Well heck, that Heeler pup we bought has developed what looks like a classic episode of demodectic mange (see
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/demodectic_mange.html)Like sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange is caused by a mite, unlike the virulent other form however, demodectic is non-contagious. Most all dogs have these mites, in only a few do they multiply enough to cause mange. Apparently due to a deficiency in the dog's immune system. Neither parent had this condition, we just got lucky I guess <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.
Sooo.. a bald scaly spot on either side of top of the dog's head, a bit of bare skin around the eyes. The puppy is eleven weeks old, does not appear to be bothered by the mange.
I wasn't too impressed with the vet who gave the dog a brief once over and then prescribed irvermectin to kill the mites, an antibiotic to treat the minor skin irritation, and two different shampoos, one merely fancied-up regular shampoo, the other insecticidal.
The reason I wasn't too impressed was that she didn't mention this condition in puppies clears itself 90% of the time, might take a few months is all.
The dog does not appear distressed and frankly, I don't mind having an ugly dog, might cut down on those occasional idiots who allow their little kids to run up and manhandle my dogs in the park.
Plus I'd prefer to have the dog's own imune system handle this. Plus again it'd be helpful to know if the dog is one of those rare few totally susceptible such that they go bald over much of their body, which is generally a chronic, expensive and often fatal condition. The best way to judge this being to allow the original infestation to run its course. If the dog turns out to be chronic I will treat her once (not bad, only about $150) but have her put down should the condition return.
Oh yeah, yet another caution is that ivermectin can have adversive effects on the herding breeds (something else the vet didn't mention).
Sooo... for the moment I shall do nothing special beyond bathing the dog. Anyone have any thoughts on this issue?
The bare skin on the head probably is susceptible to sunburn, does anyone know how sunblock affects dogs? If it works on dogs too I could apply it in the field if necessary and then immediately wash it off with soap and water when we got back.
Birdwatcher
