Mange Conquered

Thinking about how Bruce is doing in the hospital robs me of sleep. It's been like this for three days now. I wake up before the sun rises and I find myself surfing in my phone and googling things that just adds up to my paranoia. I've relied on this method for months and for questionable things that need an answer. I wouldn't say it's entirely healthy, but I've got to admit, not all information are hoax or pointless. They give us some sort of knowledge to filter and counter-check. In Bruce's case, it kind of saved his life.

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Sometime last May I blogged about Bruce having Mange and his first few sessions of treatment. It doesn't take a profound genius to realize that something's wrong with his skin. Though he seldom itched, I knew there's something nasty growing underneath. I can feel it and see it in broad daylight. Naturally, I was in denial. I knew there was no way that he could get mange. He pretty much enjoys his baths every other day. He uses the same Dr. Kaufman soap that my other dog uses (which makes their coat very clean and soft btw). He's not entirely a very dirty dog. He's not like Harvey at all. He just likes to lounge around. He's a pretty manageable dog.

So I researched and found that there are kinds of Mange that affect dogs. There are demodectic, sarcoptic, cheyletiella and so on. Basically all kinds of mange are considered a skin disease and caused by these nasty parasitic mites. According to Bruce's veterinarian, all dogs are naturally born with it. Mites mostly attack puppies and other breeds that are short-haired or with minimal hair at all. But for dogs with strong immune systems and genetic make-up, these mites naturally die away and never reach the "mange" stage. In some cases, it's provoked by exposure to an infested area.

Demodectic mange are overgrowth of mites. These are usually inherited by very young puppies upon birth. Since most dogs are born with mites, puppies that harbor its overgrowth may have suppressed immune systems. Dogs may have mild to moderate itching and this could be localized or generalized. Localized is that mange is only concentrated in one area (Ex: Belly) and generalized is it affects mostly the entire body. These are not contagious.

Sarcoptic Mange are due to infection of parasitic mites called sarcastic scabei. They catch this disease via contact. Unlike demodectic, dogs with this kind of mange tend to itch and scratch themselves more. These mites burrow into the skin and they are very contagious. However, according to a few websites, sarcoptic mange is easier to cure than demodectic since they don't bury themselves as deep into the skin.

Cheyletiella mange is also a contagious mange due to infection. Against the other types of mange, these mites do not bury themselves in the skin. They are known as the walking dandruff and true enough, you do see dandruff flakes mostly at the neck or at the back of your dog, which is one of their most favorite hideout.

Inherited or infected, these types of mange are nasty. They make your dog feel so uncomfortable. They could be localized or generalized and they are indicators of a suppressed or faulty immune system. Left untreated, these could cause moderate to extreme hair loss, open wounds from scratched skin lumps and in some severe untreated cases, these parasites could so much infest their host that the dogs might have internal complications like heart worms,  fever that leads to death and even brain or organ damage.

There are lots of known treatment on the net. Obviously, the first known advise to bring your pet to the vet. Your vet could should rule out any other skin disease by scraping and confirming presence of mites. Then he would perform medicinal baths and other oral or injectable medication. Then as a pet owner, disinfecting the beddings or areas in the house could help eliminate survival of the mites. And there are tons of natural remedies shared by dog bloggers and veterinarians that worked for their pets. These natural remedies are to be included in the diet  or applied to their skin to attack the parasites and to boost their immune systems.  I've read about raw honey, peroxide and borax, fish oil, vitamin E, raw apple cider vinegar, chamomile, neem oil extract, sliced lemon and so on and so forth.

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When I brought Bruce to the vet he already developed bumps that are visible even underneath his fur. the bumps' silhouette could be highly seen in broad daylight. Though Bruce I've noticed doesn't itch too much and it's mostly located at the neck area and at the back. I've checked the belly area and there were minor red spots, but no bumps. I figured it must be just the heat or minor skin irritation. What worried me is that the bumps from the back gradually cascaded down to his hind legs. His forehead also developed white spots like something burrowed in the area. There were dandruff also all over his neck, back and face. I could from the get-go figure out that it's Cheyletiella mange. How he got it, I had no idea. All I know is that I had to get it treated. 

