyone had experience with this condition, if so what were the outcomes? How did you as the owner handle this situation? How did the breeder respond?

All dogs have it,treat with ivermectin. Puppies when stressed will cause a out break. Can give ivermectin orally or apply to affected area.

Thanks. The vet told me that all dogs have the demodex mite but the immune system is what keeps it in check. He also stated that when females are beginning to have hormonal changes (come into season) the tend to have outbreaks. He also said this is 100% genetic and a dog that has this should not be bred, because it is a weakness in the genes just like in dysplasia. For all you breeders how would you handle this situation?

gimme10mins-- Sorry, but you scare me. I assume one of the dogs you have recently acquired might possibly have demodex. Are you interested in finding out a breeder's take on the disease so if it is genetic, you can return the dog; or, do you want advice on how to combat the symptoms? If it's the latter, try reading www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/bulletins_read/45050.html#45119 Scroll down to LMH. My dog has been totally under control so far. No deviations from the supplements.

Im looking for both. I don't wish to return my dog, however I have taken her to the vet today to get a spot check on her foot and the vet told me that is was in fact demodectic mange. I know how to treat the condition medically but I was wondering how breeders view the condition and what they do if a buyer has purchased a dog that begins to show symptoms.

How old is she? She could have one outbreak and not ever have another.It is hormonal changes when they are young.

one more thing, it is genetic in all dogs, maybe you might want a cat?

Demodex is not genetic. Like others said all dogs have it. That has nothing to do with genes. A poor immune system can be genetic which is why I think people think Demodex is genetic. But with that being said, there are other things that can hurt the immune system besides genetics! Poor diet, vaccinations, chemical flea preventative, other chemicals the dog can come into contact with, stress, etc. I personally would not treat it with ivermectin or other chemicals as while that may kill the mites (not the real problem to begin with) you are just hurting the immune system (the real problem) more with those treatments. A breeder should want to know about this, and should keep track of it and take it into consideration. But with many other things affecting or possibly causing the problem, I do not think the breeder should be responsible for it. Just my opinion of course.

Thanks GSD2727 I really appreciate it. I was just curious as to everyone elses experience.

I agree with you GSD2727 that heartworm and flea preventative medicine takes its toll further on the immune system--that is why I do everything to boost my young guy's immune system (the supplements in the thread I recommended). Without the milbemycin oxime in Interceptor or Sentinel that is given every month, my dog goes crazy scratching. I know exactly when a month to 5 weeks have passed because he starts with the ears. I have no choice.