Hello everyone! On Monday, Sebastian had another trip to the vet for another skin scraping. Like the last one, this one also came back positive for mites BUT they were far fewer in number. I think that by the next skin scraping, two weeks from now, we just might have a negative! Sebastian is looking great and his hairless patches are starting to grow back so I know we're on the right track.
I have started to apply a more homeopathic approach to his treatment. As you know, he's been on Ivermectin for quite some time which is a very strong and harsh drug. With prolonged use it can have some pretty damaging effects on the body. I have never been fully comfortable using it, but the conventional treatments for mange are even harsher so it has been the "lesser of the evils". I have accumulated quite a library on herbal and homeopathic animal remedies and after much studying and research, I am finally implementing some new things for Sebastian's treatment. I've cut out the Ivermectin completely but am continuing with the antibiotic, Cephalexin. I've added some new natural supplements to his food. Zinc, Vitamin C, Lecithin granules, and Vitamin E. These are all natural ways to help boost Sebastian's immune system which is the root problem causing the mange flare ups. I'm pretty excited to see how these things help or not. I'm also putting together some aromatherapy solutions for him. Willing to try anything at this point!!
Life wise, the dogs have settled in very well here with "Grandma" and "Grandpa" and the cats. We've taken a few trips out into the woods and just the other day I took Bella and Sebastian canoing on Lake Erie for the first time! They were a little hesitant to get into the canoe but once they did and we paddled out they really seemed to like it! No one fell out though Sebastian's weight made his sudden movements a little scary! I think we'll definitely be doing that again soon. Next time I need another rower to help though!
So I'll keep you posted on how our new holistic treatments work and of course how our next skin scraping goes. Wish us well here in Erie, PA and thanks for all your support!
