Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/22/2008

Question
I have a 3.5 month old siberian husky that was diagnosed with demodex and that vet that admitted it was her hands on experiance with demodex started a weekly injection plan, after about 4 or 5 injections the situation has only worsened.  What is the recommended and most effective treatment for this.  It started just on her head and now has spread to her underside and legs.  I am simply interested in getting rid of this condition and my puppies discomfort.  We are currently seeking another vet to bring her to that has dealt with this before.  Is there anything we could do at home to help relieve any of the discomfort.  We do also have another dog she is a 2.5 year old american bulldog/boxer mix, we were told that there is little worry of her getting demodex even with contact of the affected puppy, is this true?  Any information would be helpful and very much appreciated

Answer
Demodex is not really contagious except from a mother to her puppies.  The treatment your vet is giving is probably called ivermectin and it works, but it has to be given at a very high dose on a daily basis to be effective.  There is an oral heartworm preventative called Interceptor (Milbemycin) that can be given at home for at least 30 days.  It is effective at killing the mites.  I recommend amitraz dips done at a vet's office.  Many of these demodex cases also have a bacterial infection and if that is not being treated, it will look like it is getting worse.  The mange mites may die, but the skin damage they cause rages on.