Demodex

Rocky has had Demodex for about 6 weeks now. It is around 3cm round and between his eye and ear. It doesnt bother him whatsoever but it bothers me. Its unsightly and I am paranoid people think I am neglecting him.

The vet wasnt concerned and just gave some flee treatment and suggested that treatment could work but advised me that Rockys immune system should fight the Demodex off over the next few weeks.

Has anyone else any experience of Demodex and any treatment tips that may get rid of it.

Bailey has just gotten rid of this had to have a bath
In some smelly stuff once a week for two weeks then did
Skin scrape and tested the hair frolics to make sure had gone
Fur is now growing back and has to have advocate on for couple weeks

Rocky is 5 months old btw.

Thanks Donsey

Did Bailey have a skin scrape before the baths?

I'm surprised the vet did not suggest the usual bath products ad antibiotics. They recover really well from demodex but need the appropriate treatment to help boost their immune system. Perhaps you would consider a second opinion and skin scrapes?

The fur will take a while to grow back but it does!

Saz one of our admin her daisy had demodex so she'll be able to advise you I'm surprised the vet isn't giving treatment for it

Yes bob on first visit to vets did scrape and put under microscope
As didn't want us to treat him with shampoo unless had too
Then after two washes in treatment rechecked and had to have two clear checks
To make sure completely gone now have to use advocate once a week for two weeks then back to
Monthly treatment
bailey is 26 weeks old

Hi Bob, Daisy had very severe demodex shortly after I rescued her and was on Aludex dips, Ivermectin and anto biotics for the skin infection, not a happy time! She has fully recovered and to help strengthen her immune system and keep the mites away I have used  few different things.

Apple cider vinegar added to food, the acidity can help keep the mites away, this has lots of health benefits and I still use it as do many of our members

Echinachea powder added to food to strengthen the immune system, I have stopped using this now.

Neem - powder added to food a few days each week, this can strengthen the immune system and also the mites don't like it. You can also add the powder to water to make a tea and apply to the skin or buy oil and add to shampoo or make a spray - if you google it you'll find lots of info

Vitamin B complex supplement tablets - I am still giving her one a day.

I have recently changed to raw food which should strengthen her immune system also so when I've finished the vit b tablets I may try without them.

It is true what the vets says that a pups immune system may fight it off without treatment but it also may not. If the patch has not improved after 6 weeks I would go back to the vet as he may need some treatment. Has the patch got bigger since your last visit?

Hope this helps, any questions just ask  

Thanks for all the replies.

Sazzle - The patch has got slightly bigger since the vets visit which was 4 weeks ago.

Are the dips/washes full body or just local to the infected area?

Full body! If the patch is getting bigger I would go back to the vet x

Rocky has been to the vets and had a skin scrape.
The results showed that there were 3-4 mites per scrape but the mites appeared dead. The vet suggested the Advocate flea treatment could be working.
The vet gave me some options.
.Leave things as they are to see if things improve as the Advocate could be working.
.Buy a bottle of Aludex from the vet [£30] and give him a couple of washes.
.Vet to give the washes which works out at £71 per wash.

I have insurance so expense isnt an issue.

If the mites were dead, I'd probably continue with the advocate and maybe go back for another scrape in a couple of weeks, the dips are really awful so I would avoid if you can x

I agree with sax, fingers crossed that's the end if it