BRUCE'S MANGE

Bruce, even with mange, displayed his normal energy. He eats well, interacts well albeit with some discomfort induced by the itch. His looks didn't drastically change at all. There was no hair loss and red spots although there were some wounds at the back area caused by his scratching. Compared to the images on my research, Bruce was nowhere near that so I was feeling optimistic. Also, general treatment of mange is seen to be successful. 

Veterinary treatment is a must. On my first session with his vet, the doctor did scrapings and made me see through the microscope. Bruce's hair follicles and strands were smashed or in disarray. Something was really wrong. The doctor advised us to destroy his beddings or blankets. He had 2 favorite blankets that he tucks himself with to sleep, unfortunately those had to go. The doctors advised him to limit his backyard wanderings for a time until treatment is being done. And the doctor shared that this is not an overnight process. He would still have to come back to the vet for his medication and for me to do my part that he eats the right food and gets his play and sleeping areas clean at all times. 

Like most of the feedbacks I've read in the blog, bringing your dog to the vet every week for medication do not immediately give the desired results. Some dog owners warn that treatment left to the vet could be expensive and disheartening. After all, these are pesky parasitic mites. They don't leave immediately and much of it has to do with your dog's immune system. The Vet could only do so much and constantly exposing your pets to strong medication and dips aren't advisable either. Because of the repeated costs of going to the vet and the danger of relying heavily oh chemically induced treatment, these pet owners researched and developed their own natural remedies to help boost immune system and also to help eradicate mange. These areas I poured my time into. I read some blogs as the pet owners swore by the efficiency of their natural remedies. I knew this was a positive area to look into. I also knew this was something that I can personally do.

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TREATMENT

I've noticed the intense mange buildup end March of this year. He usually has baths 3-4 times a week using Dr. Kaufman bacterial soap. His area had been disinfected with his blankets time and time again, but his situation got worse. 

He formed bumps underneath his coat at the neck, back and hind legs area. He had dandruff. He had white infected burrows in his forehead. He scratched from time to time (mild). 

No baldness yet. No major wounds and sores. Appetite is not affected. Energy is not affected. 

VET

On the first weekend of May, I brought him to Dr. Peralta in Better Living. He was his vet ever since. Dr. Peralta performed scraping and confirmed presence of mange. 

• He injected a medication in Bruce
• He performed a lime-sulfur dip with Bruce. We usually leave him in the morning and come back for him in the afternoon. Whenever we pick him up, Bruce would smell like some gas or chemical. His fur would be smooth, but the smell was horrible. He would just look at us funny while we tell him "You Smell bad!" The doctor advised that Bruce should not  take a bath for minimum of 3 days straight, if he can, probably for an entire week so that the dip might seep in.
• COST: Treatment costs 750 pesos per session. 
• SESSION: Treatment is at every 2 weeks
• DURATION: We did this for 2 months straight
• PROGRESS: Definitely not overnight. Gradual mange loss. 

HOME REMEDY

I somehow knew this would happen. I read in blogs that repetitive treatments in the veterinary clinics could only do so much. I need to help him boost his immune system and somehow naturally eradicate this pesky mange. I am a believer of science and alternative / natural healing. Frankly I'll do anything. I don't care as long as it works. 

• Out of all my research, I singled out on NEEM oil. Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from fruits and seeds of the neem plant present in India subcontinent. Neem is known to have miraculous effects to persistent conditions. It's often used medicinally. Neem oil boosts immune systems, fights, boosts hygiene, fighter of various skin diseases and infections. Most of the dog owners swear by it. 
• I couldn't find a concentrated neem oil in the Philippines. (CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT?). I only get Tea Tree oil, chamomile and they are expensive. Although they do help alleviate skin diseases, I'm more intrigued on the known powerful effect of neem especially on mange. The problem is I can't find a store that sells neem oil here in Manila.
• Until I came across neem.ph. It's an online shopping site for anything neem related. Their  warehouse is based on Cainta, Rizal. Thank God for Online Shopping! I became confident that this is my answer because they widely cater to beauty and skin products like soaps, lotion and they even developed their own pet products such as Neem Pet Powder and Neem Pet Soap. It makes a lot of sense. They wouldn't devote a product line for pets and dogs if neem is not known to work.
• Before ordering Neem products I consulted this with Dr. Peralta and he said that it does help and gave me the go-signal to do my own therapy. 
• Cost: I got Bruce Neem Capsule supplements to boost his immune system. I got a bottle for 300 pesos. I also got Bruce Neem soap for for 75 pesos (I initially bought 3). And I got him the Neem Powder also for 75 Pesos. Overall costs including the shipment is at around 750 pesos.
• Once I ordered everything I needed online, which is very easy, I made a call to confirm if my orders went through. It was a Saturday and the only payment method was through bank deposit.  Thankfully BDO was open! I got my orders Tuesday Morning.
• Half a capsule was given with his food in the morning, baths happen every other day, his beddings were removed and I bought him a no-hassle mat for easy clean up and comfort (500 Pesos in Ace Hardware). I included fish oil in his diet and occasionally sprinkled some powder on his coat during his non-bath days. 

