Monday, August 24, 2009

Demodectic Mange

Good news! Well, I suppose it's not really "good" to have mange, but let's just say the news is better than the alternative: Dubby has demodectic mange, the non-contagious kind.

Looks like we'll probably have Dubby for at least a couple weeks. He must be neutered before he can go to adoption events, and he has to get a little healthier and grow some fur before he can be neutered.

Learning that Dubby was not contagious (at least, not to healthy dogs that aren't being constantly exposed to his mite-infested body), I decided to let Star and Dubby meet during a potty break.

Star's reaction was completely opposite my expectations, especially since she'd been soooo curious about Dubby at first, during the time when we didn't know if he was contagious and kept them totally separated. She wanted to see and smell and touch, and I just said "no no no no" all the time while body blocking her as we passed on the way to the back yard for pee breaks.

So, at last, she got her chance!! Yes, she wanted to smell!! And then she did, and this look came over her face like "OMG, eww, this thing stinks! What a creepy nasty thing! Nope, changed my mind, I don't want anything to do with it. BYE!!!" and she ran off.

Honestly, he does stink. He smells just like every dog at an animal shelter, like cleaning products, animal byproducts, fear, and death. If you've ever been to a shelter, you know the smell I mean. And if dogs have flashbacks, then I'm sure Star would have been remembering her own frightening experiences at the shelter as she sniffed this pink little critter.

On top of that, there is the odor from the mange and the crusty skin infections.

Needless to say, I'm going to give him a bath tomorrow morning.

Dubby will be up for adoption at some point, so be sure to tell all your friends! ;) He rides great in the car (in his cardboard box), has a calm and quiet demeanor, hasn't had any accidents in the house, and is very attentive and curious.

Dubby napping in the car in his cardboard box.

Thank you for all the nice comments on the last post, btw. I love fostering, and I'd do it all the time if Dozer would let me.

I believe that since I don't hold down a steady job or make a living wage (which makes it hard for me to donate money), I should at least spend my time in ways that benefit the world somehow, even on a small scale. That's why I run my websites, volunteer for shelters/advocacy groups, help out at charity events, and foster when I can.

If anything, I think my husband is the real hero, because he's the one dealing with a crap job so we can have food and a roof over our heads. I couldn't do this stuff without his support. :)

Okay, so the next post will be about Oregon. It will be dull, unless you like hearing about other people's trips. And spiders. There will be spiders.

12 comments:

Woodrow, Luna, MJ Campanella said...

We love fostering too - we do it as much as Sweetie allows - she needs time in between to relax!!

we just saw the video and it was funny - poor star is all confused

Wodorow - Sweetie - MJ

Kembree said...

Great news!!!!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad to hear Dubby has a non-contagious version of mange. Still, it sucks being so itchy!

Mange definitely has an off-putting odor. If we can smell it, imagine how much different it would be for a dog with way better olfactory skills? I'm sure as he gets a little better, Star will warm up to him.

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so glad, thats good news. Poor little Dubby, you gave him a chance! And once again you are my hero!

Anonymous said...

That is such great news!

I have to say that Dubby's smile is so fabulous. The smell will go away, his fur will come back and he'll go to an amazing home because he has a great start with you.

Dubby will get Star engaged. I can see his personality through his eyes.

Raising Addie said...

Wonderful news about Dubby!

I know that shelter smell that you are referring to. It's a hard smell to forget.

Adorable video! His little tail was going crazy! He is going to make some lucky family very happy!

Chasing my tale...
Addie, Lucie, and Hailey

The Oceanside Animals said...

Dennis stank when we got him from rescue, too. He cleaned up nicely though. Dubby looks like a sweetie and will make someone a good dog.

What kind of spiders are we talking about? If it's Lolth, I'm in.

Luda said...

Poor little guy. What kind of monster would let this happen to a puppy? In one of my classes last Spring, the professor was complaining that there are more animal shelters than womens' shelters. On any given day, I like animals more than most people, so this makes absolute sense to me.

Lucky for Dubby, he had made it to a good place. Hopefully, he will feel better after he has a nice bath.

What you are doing has inspired me. I am going down to our local no kill shelter tomorrow (they are closed on Wednesday) to see what I can do to help. I asked my husband if he would mind if I foster, but he reminded me that we decided not to get another dog after we lost Zeus because Luda is doing so much better as the only dog in the house. Hopefully, I will find other meaningful ways to help

Life With Dogs said...

I hate spiders. Tell me you nabbed one!

Kari in Alaska said...

that is one cute pup. he is adorable and I am glad to hear that his mange is not contagious

Unknown said...

Hi, I got to meet Star at a softball game not to long ago. We talked about my dog Bella that has Demodectic Mange. She seems to be doing okay but I was wondering if there is a vitamin she can take to help with her immune system and is there a shampoo you use that would help at least with the dry skin that follows an outbreak. Did you find homes for all the puppies?
Thanks

happypitbull said...

Bella's mom: Hi! Yep, all the puppies were adopted, and so was the momma dog. :)

I usually use baby shampoo (Johnson and Johnson's) on the mange dogs. It's very gentle on skin, so it can be used as frequently as necessary, is also safe for puppies. I've also used a hydrocortisone spray (for dogs) that helps reduce itching.

Vitamins, I'm not as sure about. The ivermectin has done the trick within a few months, so I've never had a need to use any extra vitamins. I've heard that things like fish oil and avocado are good for skin. But a good-quality food should have all the necessary vitamins.

In my (limited) experience, the components for successful mange rehab include: daily ivermectin, clean environment and blankets, low stress, good-quality food, and weekly bath. Sunscreen (for babies) is also important if the dog's going to be out in the sun for any length of time, because burned skin is damaged skin.