Need Help - YorkieTalk.com Forums

armyvet717 · 06-26-2009, 09:24 AM

My 19 month old yorkie has developed a wierd problem. Previously she was diagnosed with mange, we think that is under control no thank to her old vet. But, my wife has continued to bathe her in the shampoo we were given weekly, and now she has very dry skin. She is constantly scratching and biting at her self. No fleas, ticks, or other bugs. Latley, she has been panting even when the air is on, and the house is comfortable. As we are currently out of work, we are not sure if we could afford a vet bill right now. If anyone can give me any insight as to what may be going on, I would really appreciate it. Since my wife cannot have kids, this is her baby, and we need help...
Thank you!!

TLC · 06-26-2009, 09:42 AM

What type of mange did she have? Are you sure she is clear? If it was demodex mange, it CAN reoccur.

You can add some Fish Oil to her diet to help with dry skin. How often do you bath her? Don't use any conditioner and make sure your rinse the shampoo very, very well.

You can buy some baby premie cotton shirts to help protect her skin from environmental allergents, and to protect her skin from her nails scratching.

Children Chewable Benedryl can be given to help as well. My Roxy is 5 lbs, she get 1/2 tablet 2x a day.

BUT if she has demodex and it has returned, you need to see the Vet

miabellaamoure · 06-26-2009, 09:50 AM

I would also try calling your Vet's office and explaining your financial situation and see if perhaps you can just speak to the Vet over the phone or if they can extend a courtesy visit or 1/2 price visit for you...remember, it never hurts to ask!

Hope all goes well for your lil'

baby & keep us posted okay?

armyvet717 · 06-26-2009, 02:47 PM

TLC...
To be honest, I really do not remeber what kind the vet said it was, other than she said it was hereditary... At first she gas us some meds that you put on her skin like flea and tick stuff, but my wife read all kinds of info saying that it had killed dogs. SHe was also very depressed on it, and the vet refused to give us something else. She said it was the best stuff out there and its either live with the mange or give her the 1 a month treatment. Well, needless to say my wife bathed her and tried to get what she could off her body. After a few days she was back to normal. She was also given some anitbiotics, but those did not seem to work at all. I read about "Nu-Stock", and used it as recommended. Her hair is regroing in that one spot, although the skin is still discolored. But it is much better. The shampoo we were given is a once a week application. We both think that this is one of the reasons for her dry skin. Too much bathing. I read somewhere that olive oil is great for helping dry skin... Not too sure about that though...

TLC · 06-26-2009, 03:58 PM

It is probably Demodex and this is VERY hard to get rid of. The Momma's pass along to pups when they nurse. She probably STILL has it.

Google: Demodex

Try to learn about it and try to help her

armyvet717 · 06-26-2009, 05:03 PM

I beleive it is, and we both read up on it to see what we can do to help her. She only has it on one spot near her hind end. The itching and scrathing she has been doing started recently (2 or 3 days ago). But I noticed that last time my wife bathed her is when she started. The other thing I forgot to mention is that we recently moved from Southern California to Northern California. She lives in a bigger house, and can actually go outside, rather than her little apartment she was used to.
Anyway, I talked to a neighbor of my parents who told me about the Nu-Stock ointment. Typically it is used on ;ivestock, but is applicable for cats and dogs and helps to get rid of all types of mange. If things dont look better by Monday, its off to the vet... If we can find a good one anyway...

KimberlySRN · 06-26-2009, 06:37 PM

I hope your baby feels better. I don't know anything about this topic but it sounds serious. I would try to find a vet that can work with you.

julietimothy · 06-26-2009, 08:57 PM

Ok I had to do some reading up on this so this is what I found in my home vet handbook. I love this book. Any way it is a disease caused by mites that come from the mothers. These mites are considered normal skin fauna when present in small numbers. They produce disease only when an abnormal immune system allows the numbers to get out of control. Some purebred dogs are born with an inherited immune susceptibility. Treatment is a topical ointment containing either benzoyl peroxide gel (OxyDex or Pyoben) or a mild topical that is used to treat ear mites can be massaged into affected areas. I hope this helps.

Lolapup · 06-27-2009, 03:10 AM

You said that you are outside more often since the move. Could it be environmental allergens? Lola started itching and had excessive runny eyes. The pollen here is VERY high right now. Her vet put her on regular claritan and she is much improved. She is 9 pounds and takes 1/4 tablet twice a day. You may want to ask the vet about it.

