Mange (chihuahua, biting, vet, surgery)

[jaime_mac]

So I noticed a spot on Buster near his rear yesterday, like a patch of hair was missing. When I took him outside it became more noticeable. He had just gotten a hair cut at the groomer last week so it was hard to tell at first if it was something he did or something the groomer did by mistake. I've also noticed over the past few days he's been paying a lot of attention to that spot.

Buster had mange at the beginning of the year and it was really bad. We had to dip him, we also had to dip Bella for a preventative. I had to rent a steam cleaner to clean the couches, everything had to get washed, dog beds thrown out, toys thrown out, it was a hassle.

I got home from class today and the spot has now gotten raw from him chewing on it. I've been using the spray I got from the vet the last time he had it, but I don't have the dip or the antibiotics he used anymore. I stuck the "buster" collar on him so he would quit biting that spot and washed it pretty well, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to take him back to the vet and it's going to cost another $200. I'm going to have to throw out all of the toys and replace them again, clean my couches, wash everything in the house that he has touched and dip Bella to prevent her from getting it.

I just feel bad for Buster. The last time he had it, I thought he got it from the dog park I use to take him to, but since he hasn't been there in over a year now the only conclusion that I can come to is that the groomer I use doesn't properly wash their tools after each dog.

Has any experienced problems with a groomer like this before? If so, have you asked them to compensate you for what they did to your dog? This has already cost me $200 and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to take him back to the vet and spend more money to get him better from something that could have been prevented had the groomer sanitized their tools.

I don't think I would be so mad had he just got it from the park or the dog park again, but if it's a case where it's the groomers fault I don't really know what to do as far as speaking with them about this and trying to get them to compensate me for the problem they caused.

[Honeycrisp]

Are you referring to sarcoptic mange or demodex? Generally, I thought mange is caused from a weakened immune system, wouldn't blame the groomer or the park. Stress can trigger it too, ie new members of the family, moving, surgery etc. Havent dealt w/ either so Im no expert, maybe others can chime in w/ more experience but would hold off pointing any fingers right now as I don't think it's warranted.

[jaime_mac]

The last time he had it, it was sarcoptic, and now that you say it can be triggered by stress it is possible because around that time we got a new dog, but that was two months prior to him getting it.

We moved in July, and it is now October so I'm not sure if he's been stressed out this whole time and it's just now developing, plus he has been paying special attention to that spot since he got home from the groomer, never before then.

He seems to be a pretty healthy dog otherwise. Anytime he goes to the vet he checks out ok, unless it's for something specific like he's sick or this whole mange thing.

[mrs1885]

I've not had a dog with sarcoptic, but one I pulled from a shelter had demo. I did find some info on new treatments for sarc that you might want to talk to the vet about:

Fortunately, there are several other products that have been extremely effective, safe, and convenient in treating sarcoptic mange. Selamectin (Revolution) is a newer product, which is a topical solution that is applied once a month and also provides heartworm prevention, flea control, some tick protection and protection against Sarcoptic mange. Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot, and Frontline Spray are also labelled for use as aids in controlling sarcoptic mange. Liquid ivermectin is an off label alternative that is sometimes used. It is used at much higher concentrations than are found in heartworm preventives (e.g., Heartgard). Ivermectin should not be used in Collies or Shetland sheep dogs and should be used with caution in the herding breeds. In dogs that are sensitive to ivermectin, some veterinarians have been having success using milbemycin oxime (Interceptor) at an off-label dose. All of these products should only be used under direct veterinary supervision and care.

More info here:

Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs

[jaime_mac]

Thanks for the tips so far everyone!

It looks like I'm gonna just take him into see the vet tomorrow so I can get this under control before my other dog gets it.

The dip they gave me last time is called Pormite, I think, that's what the writing looks like. I had to dilute it with water and leave it on them to air dry.

Is the Ivermectin (sp?) the anti-biotic they give them or is it a topical? I can't remember, or is that the actual dip?

[Hopes]

Definitely treat it right away. If it's ringworm, you can catch it.

I've read that tea tree oil works well for mange and ringworm.

My girlfriend swears by tea tree oil. She uses it to kill everything on her family members and pets.

[FiveHorses]

Originally Posted by jaime_mac

Is the Ivermectin (sp?) the anti-biotic they give them or is it a topical? I can't remember, or is that the actual dip?

Ivermectin is not an antibiotic. It's a brand name for a type of wormer/anti-parasite.

[dogcrazy]

Mitaban is what they use for dips.

[jaime_mac]

Originally Posted by dogcrazy

Mitaban is what they use for dips.

From what I can read on the recipe from the last trip (it's hard to read because it's a carbon copy) the dip they gave us is called Pormite. The only way I can describe it is it smells 100 times worse than a nail salon, we had to wear gloves, long sleeves and protective eye wear when we used it because it was literally straight poison.

He's going to the vet tomorrow so we'll see how it turns out.

Thanks everyone for the tips. I think I'm also going to change their food again and get them on a healthier, grain free dog food.

[Viralmd]

My rescue chihuahua developed demodectic mange because she was so malnourished.

You have GOT to take her to the vet for a diagnosis. You can't just look at the lesion - there has got to be a scraping done. Demodectic mange is NOT itchy, and sarcoptic mange is - but you have to still get a scraping because some dogs to get at their demodex lesions and scratch them. You can't blame the groomer - demodex is NOT contagious. In fact, the little mite at the heart of the infestation is something that every dog gets from mom when they nurse! It's when there's malnutrition or other stressor (or in a female being unspayed!) or hypothyroidism that the little nasties get out of control. This is absolutely treatable! Don't give up!

Ivermectin is VERY effective!