Mange Problem
Q My coat sheds in patches and I get scabs.
My names is Pepper I am registered CHOW CHOW who lives in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Last July I was a proud mother of 3 males and 3 females. And this May I am thinking of having more children if my master is permitting. Not only do I love being a mother I love the joy it brings to my master...JIM. He is the greatest. He gives me whatever I need, but mostly important, he gives me love. Jim says he feels like, "MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB and WHERE EVER MARY WENT HIS LAMB WAS SURE TO GO" I am always by his side and that's because I love him. He has given me toys, and a nice winter jacket to keep me warm and dry from the freezing snow. When we take walks I don't need a jacket because my coat keep me warm, however, it is nice to keep the wet snow off of my furry coat.
But, I have a CHOW problem...I have been having episodes of shedding. My master has spent many of his hard earned dollars at the vets. They do not know my problem. One vet put me on a shot two times a week...for staphareaus. This made me sick and my condition worse...I was on it for 3 months and lost my entire coat. Finally my master wised up and took me off of that terrible stuff.
My coat sheds in patches and I get scabs and itch mostly around my front legs. I use to look like a baled human Huh Ha. I notice when my hair comes out...it is dead and dry and white dusty powdery at the base. It comes out in hand fulls. Jim now gives me a shot of LIQUAMYCIN LA-200 (oxytetracycline injection) when this itching first starts. In two to three days the scabs go away and I begin to feel better. My hair is beginning to come in but it seem, as though I am not completely over this. I notice I feel better after he brushes me and gives me a bath. Some people told Jim not to bath me more than every 2 months. But he gives me a bath about every 3 weeks. This worries him. He thinks I should have a bath more often as humans do and more so, when I have this infection. Do you think he is right?
My master thinks it is allergies, and the infection is due to scratching. Even though I hate having my toenail trimmed, he keeps them neat and tidy.
I am wondering if any of you other chows have had this problem. Does anyone have any ideas to help my master out?
Pepper and JIM
AHello Pepper and JIM,
What you have is called "Mange". It is a form of microscopic mites that kill the coat and top of skin. You can cure this by getting a mange "dip" from your local vet or vet. supply store. Once you have this medicine then give Pepper a bath and dry her off. Then with the appropriate mix (usually 3mm. to a gallon, very strong do not add any more!) get a clean spray bottle and a bucket. Make the mix in the bucket and fill a spray bottle with the mix and a teaspoon of good conditioner, mix. (Preferably organic). Now spray Pepper thoroughly, covering all of her body protecting the eyes and mouth. Use at least 70% of mix with spray and then pour the rest around the body and let here drip dry. Do not towel her. The conditioner will help sooth here skin and keep it moist. Repeat this every 10 days until she is completely recovered. Usually about 3-4 times. I have done this to 5 dogs so far and it has worked just fine. The chances of it happening again will be slim after it is cured. If you are still having problems, please feel free to contact me.
QTerry,I received your message and looked it over carefully. I went and bought some ZODIAC Pro Dip II. It says it controls fleas, ticks, Sarcoptic mange. I followed the mixing instructions. Told Pepper bath time and she jumps into the bath. Gave her a shampoo with Mane n Tail, rinse and towel dried her. I used a spray bottle filling with the dip mixture and one teaspoon of the Mane n tail conditioner. I like this stuff Mane n Tail seems to work well. Doesn't leave a residue and I feel as though I can get it rinse well. I sprayed her body...used a washcloth putting some dip on it and carefully washed around her face. I even did her ears. Then I took the remaining dip and drenched her down. Got her soaking wet with it. Now she wants out of the tub.... Put towels down on the floor and let her dry by herself in the bathroom. Then in 10 days I will do it again and again.
What dip do you usually buy? This is the only dip I saw on the store shelf marked for mange. Have in it...N-Mercapto-methyl, phthalimide S and other stuff. I hope it is a good brand. I hope this works.... I have a feeling it will and I will keep you informed. Where are you from Terry? Do you have any other dogs besides chows? I would have sent Pepper's picture however, I can't convert the KONICA picture over to gif format...in order to send.
THANKS!!!!! Our Chows do deserve all the love and attention and I am willing to give this all I got.... JIM & his dog...Pepper
AJim,
I am not sure on the exact name of the medicine, for I have not used it for about 8-9 months. It sounds like you got the right stuff. I will find out if I can and send it to you. Regarding the gif. you can get a jpeg from you photo cd and mail that. or if you have an image editor you can convert it there. I would love to see a photo. Let me know how things are going and if you are seeing any progress in the skin 2-3 days after the second wash