What food are you feeding? Could it be a grain allergy?

TLC · 06-27-2009, 06:25 AM

This dog was seen by a Vet, so I assume she had a skin scraping, which would confirm Demodex. These mites are transferred to pups from Momma when nursing. The Momma most likely had a compromised immune system, which allowed the mites to multiple on her. All dogs have mites, but they are kept a bay when they are healthy. So this dog has had Demodex since she was a pup, and if she hasn't really been treated for this long, it is going to be very, very difficult to rid them, plus even if you do rid them, stress can cause them to come back full force again.

She needs to be eating a very good quality dog food and added supplements to boost her immune system. You need to continue with the special shampoo, and you will need to bring her to the Vet for a skin scraping, as you need to know if you are dealing with tons of active mites or just a few...

armyvet717 · 06-27-2009, 08:37 AM

Bailey has eaten IAMS puppy then adult "Toy" formula. She seems to like it. We were told by the vet to just keep her dish full with a quarter cup so she can eat when she wants. After a few bites, she is usually full and running around like a mad dog (LOL). The vet said since her tummy is so small, just a few bites is all she needs to fill up, and that it is hard to have her eat a full quarter cup one a day.
Anyway, we were thinking allergies, and are hopeful thats all it is. Her mange, like I said, seems to be doing very well, but we have an appointment Monday to get her looked at. When I made the appointment, the person I taked to said it could be as simple as a change in surroundings (allergies).
I am going to ask about what we should add to her diet to help boost her immune system, and obviously about her dry skin. We are planning a road trip back to Missouri, so it will be good to get her checked before we leave. I just hope this visit does not break the bank.

TLC · 06-27-2009, 08:44 AM

There are better brands them Iams, and you should look into changing, bc Iams has a lot of fillers, corn and byproducts. This stuff is not going to boost her immune system, AND this stuff is know to cause itchy skin AND allergies.
Wellness is a good brand and it has an allergy formula. Also Natural Balance is good too.

Look into getting Nupro - this is a supplement that is excellent to add to her food.

armyvet717 · 06-27-2009, 08:49 AM

She has been eating IAMS for almost a year and never had any problems like she is having now. It seems like ever since she started going outside more is when this all started. I will definatley ask the vet about it though.
Where can I get Nupro? Is it something only a vet would carry or is it available at Petsmart or Petco?

BamaFan121s · 06-29-2009, 06:23 AM

It's not just the mites that are transmitted to the pups by the mom, it's the actual immune deficiency that makes them succeptable to them. It's only passed on by female and a female that has been diagnosed with Demodex should NEVER be bred. It's basically impossible to ever completely 'cure' permanently, but can be treated and dealt with with medicated shampoos, limited contact with other dogs and diets that target dry skin.

armyvet717 · 06-29-2009, 12:43 PM

Well, Bailey had her appointment today. The Vet gave us some oral antibiotics, and said to lay off bathing her with the medicated shampoo. Since we were bathing her weekly, he felt that every two weeks would be better than weekly since she has dry skin from it. He also told us to give her benadryl childrens formula, 2 ml 2-3 times daily. Think we will go with 1ml twice a day as she seems to want to sleep so much. Also did blood work for a heartwork check, and gave us meds for that and Vectra for fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. We normally give her Advantix, but he was all out for her dosage. So far, after bathing her today and giving her the benadryl, her scrathing is already disapated.
He looked at her mange, and was surprised how it looks, especially after we told him what we were using. He just decided that the oral stuff may not interact well with the topical treatment, and once we go back next month, he will decide whether to allow the topical to be added (he needs to research to topical we were using). He also said that since she is only 18 months, that the demodex will eventually be out grown, and that as she ages, her immune system will get stronger. Said her diet of IAMS Toy formula is fine, and there is no need to change it. So for now, all looks good, other than her sleeping. As for her not wanting to eat, it basically boils down to being spoiled, and her wanting to get her way. LOL... Thanks to everyone for all the help

06-26-2009, 09:24 AM	#1
armyvet717 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 49	Need Help My 19 month old yorkie has developed a wierd problem. Previously she was diagnosed with mange, we think that is under control no thank to her old vet. But, my wife has continued to bathe her in the shampoo we were given weekly, and now she has very dry skin. She is constantly scratching and biting at her self. No fleas, ticks, or other bugs. Latley, she has been panting even when the air is on, and the house is comfortable. As we are currently out of work, we are not sure if we could afford a vet bill right now. If anyone can give me any insight as to what may be going on, I would really appreciate it. Since my wife cannot have kids, this is her baby, and we need help... Thank you!!