With the rigorous area clean up and home remedy, coupled with Bruce vet medicinal baths for 2 months straight, Bruce Mange was conquered! I'm happy to report that the bumps were gone, the white spots in his forehead were gone. In broad daylight I can see the smoothness and vitality of his coat. He doesn't itch anymore and his vet visits ended at the last weekend of June. Although his vet visits may be eliminated, I still continue with the neem soap, capsules and powder. And I always make sure that his sleeping area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 

**If In case the neem soap is out of stock, I use the ANTI-MANGE or HERBAL multi purpose soap for 85 Pesos  that can be bought in the pet section of Ace Hardware. 

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This was Bruce's first battle. I learned a lot about this skin disease and appreciated so many good things in life. I appreciated science as well as believing also in the power of natural healing remedies. I relied on patience and ended up sacrificing comfort and time to help eradicate mange. I believed in prayers and in Bruce.

Mange of any kinds should be treated before it becomes life threatening. As a pet owner, you will allot time and resources to get this done. It's NOT an OVERNIGHT process. Do not be disheartened if you see little to no results. Follow your vet's advise and also research on the natural remedies that might work for you. 

Sources:

neem.ph

pets.webmd.com/dogs/mange-dogs-canine-scabies

www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=294‎

www.2ndchance.info/mange.htm‎

In an unfortunate circumstance

It's been ages and it's starting to be shameful. Work and the lack of everything else are always against me. Then again I'm not making any excuses.

So many things happened in the past couple of months. Most are good, ironically. Bruce fought his nasty battle with mange and he won. He nourished a new human partnership with Jake as his caretaker and walker. And he turned 1, with grace and charm. It's as if nothing could go wrong. Absolutely nothing.

And now Bruce is fighting his biggest battle yet. And I chose to fight it with him and give everything I got. I don't know if I'm cut out for it. We'll see, but it kills me each and every minute and each and every thought that creeps through. Whenever I think about it, it feels like dying over and over again. It wouldn't have been in vain if this internal and emotional death could lessen the pain that Bruce might feel, but it won't. It's just me.

Our dear Bruce, our mighty and lovable Bruce who just turned 1 is suffering from acute renal failure.

It seems so surreal. How could it possibly happen to him, to us? I still couldn't reconcile and point to the exact issue and it pains me every time to be away from him and when I do see him, he's in agony. His tail is automatic response of happiness, but his eyes do not lie. I won't even entertain the though of him gone. He knows I won't let him go. I can't let him go. And the possibility kills me every time. I know I must not think like this. Bruce has always been a fighter. He's my dog. He's strong. But how come I feel a tear is about to roll. I must stop for now...

Week 1 Mange Treatment: Bruce

I never thought that any of my dogs would suffer a skin disease particularly a MANGE attack. It took me some time to realize and an additional time to accept that it does happen, even to good dogs in a good home. But as soon as things became a little bit clearer, there's nothing left to do but to act on it, solve it. That's what we're doing now.

Background:

When Bruce was little he had small red bumps in his semi-hairless belly. It's like "bunging araw" probably something caused by the heat and moist. We regularly bathe him of course with anti-fungal shampoo and Dr. Kaufman anti-bacterial soap just like the rest of our dogs. It never really signaled a major problem for us. He sometimes scratches himself, but we didn't see anything alarming that needed further medical attention.

