Golden Retriever Dog Forums banner

Sarcoptic mange

2K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Wenderwoman 
#1 ·
Francis was diagnosed with sarcoptic mange two weeks ago and we've been treating it with medical shampoos. It's gotten to a point where he now has to wear a cone 24/7 to stop him from scratching himself.
The cone makes everything a bit more difficult, as it prevents him from doing a lot of things, so he's not very happy at the moment. I've been told to buy some cod liver oil and vaseline to help with the itching, but they said that the treatment will most likely take another 4 weeks and they can't give him steroids because his immune system is too weak.

The vet told me that sarcoptic mange is only contagious to dogs and that we don't have to worry about washing our clothes and sheets every day (which is what we've been doing), as it won't make any difference. Is this true?

We clean his wounds every day and apply aloe vera to the effected areas. Is there anything that could help speed up the process and heal my puppy's skin?
 
#2 ·
If I remember right sarcoptic mange is in the blood stream and demodectic mange is on the skin and contagious. We used to do weekly dips for this at the clinic as mange is a mite, it's a bug. If you have sores antibiotics might be necessary to help prevent other problems. I'm no vet but would certainly be asking for some pain / anti itch medication. Hope your poor pup finds some relief soon.
 
#3 ·
1. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to other pets, and people!

2. Sarcoptic mange can be completely irradicated with application of Revolution Heartworm prevention. The first application kills them, then you repeat the application at least two more times either 2 weeks apart, or a month apart to make sure the infection is fully removed.

Unless there is a medical reason your dog can't have it, ask your vet for the Revolution, if they won't give it to you, find another vet. Actually, I not be happy with this vet all since he told you it's not contagious to people, it is and yes you should be washing your bedding in hot water if your dog has been on your bed.
 
#4 ·
Mylissyk is absolutely right. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can be spread to humans. The mite will not thrive on human skin as it will on a dog's skin but it will cause itching for several days. It is also extremely contagious to other dogs.
If it was me I would be inclined to find another vet. Telling you that it could not be spread to humans was foolish. In addition to the medicated baths you are using there are a number of oral and topical medications which can be used. A knowledgeable vet can help you with this. One other thing
..before using Revolution or any other Ivermectin product make sure your dog is tested for heartworm.
 
#5 ·
Thank you for responding!

Unfortunately, Revolution is not available in the UK.

I've done a lot of online research and I'm 100% sure it's sarcoptic mange because he showed it to me under the microscope. I know it's contagious, that's why I was really confused when he told me that I didn't have to wash my bedding, etc. Gonna have to find another vet.

The treatment is very expensive and I can't pay for it with pet insurance because Francis was already sick when we got him. :(
 
#7 ·
Bumping up....
Sorry, I didn't realize you were in the UK. Is Ivermectin available there? That is the ingredient in Revolution and other heartworm meds that will help treat it. I'm not a vet but have had a rescue who had SM when I got her. If you change vets ask about it. There are also steroids which can help with the itching as well as antibiotics which can treat any infection which may occur as a result of it. I know you said Francis had a weak immune system and that steriods were not an option because of that. Hopefully a reputable vet can offer alternatives which will treat and lessen the itching. I know some of the treatments are not terribly expensive. Hopefully by bumping this one of the vets on GRF will see this and can advise you further. I would, however, consider switching vets as it concerns me that your current vet told you SM was not contagious to humans. And also, don't forget to wash your dog's bedding or bed in hot water with bleach otherwise you will just keep re-infecting him. Thank you for trying to do what is best for Francis and get him healthy.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I have had a dog with sarcoptic mange and one with demodectic mange. Both were treated with topicals but different topicals. It was a long time ago for the sarcoptic but I think it was Revolution and it was three rounds. We began trying antibiotics but they never cleared it up. The topicals worked great. In addition, I bathed her often and wiped the hair loss areas with either pure coconut oil or Ponds (mineral oil) almost every day but especially when the area looked crusty.

Some other tips are that it would also help to give them some hydrating foods as well, such as oatmeal or bananas. It will take a while so be patient. It may even get worse before it gets better. The topicals completely cured the problem though and we have had no problems since.

That was quite a miserable time though because it took a few months and, unfortunately, I was one of the lucky human population that react to it. My fiancee had absolutely no reaction whatsoever so it is just depends on the person. If it makes a difference, I'm a pretty allergic person and have sensitivities easily. But, overall, it is not considered something contagious for people but definitely contagious amongst other dogs. It was completely worth the trouble though because she's the best dog I could have ever wanted. Love her to bits.

Demodectic mange is actually completely normal and all dogs have it. Once in awhile though, it gets out of control and causes problems. For the demodectic mange, my dog is on Nexgard. The vet feels the dog with demodectic mange needs to be on Nexgard permanently, she seems to be sensitive to the demodex mites that are completely normal.

p.s. I found an old thread which confirmed it was Revolution.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top