06-26-2009, 09:42 AM	#2
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	What type of mange did she have? Are you sure she is clear? If it was demodex mange, it CAN reoccur. You can add some Fish Oil to her diet to help with dry skin. How often do you bath her? Don't use any conditioner and make sure your rinse the shampoo very, very well. You can buy some baby premie cotton shirts to help protect her skin from environmental allergents, and to protect her skin from her nails scratching. Children Chewable Benedryl can be given to help as well. My Roxy is 5 lbs, she get 1/2 tablet 2x a day. BUT if she has demodex and it has returned, you need to see the Vet __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

06-26-2009, 09:50 AM	#3
miabellaamoure ♥YORKIERESCUE.com♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 8,708	I would also try calling your Vet's office and explaining your financial situation and see if perhaps you can just speak to the Vet over the phone or if they can extend a courtesy visit or 1/2 price visit for you...remember, it never hurts to ask! Hope all goes well for your lil' baby & keep us posted okay? __________________ Jo Ann Abby, Bella , Phoebe & Violette.... Last edited by miabellaamoure; 06-26-2009 at 09:55 AM.

06-26-2009, 02:47 PM	#4
armyvet717 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 49	My Baby Bailey TLC... To be honest, I really do not remeber what kind the vet said it was, other than she said it was hereditary... At first she gas us some meds that you put on her skin like flea and tick stuff, but my wife read all kinds of info saying that it had killed dogs. SHe was also very depressed on it, and the vet refused to give us something else. She said it was the best stuff out there and its either live with the mange or give her the 1 a month treatment. Well, needless to say my wife bathed her and tried to get what she could off her body. After a few days she was back to normal. She was also given some anitbiotics, but those did not seem to work at all. I read about "Nu-Stock", and used it as recommended. Her hair is regroing in that one spot, although the skin is still discolored. But it is much better. The shampoo we were given is a once a week application. We both think that this is one of the reasons for her dry skin. Too much bathing. I read somewhere that olive oil is great for helping dry skin... Not too sure about that though...

06-26-2009, 03:58 PM	#5
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	It is probably Demodex and this is VERY hard to get rid of. The Momma's pass along to pups when they nurse. She probably STILL has it. Google: Demodex Try to learn about it and try to help her __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

06-26-2009, 05:03 PM	#6
armyvet717 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 49	Baby Bailey I beleive it is, and we both read up on it to see what we can do to help her. She only has it on one spot near her hind end. The itching and scrathing she has been doing started recently (2 or 3 days ago). But I noticed that last time my wife bathed her is when she started. The other thing I forgot to mention is that we recently moved from Southern California to Northern California. She lives in a bigger house, and can actually go outside, rather than her little apartment she was used to. Anyway, I talked to a neighbor of my parents who told me about the Nu-Stock ointment. Typically it is used on ;ivestock, but is applicable for cats and dogs and helps to get rid of all types of mange. If things dont look better by Monday, its off to the vet... If we can find a good one anyway...

06-26-2009, 06:37 PM	#7
KimberlySRN Twins=double the fun! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,981	I hope your baby feels better. I don't know anything about this topic but it sounds serious. I would try to find a vet that can work with you. __________________ Kim Anakin Bella

06-26-2009, 08:57 PM	#8
julietimothy YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Frisco City AL Posts: 325 Blog Entries: 1	Ok I had to do some reading up on this so this is what I found in my home vet handbook. I love this book. Any way it is a disease caused by mites that come from the mothers. These mites are considered normal skin fauna when present in small numbers. They produce disease only when an abnormal immune system allows the numbers to get out of control. Some purebred dogs are born with an inherited immune susceptibility. Treatment is a topical ointment containing either benzoyl peroxide gel (OxyDex or Pyoben) or a mild topical that is used to treat ear mites can be massaged into affected areas. I hope this helps.

