Special Needs
Ash had Demodectic mange,
severe skin infections, (some of the infected areas required
drainage tubes) and a level 2 heart murmur.
Ash will not be available for adoption while
undergoing medical treatment. We will continue to post
updates on his recovery.
To make a donation for
Ashford's ongoing medical treatment please use the paypal
button located at the bottom of this page. Thank you for supporting
NTSR!
|
6/21/05: Ashford's skin infections
have completely healed and he looks like a new dog!
Ashford has an appointment to be neutered on Friday, 6/24/05, and will
be ready for adoption on Monday, 6/27/05.
Ashford is full of puppy energy and will make a wonderful
companion.
|
7/9/05: Ashford has been adopted!
|
Ashford's vet care provided by Carrollton Animal Hospital.
|
|
Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange is the result of Demodex
canis, a microscopic mite multiplying out of control.
Most dogs have demodex mites on their skin in small numbers.
These mites are acquired by puppies shortly after birth, from their
mother. The causative factors as to why some dogs
develop demodectic mange while other dogs do not is not fully understood.
The tendency to be susceptible to demodectic mange appears to be hereditary.
It is known that dogs with demodectic mange have an immune
system defect. It is this defect that appears to be inherited,
making the pup unable to keep the demodex mites under control.
- Demodectic mange occurs in one of two forms; 1)
Localized and 2) Generalized.
- Localized demodex most often appears in dogs
under 1 year of age. The first sign is a thinning of hair
around the eyelids, the lips, the corners of the mouth and the front
legs. The dog has a moth-eaten appearance. The patches of hair
loss can progress into circles of approximately one inch in diameter (occasionally
confused with ringworm). Mite removal/reduction normally consists
of cleansing shampoos, antibiotic therapy, and immune stimulants.
Not all young animals that experience demodicosis are immunologically impaired
for life. A significant percentage will "self cure" as their immune
system matures.
- During treatment it is critical that the dog is
making continuous improvement. If the animal has 5 or more patches,
or is not showing a marked improvement; the demodex could be progressing
into the generalized form.
- Generalized demodex can begin as a localized
case or can present itself as a sudden onset. Numerous patches
appear on the head, legs, and trunk. These patches continuously
spread developing into large areas of hair loss. The hair follicles
become congested with debris and mites. The breakdown of the
skin leads to the formation of sores, with crusting and draining sinus
tracts.
- Treatment of dogs experiencing generalized demodex
can be very prolonged. The response to treatment is slow and often
requires frequent changes in the medication. In spite of the number
of mite removal dips, topical ointments and antibiotics available a cure
is not always possible. Generalized demodectic mange must be treated
under veterinary supervision.
|
|
