Mange concern

Hello all

My 20-month-old gorgeous Whippet cross has contracted what I believe is sarcoptic mange, according to the description of the symptoms. He has lost most of the fur from his ears and much behind his ears, his ear tips are scabbed. He is not itching the area too much, but the condition looks sore and terrible.

The vet has seen him and prescribed Advocat and antibiotics. He was already dosed with Advocat monthly to protect against fleas and other conditions such as mange. These prescriptions had no impact and the condition is getting much worse. He has just had a further regular monthly treatment with Advocat.

I am now trying homemade remedies including use of apple cider vinegar both orally and in spray, and covering the impacted areas with olive oil or Vaseline which in theory, prevents the mites from breathing. In addition, he is washed using medicated wash, and I'm washing and changing his collars, bedding and blankets to avoid reinfection. Its early days with these remedies but they appear to have no impact so far and his ears still look very painful and dreadful. I have no faith in the vet as the last one gave him two minutes at most, did not skin test for mange (which is not definitive but could have been helpful) and they only seem to prescribe antibiotics whatever the condition - he's had two (in my opinion pointless) lots of antibiotics in six months.

Can anyone advise how to cure this condition and help my poor little man.

Many thanks - any advice appreciated.


 Maria Johnson, by email

Breeony Hunt, vet (BVM&S MRCVS) at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, advises...

Skin conditions can be really difficult to diagnose and treat. We often start by looking for what is common, and working down a long list!

Sarcoptic mange in dogs nearly always causes severe itching, so if you dog has never had this symptom, it would make the diagnosis less likely.

There is another type of mange that can affect dogs, called demodectic mange. This is diagnosed by your vet doing a skin scrape- scraping off a small area of skin cells with a small blade, and examining them under the microscope.

Some complimentary therapies can help skin conditions, but they should always be used under the direction of your vet. In fact, the frequent bathing you are doing may be washing off the mange treatment, making it less effective.

Skin infections often need prolonged courses of antibiotics to treat the secondary infection, but it is really important that you treat the underlying disease.

As you say your dog is uncomfortable, I urge you to find a vet and get started towards a diagnosis, so you can get him on the most appropriate course of treatment.

Any tips for surviving mange? URGENT

These poor unfortunates were found dumped in two cardboard boxes, in a lay-by, near Spilsby , Lincolnshire on one of the cold frosty mornings a couple of weeks ago.
They have all had their tails docked and were in a poor condition suffering from mange and worms. They are six weeks old and of the Jack Russell type.

It is only speculation on my part but I believe they were bred with the intention of being sold as 'a breed', but then dumped when the owner realised they were going to cost money in vets fees.
Fortunately the pups were found by a kind burger van owner and are now recovering at the charity's kennels. Keith's Rescue Dogs). I dread to think what could have happened to them.
This of course is not responsible breeding, but I fear we shall see more of it. I hope these people can be found and prosecuted.
Unfortunately one of the pups died in the early hours this morning.
The remaining puppies are in a bad way suffering from mange. I know that these mites can kill the pups, but the dips also seem to devastate them further.
We are desperate for the other pups to live, they have been through so much, and wonder if anyone could give us advice on an gentler alternative treatment. I understand that diet is important to boost the pups immune system and we are working on that.
I would be very grateful for any help you could offer.

Thank you
Joan (Keith's Rescue Dogs)

Just received this update:
Thanks to everyone who has responded. At present the remaining pups seem to be holding their own, but I am passing all information received to Keith, who in turn is passing it on to the people who are caring for the pups in the kennels.
Apparently the little girl that died succumbed to pneumonia. We don't know how long they had been left without treatment before they were dumped, but they were obviously very weak. Heaven knows what state the mum is in, if she is still alive.
I would like to get hold of the people responsible and dip them.
Thank you all
Joan (Keith's Rescue Dogs)

Sorry I've been away for a few days visiting my mother (who is 95 and not in great health).
Hope pups surviving - yes, good healthy additive free diet needed, and immune system boosters, especially Echinacea, Vitamins A,C,E and Selenium, Royal jelly: plus homoeopathic meds - usually Psorinum helps but depends on precise symptoms
Let me know if more advice needed
All the best
Richard Allport, alternative vet

Thank you Richard. I have passed on this advice to Keith. Remaining pups are starting to rally a bit now, and are acting a little more like puppies i.e. running towards their food and barking. I can't wait to see them myself. I haven't been near them yet as I have had a virus and was afraid I might pass it on.
Thanks again
Joan