Demodectic Mange/Alternative Therapies for treatment

Most dogs have a microscopic mite population In small numbers. These mites are just a normal part of the flora of the skin of dogs and cause no clinical problems, the dog's immune system keeps them in check very nicely.

Demodex mites feed on systemic yeast, dietary yeast and/or sugar in the system.

When the immune system is not mature yet(puppies) or is suppressed, it may not be able to control the mites. They begin multiplying and attacking the dog. It is thought that dogs infected with demodectic mange are immunodeficient. In other words, they are not able to fight off the mites as a healthy dog would.

Some Vets believe Heredity plays a part in dogs that show signs of demodectic mange. Some Veterinarians may not understand just what genetic means.

Demodex is not in a pet's genetic make-up. The immune system is a living thing that can be raised or suppressed, it is not fixed. They may not understand the life of a demodex mite and how the body can be helped to fight it off on it's own, without toxins being taken internally and/or applied externally which have long-lasting, detrimental effects. These vets may not have enough canine nutritional knowledge to understand the role that diet has on the immune system and therefore the demodectic mite. Generations of dogs being fed kibble may wear down the immune system of each successive generation until today you hear about demodectic puppies all the time. It has been found that you can take a dam who has produced an entire litter of demodectic pups put her on a grain free, raw diet with supplementation for a year, breed her again and she will not produce any demodex in the subsequent litter!

Signs of this dis-ease appear only when mites reproduce unchecked and occur in unnaturally high numbers. Outbreaks are seen around the eyes, lips and/or lower limbs when the numbers of these mites increase.

Because the dog's immune system does not fully mature until 12-18 months of age, a dog with demodectic mange that has not had it's immune system kept in good, strong condition, may have relapses until that age. Demodectic mange in dogs over 2 years of age is usually classified as adult-onset, and occurs secondary to an underlying cause.

Dogs with immune suppression due to illnesses like hypothyroid disease, and Cushing's disease, are also candidates for demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can also occur in very old dogs because the function of the immune system often declines with age due to poor nutrition and chemical bombardment through out it's life.

TREATMENT
A lot of Vets still use a chemical called Amitraz to kill the mites.

CAUTION
This product can reduce the function of the hypothalamus, which helps regulate the body's metabolism by controlling hormone release in the body.

In animal studies, amitraz caused episodes of increased aggression, as well as some central nervous system depression. Many Vets use Ivermecten for generalized cases of mange. Dr. Jean Dodds has written extensively about ivermectin as a trigger for immune-mediated diseases. Ivermectin should not be used in combination with Amitraz, whether the dip or the Amitraz tick prevention collars. These medicines are all members of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor group; when they are used together their effects combine together creating sedation and adverse neurologic effects.

Conventional treatments will work but at what expense to your dog's health? Since conventional veterinary medicine relies heavily on a highly toxic method of treatment, and suppressed immune function is the cause of demodectic outbreaks, you should consider an alternative.

Using a combination of a natural diet, vitamins, minerals and herbs, you support the immune system while it strengthens and gets things under control.

Immune suppressed dogs require a high quality, all natural meat based diet. Select a raw food diet, a cooked diet, or, if you have to, use an ultra premium dry food with no grains in it.
Remember, Mites feed on the yeast living in the body, and systemic yeast feed on nutritional yeast and sugars (carbohydrates). If you break the cycle, you weaken or starve the systemic yeast and the mites are not able to colonize in the pores. This is the reason for a no grain diet (ESPECIALLY NO WHEAT OR YEAST OF ANY KIND) with only meat, bones (if you feed vegetables and fruits, cut back on them and use only low glycemic, raw, pulverised fruits and veggies -- in other words, only foods that do not readily turn to sugar in the system.

Try to select organically grown vegetables or use one of the pesticide cleaners available in supermarkets for use on fruits and vegetables. Use dark leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress, Clover and/or alfalfa sprouts pulverized in your food processor or blender. Grow and feed your own sprouts, Clover, Alfalfa, etc. If you already feed raw foods, increase the Anti Oxidents, these are crucial at this time for the immune system.
Proanthocyanidins appear to potentiate the immune system via enhancement of T-lymphocyte activity and modulation of neutrophil and macrophage responses). Antioxidants also decrease various chemicals (histamine, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor) that cause cell damage. Because antioxidants minimize damage to cells, they are useful whenever disease is present and immune support is needed. Some anti oxident sources are:

Vitamin C (with bioflavonoids)
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Selenium
Zinc (chelated type)
Fish Oil (we recommend Omega Rx)

Chinese Wolf Berry (According to an independent laboratory test known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University, Berry Young Juice is the highest antioxidant product on the market." While Noni juice ranks 1,506 on the ORAC scale, Berry Young Juice sports a record-high 4,214 antioxidant level. )

The following herbs or other supplements are also highly recommened to boost the immune system and fight bacterial infections.

