Demodex getting worse?

Hi everyone,

A few weeks ago I posted this topic, https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t40215-loss-of-fur We found some bald patches and after a trip to the vets they had discovered Rocky had Demodex.

We were prescribed a treatment of Advocate, one treatment was applied on the 4th July, another treatment on the 18th July and another to be applied on the 18th August, as well as a medicated shampoo, which was what the vet had told us to do. Rocky has now been itching and nibbling his skin in quite a few places, especially where the bald patches are, and these has only been over the last few days, as well as more bald patches showing up, the previous patches are losing more fur.

We have made an appointment to take him to the vets tomorrow, but can anyone tell me if this is normal to get worse before it gets better? I'm worried out of my mind for him, and hate that this is irritating him

Ive attached pictures to show the patches.

This patch on his neck is a new one.


This one is on his back paw, he had this from the first visit to the vets, it has gotten slightly worse.


This is also one from the first visit, which is now getting worse and extending down the front paw under his arm also.


This is one of the right side of his muzzle, it the loss of fur has spread quite a bit.

Unfortunately I'm on my work computer so can't see the pics but Daisy did look alot worse after she started her treatment, which at first was the 'dips'. Basically any hair that had a mite living in the folical fell out, turned out she was covered in them  

I don't know if the same applies for your treatment that's the only thing  

Sounds like you're doing the right thing going to the vets xx

Aww Maria, poor rocky it's not something I've dealt with but saz's daisy had demodex so perhaps she can help

You know it probably is the same, both treatments are to kill the mites!

Thanks Sazzle and Hayley.

Ahh its just horrible seeing him go through this, breaks my heart, he is as happy as larry, but I can tell it is getting to him I hope it clears up soon!

I'm sure it will, poor Rocky  He's only young, his immune system hasn't developed properly yet.

Simple things u can do to help the irritation and quicken healing.

Use dermacton spray on irritated areas - it's a homeopathic solution that has cured many skin probs.

Give some immune boosting vitamins, vitamin b complex is a good place to start.

Feed a good balanced grain free diet.

Add some evening primrose oil to his food daily and look into getting keepers mix from dorwest herbs.

That's all that comes to mind at the mo - it is and can be a very nasty skin condition - the main thing is strengthening the immune system.

I will definitely take on that advice, that's fantastic! Thanks Jackieb

Well we took Rocky to the vets this afternoon, and she had found another large patch hidden around his neck area, well she did a sticky tape test and pulled some fur out to check under the microscope, she was worried there might have been a secondary skin infection, and had suggested that we start him on an 'off label' medication that was used mainly in larger animals such as horses, but that they had used it on staffys before but there is some risk involved. I was worried when she had said this as I really didn't want to do that, but after checking the tape and fur she found LOADS of DEAD mites Yay!!   So Basically we need to keep giving him the Advocate treatment once a fortnight and the shampoos, and hopefully they will keep dying! She said them dying off is probably irritating him more, but it could take 6 months to completely clear. Either way, so happy that something is working for him

Great to hear it's working. It's such a shame that it has to get worse before it gets better, though.

The Dermacton spray is supposed to be really good to soothe iriitated skin.

Dermacton also make a soap - so it might be worth getting that and wash him once a week.

X

Had a look and they do deliver worldwide so it maybe worth ordering some if it's not going to clear up quickly, I have the spray and the cream which is good for round the mouth x

Caryll, I know it is horrible that is has to get worse, but as long as his treatment is working and I know im doing something right to help, we just have to be patient.

The soap sounds fantastic, I'll have to order some for his baths.
Thanks for letting me know they delivery worldwide Saz

Thanks everyone