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Demodectic Mange/Alternative Therapies for treatment
by Dr Jeanette (Jeannie) Thomason
Demodectic mange, is also called "demodicosis" or red mange aned is actually a microscopic mite of the Demodex genus. Three species of Demodex mites have been identified in dogs: Demodex canis, Demodex gatoi, and Demodex injai. The most common mite of demodectic mange is Demodex canis.
Most dogs have a microscopic mite population in small numbers already in residence. These mites are just a normal part of the flora of the skin and cause no clinical problems, the healthy dog's immune system keeps them in check very nicely.
Demodex mites feed on cellular protiens, systemic yeast, dietary yeast and/or sugar in the system.
When the immune system is not mature yet (puppies)and/or it is suppressed, it may not be able to keep the mites under control. They begin multiplying out of control and attacking the dog. Dogs infected with demodectic mange are immunodeficient. In other words, they are not able to naturally fight off or keep under control the mites as a healthy dog would due to a compromised immune system.
While some veterinarians will tell you they believe heredity plays a part in dogs that show signs of demodectic mange; it is more that they actually do not understand just what genetic means or how important the immune system being strong and in balance is.
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. These veterinarians 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 by the way, have long-lasting and often very detrimental effects. The majority of conventional veterinarians do not have enough canine nutritional knowledge to understand the role that diet has on the immune system and therefore the demodectic mite. What is happening is that we have had at least 100 generations of dogs in existence that have been born to over vaccinated and kibble fed sires and dams still being over vaccinated and fed kibble. Over so many generations, this tends to wear down the immune system of each successive generation until today you hear about demodectic puppies all the time. Science has found and proven 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 due to the over-worked or stressed immune system no longer able to keep things balanced.
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 its life time.
TREATMENT
A lot of Veterinarians (conventional medicine) still use a chemical called Amitraz or Ivermectin to kill the mites.
CAUTION
These products 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 never 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 often appear to work however, 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, please consider an alternative.
Alternative/Natural Treatment
Using a combination of a raw, species appropriate diet and supplements you can support the immune system while it strengthens and gets things under control.
Immune suppressed dogs especially require a * raw meat and bone based diet.
* At the very least, a home cooked diet with no grains or vegetables with supplements.
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 which includes brewers or nutritional yeast) with only meat and bones (if you feed vegetables and fruits, you will want to stop feeding them or at least 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 within the system.
If feeding vegetables, try to select organically grown vegetables or use one of the pesticide cleaners available in supermarkets for use on fruits and vegetables. Use only dark leafy green vegetables, 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 antioxidents as 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 SeaLogix Omega 3 Fish Oil or Wild Salmon Oil)
Chinese Wolf Berry, also known as Goji berry, according to an independent laboratory test is known have the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) rating. This test was developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University. NingXia Red Juice is the highest antioxidant product on the market.
" While Noni juice ranks 1,506 on the ORAC scale, NingXia Red 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.
Beta Glucan
New Life Colosturm Plus
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 and its flora (good bacteria)is most often the first line of defense for the body and must be in good balance and working order for the animal to maintain a healthy immune response.
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.
HERBS
Echinacea
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Milk Thistle
Burdock Root
Along with a raw meaty bone diet and supplements, it is very important that the dog/puppy gets plenty of rest but still some good daily exersice. Time outside in the sunshine and fresh air is very therapeutic.
TOPICAL TREATMENTS:
Consider the degree of sensitivity of the open sores. If your dog is very sore and sensitive, you can diffuse some Essential Oils ( Caution use ONLY pure, therautic grade essential oils such as Young Living Essential Oils such as Lavender, Peace & Calming, etc.) before you use the topical solutions. These essential oils and oil blends will actually take the edge off and make the dog more relaxed and comfortable. 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 natural remedies/treatments you may want to try.
Combine Colostrum with Oxy-Doc to form a paste and apply to sores
Mix a combination of one part lavender oil, one part Neem oil, OR Young Living's Purification blend to 9 parts almond oil or virgin coconut oil. Apply to sores and infected areas.
Mix equal amounts of yellow dock (herb)extract with 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.
Make up a mixture of three tablespoons fresh lemon juice (use organically grown, pesticide free lemons when ever possible) mixed with two ounces of witch hazel and four ounces of distilled water and sponge on sores a few times a day.
Add 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract and six drops each of golden seal root, olive leaf extract, and pau d'arco. Keep away from the eyes. Spray or dab onto sores once a day.
If you have never used natural modalities with your pet before, or your pet has been vaccinated and/or is on a kibble or canned food diet, I recommend you have a consultation and/or care for your pet with mange under the supervision of a veterinary naturopath or true holistic veterinarian.
REMEMBER:NO DRUGS. NO CHEMICALS. NO DIPS. NO VACCINATIONS. NO GRAINS, POTATOES OR YEASTS..
Each of these will further damage the immune system.
Copyright © 2003 - 2009 This article is the sole property of Dr Jeanette (Jeannie) Thomason and The Whole Dog. It cannot be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the expressed written consent of the author.
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 aquire a consult or seek out a qualified holistic veterinarian.
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