Murphy has demodex

[fenella]

Well, my little murph-man has demodex. I'm kinda mad at my vet (and have definitely decided to switch). I took him for his lepto booster and asked about the patches on his face. I was told that they were probably just scratches, but to keep an eye on it. The vet didn't want to do a scraping because Murphy is already afraid of the vet and has a tendency to be wiggly. He said that he "hesitated to do a scraping because of having the blade in close contact with his face." So, we left.
It continued to get worse, so I took him back yesterday. He again said that he didn't want to do the scraping, and suggested just doing a fungal culture first to check for ringworm. I insisted that we do the scraping, though, because I was there. We got the vet tech that is afraid of Murphy (last time, she insisted that he be muzzled, which is fine, but she is clearly uncomfortable with him). I offered to muzzle him for the scraping. In fact, I often muzzle each of my guys. I leave it on for about a minute, then give them peanut butter. I figure it is better for them to get used to it when they don't really need it. But, I digress.
So, the vet had me hold Murphy myself for the scraping because he does so well for me. I didn't really want to, but I thought it would be better for Murphy than having the tech that clearly didn't like him do it. It is demodex. He gave me OxyDex gel (benzoyl peroxide) and antibiotics for a secondary skin infection. Murphy was a champ through the whole process. Hopefully, his hair will grow back in soon. I actually think the outbreak could have been triggered by the period when he was on the meds and stopped eating.

[amazincc]

Poor guy... sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.

Your vet sounds... uhm... great.

[TheRedQueen]

You are finding a new vet, right?

Poor Murph...it's been a rough road lately. But judging by his performance on Friday, he's back on track now!

[pitbullmamaliz]

Poor kid!

[madremissy]

Good thoughts for Murphy to get better soon. at your vet.

[Malli]

well, stress can lower immunity, so its possible However, please consider that smaller patches of Demodex, while unsightly, are not necessarily unhealthy. That said....

I totally understand, its hard to know someone is working with your dog who doesn't like him or her.

Given my dog's strong personality and will, I would have some serious issues with someone working with him who was afraid of him.

Any vet should be willing to make a visit a positive experience. On regular vet visits with a healthy animal, a vet should, IMO, be dolling out treats. A vet clinic (a hospital is different, sick animals may not be able to eat or feel like meeting new people) should be a fun place for the dog to visit, where lots of attention is given and lots of rewards happen, a "well balanced" dog should leave thinking, "wow, I only had to do THAT to get a treat!?"

Maybe when you find a new vet, you can make a point of making a few "fun only" visits to boost Murphy's confidence and experience?

[pitbullmamaliz]

My vet doesn't hand out treats (she's pretty business-like) but I adore her. She is very very friendly with Inara and pets her and talks to her as she works. And the vet techs LOVE LOVE LOVE her. I'll take her with me each month to go pick up her Sentinel and they always come out into the lobby to give her lovings.

You definitely need to be comfortable with your vet, and their staff.

[TinaMartin]

I agree that you should get another vet. I could not imagine my vet treating me like that.

[Jenn]

Quick healing thoughts for Murphy, hope it clears up soon!