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Old May 1st, 2008, 04:17 PM
DoodleMan DoodleMan is offline
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Question Mange/Skin Condition?!?

Good Afternoon,
This is my first post on this forum and I must say what a wonderful forum it is. I have two doodles. One is an 18 month old goldendoodle named Teddee. I rescued Teddee at 8 months from a family that could no longer handle the time and effort needed for this dog. My second dog is a Doberdoodle (Doberman Pinscher/Std Poodle). His name is Flash. He is 14 months old and I rescued him 1 week ago.

I noticed Flash had a small area of hair missing on the side of his body behind is front left shoulder. When I looked closely at it, It was a small patch of hair missing and the skin was slightly redder than the rest of his skin. The grooves/pores of his skin were also more visible. When I touched it, it didnt seem to bother him(It bothers me more than it does him). I did notice him scratching in that general area the first few days I had him, but nothing excessive (maybe 10 seconds a few times over the day). My concern is that this could be mange and that my other dog can catch it. I know demodex is not contagious so if it is mange I hope it is that. I have read a lot that stress and anxiety can cause a normally healthy dog to have problems with the mange already on their body. Since he changed homes and got a new roommate, I am wondering if this was the stressful situation that triggered this. The patch of hair may have been missing when I got him, but I am not sure because his hair is mid-length right now.

How can I tell myself if this is demodex or sarcoptic mange? Are there any major differences in the affected areas that may give me an idea of what I am dealing with. Could this be a hotspot, but wouldnt that be itching him? Should I wait to take him to the vet? Since it isnt bothering him (atleast from what I can tell) and I read that most localized demodex mange will resolve themself, I hate to add the stress of taking him to the vet if its not needed. How should I treat this being that I am worried about Teddee possibly catching this from him? I have noticed Flash has scabs on his elbows, but so does Teddee and I think that is probably from laying on the tile floor. Should I be worried about Teddee picking this up? When should I take him to the vet if I dont do so now.

Thank you very much for your time. I am truly concerned not only for my new dog, but for my existing dog as well.
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  #2  
Old May 1st, 2008, 04:27 PM
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chico2 chico2 is offline
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Doodleman,welcome to our Forum
I don't think anyone here can really tell you what to do,without seeing the spot.
I only have 3 cats,no experince with Mange,but there are people here who do,so just be patient.
Where it me,I would take him to the vet,just to be safe,hopefully it's not any kind of mange
Also thank you for taking these pups in,I am sure everyone here would love to see a pic of them.
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Old May 1st, 2008, 04:29 PM
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BMDLuver BMDLuver is offline
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Honestly, you should take him to the vet. The reason being, if it's nothing then you've at least started a file with your vet. If it's something, then nipping it in the bud so to speak will cost a lot less in the long run. Rarely are there cases of sarcoptic mange, it would be demodex if it's that at all. It could be food allergies, stress, etc.. Best to err on the cautious side and make an appointment.
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Old May 1st, 2008, 09:14 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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I agree with BMDLuver. Best to have the vet do a scraping and tell you yes or no for sure.

It does sound like it could be mange--if it's itchy, it would likely be sarcoptic, which would be a problem for your other dog as well since it's contagious. So you'll want to see the vet ASAP.

Demodectic mange is actually more of a disease of the immune system and stress can bring it on. Although it does sometimes resolve by itself, it usually requires at least a topical treatment. Boosting the immune system with a good diet and reducing the stress of your dog till he settles in a little bit is good, too. However, as stressful as it might be, a trip to the vet is certainly in order--both to get a proper diagnosis and to get your dog and vet acquainted (if the dog likes the vet, it won't be stressful ).
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Old May 1st, 2008, 10:18 PM
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Dr Lee Dr Lee is offline
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Hazelrunpack, you stole the words out of my mouth!
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Old May 1st, 2008, 10:23 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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What is it they say about great minds, Dr Lee?

Unfortunately, our Macie came with demodectic mange...so it's one of our areas of experience. (I could stand to have a little less experience )

Glad I got it right, though!
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Old May 2nd, 2008, 08:44 AM
DoodleMan DoodleMan is offline
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Thank you all. I am taking him in today to the vet today. Dr. Lee, I didnt realize you were in Phoenix. I may begin to bring him and my other dog to you since you are just South of my home. I am at 32nd St and Bell. You seem very knowledgeable and very caring.

Thank you,
Keith
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  #8  
Old May 31st, 2008, 02:38 PM
aspencypress aspencypress is offline
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Just curious how did the vet vist go? The reason that I am asking. I have been breeding Doodleman Pinschers for six years now and one of the biggest health concerns of the breed is they have a tendency to have skin allergies. Mainly from food with corn products. Sometime a change in diet can stop the iching. I recomment Wellness fish and sweet potato. Let me know if this helps.
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