Echinacea
Fresh, organic garlic if possible (or use Kyolic garlic)
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Milk Thistle
Burdock Root
Quercenol

We personally use and recommend Natures Sunshine Herbs. They use only the finest raw materials, gathered from the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Orient, and we boast the largest force of trained Herb Specialists in the world

Transfer Factor What are transfer factors and how do they work?

Transfer factors are the primary communications mechanism used by the immune system to defend your pet against harmful microbial threats. Transfer factors are small molecules that consist of specific sequences of amino acids. These small compounds naturally occur in all mammals and are passed from mother to newborn through the mother's first milk called colostrum. These small transfer factor molecules then start to educate the newborn's naive immune system, which in turn will protect them from the microbial threats they encounter all their life.

Transfer factors have three primary functions. When we encounter a potential microbial threat transfer factors:

1) recognize and alert our immune system to the "threat"
2) condition our immune system to respond quickly to "threats"
3) remember the threats we encounter to quickly respond in the future.

It is the identification process of the immune system that is so critical. If your body can identify a pathogen quickly, it can mount a response against it quickly. By transferring information from cell to cell, transfer factors serve as "teachers" of new cells, thereby ensuring a stronger immune system capable of withstanding our often harsh environment.

Probiotics

The role of the intestinal tract in nutrient absorption is well recognized. However, the microflora that naturally inhabit the intestinal tract and their vital role in maintaining normal functioning of the gut and immune system are often overlooked. The intestinal tract is often the ‘first line of defense’ for the body and must be in good order for the animal to maintain a healthy immune response. Probiotics are very important.

Enzymes

Enzymes are the foundation of energy and the life force in all living things. They are responsible for building, detoxifying, and healing the body. They are also the force that allows your body to digest and absorb food. Enzymes also regulate tens of thousands of other biochemical functions that take place in the body every day. Even thinking involves "enzymes". Without enzymes, seeds would not sprout, fruit would not ripen, leaves would not change color, and life would not exist.

Science has now confirmed (LEL) Low Enzyme Levels as the world's #1 killer, based on the late Dr. Edward Howell's 40-year research covering more than 700 worldwide studies.

Now, along with a natural, grain free diet and supplements, it is very important that the dog/puppy gets plenty of rest. Time outside in the sunshine and fresh air is very therapeutic as well.

FOR THE TOPICAL TREATMENTS: Consider the degree of sensitivity of the open sores. If your dog is very sore and sensitive, you can give two valerian capsules an hour before you use the solutions. It is an herbal tranquilizer-very safe-that will take the edge off and make the dog more comfortable. After a few days, she won't need valerian because she will begin to heal enough to treat without help. Pain adds stress and stress should be avoided. You should experiment to find the most effective solution with the least discomfort. Start carefully with a dilution to see how much your dog can tolerate.

I will list a few different treatments for you try.

Mix a combination of one part lavender oil, one part Neem oil, to 9 parts almond oil or virgin coconut oil. Apply to sores and infected areas once or twice daily.

Topical treatment #2
Mix ten drops of yellow dock extract with ten drops of Echinacea extract, dilute with four ounces of distilled water and apply. Yellow dock is effective as an anti itch treatment. Other herbs that help with itching are calendula and aloe vera.

Topical Treatment #3
Make up a mixture of three tablespoons fresh lemon juice mixed with two ounces of witch hazel and four ounces of distilled water: Add 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract and six drops each of tea tree oil, golden seal root, olive leaf extract, and pau d'arco. Keep away from the eyes. Spray or dab onto sores once a day.

*Note: Only 100% pure theraputic grade essential oils should be used topically. We recommend only Young Living Essential Oils

NO DRUGS. NO CHEMICALS. NO DIPS. NO VACCINATIONS. Each of these will further damage the immune system.

Of course, discuss all of this with your holistic or homeopathic veterinarian. A list of holistic veterinarians is available HERE

Note: The Whole Dog Store carries several great probiotic products such as Fastrack Microbial Powder, Wysong Pet Inoculant, Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotics. Click Here for more information or to find out how to order.

Click here for more information or to orderTransfer Factor.

Resources:

4Life Transfer Factor
VeterinaryPartner.com
Canine Medicine Chest
Neil Weiner, DVM

Important Disclaimer:
I have provided these articles/information as a source of reference and education. I cannot be held responsible for misadventure from the misuse of the products featured or any therapeutic method mentioned within this Website. If there is any doubt regarding any treatments or products mentioned, then please consult a qualified Holistic Veterinarian.