06-27-2009, 03:10 AM	#9
Lolapup No Longer a Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Littleton, NH Posts: 463	You said that you are outside more often since the move. Could it be environmental allergens? Lola started itching and had excessive runny eyes. The pollen here is VERY high right now. Her vet put her on regular claritan and she is much improved. She is 9 pounds and takes 1/4 tablet twice a day. You may want to ask the vet about it. What food are you feeding? Could it be a grain allergy?

06-27-2009, 06:25 AM	#10
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	This dog was seen by a Vet, so I assume she had a skin scraping, which would confirm Demodex. These mites are transferred to pups from Momma when nursing. The Momma most likely had a compromised immune system, which allowed the mites to multiple on her. All dogs have mites, but they are kept a bay when they are healthy. So this dog has had Demodex since she was a pup, and if she hasn't really been treated for this long, it is going to be very, very difficult to rid them, plus even if you do rid them, stress can cause them to come back full force again. She needs to be eating a very good quality dog food and added supplements to boost her immune system. You need to continue with the special shampoo, and you will need to bring her to the Vet for a skin scraping, as you need to know if you are dealing with tons of active mites or just a few... __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

06-27-2009, 08:37 AM	#11
armyvet717 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 49	Baby Bailey Bailey has eaten IAMS puppy then adult "Toy" formula. She seems to like it. We were told by the vet to just keep her dish full with a quarter cup so she can eat when she wants. After a few bites, she is usually full and running around like a mad dog (LOL). The vet said since her tummy is so small, just a few bites is all she needs to fill up, and that it is hard to have her eat a full quarter cup one a day. Anyway, we were thinking allergies, and are hopeful thats all it is. Her mange, like I said, seems to be doing very well, but we have an appointment Monday to get her looked at. When I made the appointment, the person I taked to said it could be as simple as a change in surroundings (allergies). I am going to ask about what we should add to her diet to help boost her immune system, and obviously about her dry skin. We are planning a road trip back to Missouri, so it will be good to get her checked before we leave. I just hope this visit does not break the bank.

06-27-2009, 08:44 AM	#12
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	There are better brands them Iams, and you should look into changing, bc Iams has a lot of fillers, corn and byproducts. This stuff is not going to boost her immune system, AND this stuff is know to cause itchy skin AND allergies. Wellness is a good brand and it has an allergy formula. Also Natural Balance is good too. Look into getting Nupro - this is a supplement that is excellent to add to her food. __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

06-27-2009, 08:49 AM	#13
armyvet717 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 49	Bailey Baby She has been eating IAMS for almost a year and never had any problems like she is having now. It seems like ever since she started going outside more is when this all started. I will definatley ask the vet about it though. Where can I get Nupro? Is it something only a vet would carry or is it available at Petsmart or Petco?

06-29-2009, 06:23 AM	#14
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	It's not just the mites that are transmitted to the pups by the mom, it's the actual immune deficiency that makes them succeptable to them. It's only passed on by female and a female that has been diagnosed with Demodex should NEVER be bred. It's basically impossible to ever completely 'cure' permanently, but can be treated and dealt with with medicated shampoos, limited contact with other dogs and diets that target dry skin.

06-29-2009, 12:43 PM	#15
armyvet717 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 49	Bailey Back From Vet Well, Bailey had her appointment today. The Vet gave us some oral antibiotics, and said to lay off bathing her with the medicated shampoo. Since we were bathing her weekly, he felt that every two weeks would be better than weekly since she has dry skin from it. He also told us to give her benadryl childrens formula, 2 ml 2-3 times daily. Think we will go with 1ml twice a day as she seems to want to sleep so much. Also did blood work for a heartwork check, and gave us meds for that and Vectra for fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. We normally give her Advantix, but he was all out for her dosage. So far, after bathing her today and giving her the benadryl, her scrathing is already disapated. He looked at her mange, and was surprised how it looks, especially after we told him what we were using. He just decided that the oral stuff may not interact well with the topical treatment, and once we go back next month, he will decide whether to allow the topical to be added (he needs to research to topical we were using). He also said that since she is only 18 months, that the demodex will eventually be out grown, and that as she ages, her immune system will get stronger. Said her diet of IAMS Toy formula is fine, and there is no need to change it. So for now, all looks good, other than her sleeping. As for her not wanting to eat, it basically boils down to being spoiled, and her wanting to get her way. LOL... Thanks to everyone for all the help