Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/7/2007

Question
We found out about 2 weeks ago our red heeler has red mange. She is taking antibiotics and has been dipped. She will be 1 year old this month and has 3 week old puppies. Our question is, what can we do about the scab like pieces on her coat? She has bare spots already but can we bathe her and comb they out? Or would that cause infection on the skin? She has also had a cortisone shot but she has started itching really bad again, is there anything we can give her o-t-c that would not harm the puppies? Please easy our minds. Thanks

Answer
With red mange, do not use cortisone at all.  It wil make the mange spread.  Dippings need to be done every two weeks for a minimum of 6 dippings to kill red mange.  For the scabby areas, I wouild bathe the dog twice a week with benzoyl peroxide shampoo.  Do not bathe for 3-4 days after the mange dips.  YOur vet can also prescribe Ivermectinthat you can give orally to help treat the mange if you don't want to dip her with pups.  I would also have her spayed because mange is often heritable.