Demodex Mange on Sheltie! Help

A

Adam_Sheltie

Forums Novice
Hi there; I am new to the forum. I have a male sheltie named Adam that will be turning 3 years old in March. Several months ago we noticed a bright red patch of skin on his muzzle just under his nose. We kept an eye on it and as it didn't go away we decided to take him to the vet.

The first vet treated him for infection/allergy with antibiotics and prednisone. After one month of treatment it didn't go away; so they suggested doing a punch biopsy. I decided to take Adam to another vet for a second opinion before subjecting him to such an invasive procedure. This vet decided to perform a less invasive test; a skin scraping. After scraping the skin the vet found Adam to have Demodex mange on his muzzle. The typical treatment (Ivermectin) the vet told me was unsafe to use on Adam as it can be fatal in collie-type breeds due to the blood-brain barrier. He then suggested using Interceptor which is a heartworm medication, but can be used to cure demodex. This is no longer made in Canada. Another vet suggested using Advantage Multi to cure the demodex so that is our next step. Does anyone have ANY experience with demodex mange on their sheltie? And if so what medication and/or treatment did you use? Much appreciated! Thanks so much!
 
I work in a humane society and Demodex is my bane- puppies and stress you know. I generally treat with ivermectin but not in herding breeds unless I know MDR1 status(which is never). MDR1 gene mutation is what makes treating herding dogs difficult. It can be tested for through Washington State U. not sure if Canada has a similar place and then ivermectin can be used if he is normal. We still do a slow ramp up over a week.

If it is localized(one or 2 spots) we have used Goodwinol ointment though I am not all that happy with the result but it does help. I have also used Preventic(amitaz) collars for localized Demodex. This is actually my favorite treatment for 1-2 spots in herding dogs. the collar lasts 3 months and but then the lesion is usually gone. Something else to consider localized Demodex usually goes away on its own if the immune system is normal so you could focus on things to help boost the immune system and lower any possible stress(any changes in the home , do you move recently etc).


I used to use Promeris and then Interceptor but both medications are gone for the most part. I like Mitaban dip but in long coated breeds it is hard to get to the skin but if it is localized to the muzzle, one may try locally dipping the spot.

Advantage multi weekly is a good option but again you have to watch those herding breeds with that frequent application because moxidectin is a ivermectin derivative. It is does not require the higher dose that could trigger a reaction by one must still be aware.

Adults rarely get Demodex it is usually a puppy thing. It can happen but rare. I have seen Ringworm trigger localized Demodex and other underlying illness should be considered especially if it turns generalized
 
We had a member, Smudge, whose sheltie had mange. Here's an old thread from when he was diagnosed
http://www.sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=2729

Can I suggest you get him tested for the MDR1 gene then you will know for certain if your options are limited. It's a very simple procedure, they just take a saliva swab. There are probably home kits but your vet should also be able to do it. It's worth knowing for peace of mind.
 
The kit for MDR1 genotyping can be ordered from this website (Washington State U)
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu?depts-VCPL

It is really worth doing on any herding breed because there are several fairly commoningly used vet meds that a dog with this mutate gene type cannot potentially safely handle...not just Ivermectin. The above website also has a list of these meds and informative articles on the MDR1 issue.

Trini
 
I don't know where you live in Canada but in Winnipeg we still have Interceptor. We just finished our last round of it for heartworm. Maybe check around again to see if you possible get it.
 
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