If your pooch has been diagnosed with demodectic mange, chances are that his veterinarian has recommended a course of Ivermectin. Understanding both what demodectic mange is and what Ivermectin is and how it works will help you make an informed decision about your pup's course of treatment.
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Definition
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Demodectic mange, also often referred to as red mange or puppy mange, is a skin disease caused by a skin mite that is naturally found on the skin of every dog. The condition occurs only in dogs who have a compromised immune system, such as puppies that are still developing their immune systems. As a result of the weakened immune system, the mite populations grow uncontrolled. Ivermectin is a drug approved for use as a heartworm preventative.
Function
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Ivermectin is the common ingredient in popular heartworm preventatives such as Heartgard. It s a mild pesticide meant to kill heartworm larvae. However, a common off-label use is in the treatment of demodectic mange. Ivermectin kills the mites responsible for the condition, effectively bringing down the mite population in a dog. Since mostly puppies get this condition, Ivermectin can be discontinued after symptoms of mange subside, because the puppy's immune system by then has had a chance to develop and can keep mite populations controlled.
Usage
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While commonly available heartworm preventatives contain Ivermectin as their active ingredient, this dosage alone is usually not enough to fight a case of demodectic mange. Thus, your vet may recommend daily doses of liquid Ivermectin. Some veterinarians will also administer Ivermectin by injection; however, many dogs experience pain and burning from the injection.
Application
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The amount of Ivermectin recommended by your vet will depend on two factors; the first is the size of your puppy, and the second is the severity of the mange problem. A common dosage is 250 ug/kg or up to 600 ug/kg for very bad cases, according to Veterinarian Mike Richards in a Vet Info article.
Effectiveness
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According to Richards, a course of Ivermectin will cure about 80 percent of cases of demodectic mange. However, because this is an off-label use for Ivermectin, your vet may first attempt to treat your pet with another medication specifically approved for demodectic mange.
Symptoms &Side Effects
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A symptom that your dog has this skin condition is lesions either in one part of his body or all over his body. Lesions are often accompanied by hair loss, red, crusty-looking skin, and scratching. Unless your dog is a collie or related herding breed (which often have a sensitivity to the medication), Ivermectin is a very safe drug. However, some common side effects of the drug are lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting.
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