Demodex (Red Mange) in AKC GSD's

by Vickie
(Hermitage, TN)






Is it true that dams carrying the demodex predisposition should not be bred? I have an 8 month of GSD with Demodex and his breeders purported him to be of the highest quality bloodline.

From my research demodex is inherited and is an immune deficiency in the bloodline. What, if any, is the breeder's responsibility?


Comments for Demodex (Red Mange) in AKC GSD's

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Medicine Dosage
by: Vickie

Yes, she started him out small and we worked our way up. I think it was like 1/4 of the plunger, then to 1/2 and then 3/4. I can't remember the exact milligrams, but that was sort of how it went.

He weighed about 78 pounds then but by the time I had to take him back because of the reaction, he was down to 74 lbs. in about a week or so. I think if he ever has a recurrence of the demodex, I won't put him on the liquid Ivermectin, that's for sure! Thanks.
Feb 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ivermectin
by: Wendy

Wow Vickie! That must have been awful for both you and your dog. It is important to know side effects of any medication & what to look for. I am curious about one thing. Did your vet titre the meds or start at a "weight appropriate" dose.

I ask because my vet did say some dogs can not tolerate it so it is best to start at a low dose, then increase over time to achieve the optimal effect without giving too much. It took 3 weeks to get my guy at the proper dosage.



Feb 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ivermectin
by: Vickie

I did go to the vet and had him put on oral Ivermectin and it almost killed him. He had a horrible reaction to the medicine and quit eating and drinking. I had to have him hospitalized to be given IV fluids.

So if anyone else has to deal with this, please be careful because the oral Ivermectin can be dangerous. They say only herding dogs like sheep dogs and shelties and such have a reaction to it, but that's not true, believe me!
Feb 16, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		demodex
by: Wendy

Demodex is from mites, not blood-borne. Any or all dogs can get them. A pup will get some immunity from the dam, but that will wear off by about 5 months old.

My purebred got it around 4 months. He was treated with Ivermectin, orally, for about 2 months. He's almost 9 months now and you would never know.

Don't panic, go to a vet and start treatment. I would avoid dips if at all possible. The breeder really cannot be held responsible as all dogs can potentially get this.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to GSD Questions Form.

Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd

E-mail Address
First Name
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you German Shepherds Rule.