He grew up in a fairly happy environment. He plays around, likes to hang out in puddles of water, dirties himself by destroying mom's plants and he even had time to be trained in a professional dog school. While growing up, we noticed small skin irritations, again nothing extraordinary. Dogs scratch themselves from time to time. His coat still looked fine, he's not in a major chronic itching spree, but we do still make sure that he gets his regular bathe and sways him away from sleeping in puddles. We thought that some small bumps are just minor skin irritation bought by heat and dirt. To be honest, we were more on the lookout for fleas and ticks. As an average dog owner, that's the only thing I know that could attack them.

Bumps on his body. no major baldness and open wounds yet. 

Until a couple of months passed and we noticed the bumps beneath his fur multiplying in his legs and we saw scaling and skin patches in his forehead. Abnormal things started to get noticeable. I thought it was still caused by normal dirt and we tried to buy a heavy duty anti-bacterial and anti-fungal shampoo. We bathe him more often, but after weeks of observation, nothing. We noticed that he would scratch himself from time to time, but what's more alarming are the bumps beneath his fur and the scaling and patches of wound on his forehead. It became worse. I knew he might have some discomfort, but Bullmastiffs are tough dogs. He won't whine.

I researched online and came across the same symptoms with dogs that have MANGE. Mange is a skin disease caused by MITES, supposedly common external parasites that lay eggs and bury themselves beneath the dogs' hair follicle. In general, they do attack puppies more with underdeveloped immune system (1 - 24 months) assisted by dirt and heat. As I was looking at the images, my heart beat fast. I knew I had to take him to the doctor. He had bumps, scaling on his forehead and open wounds already present from scratching. Thankfully he's not yet in the worse stages of balding, discoloration and chronic licking and scratching. But I was in panic mode.

Two things I am definite. The bumps are all over his body and his skin disease is already generalized as supposed to localized. Second, he has to be taken to the vet.


SATURDAY WEEK 1:

We took Bruce to his vet for treatment. The vet did the usual scraping and inspection and it was confirmed that the skin disease was caused by mites. At that point, I just wanted it to be cured. The vet was explaining things to me, but my mind was floating somewhere else. I ended up asking him again again like a nervous parent.

I have 2 other dogs that didn't have mange:

• All dogs harbor mites, but as long as the dog has healthy skin and strong immune system, the mites should be harmless and curable without any treatment. Harvey and Chivas have strong immune systems. Mites do not stand a chance.
• In Bruce's case, he's young and his immune system is weak, mites took a chance to feast on his

Is there just one kind of Mange?

• Sarcoptic and Demodectic. 
• Sarcoptic are transmitted from one infected dog to another. It causes chronic itching, balding especially in ears, elbow and face
• Demodectic are overgrowth of mites usually found in puppy's skin from the start. Mild to moderate itching is present and in worst cases, hair fall and abnormal looking skin. Mites that have grown haywire. 
• Bruce has Demodectic Mange that became wild because of his suppressed immune system.

Treatment:

• Oral antibiotics, injections and medicinal bath
• Get rid of the beddings, put 1 tablespoon of corn oil (to moisturize his skin) on his food and bathe him with anti-fungal shampoo
• Visit the vet every week for shots and medicinal bath
• Strengthen his immune system

We left Bruce to the vet for a couple of hours so he could take his medicinal bath and dip. That special bath involves medicine and pesticides so the mites in this body could be killed. According to my research, there are some bad side effects to it if done regularly like vomiting and malaise. You are dipping them after all in strong pesticides. Don't be surprised if it smells like gas. 

Aside from the bath, he also got an anti-fungal shot as opposed to oral antibiotics. 

We took him home the same day smelling of gas and really feeling worried. The vet said with the medicine and heat, his bumps may flare up as an immediate reaction to the medicine. We just have to make sure his place is clean, he's not exposed much to sun and he must avoid dirt/soil at any cost. The vet even suggested to put in him a cage most of the time. I cringed. I told the vet that he won't like it.

It was hard on the first night. As much as we don't like locking him up, he must heal and maximize the effects of medicine. He was in a bad mood for sure, but we had no choice.

That was a Saturday. He took his next bath with the same strong anti-fungal shampoo and Dr. Kaufman anti-bacterial soap on Wednesday and Thursday. He is scheduled to be back on Saturday for a follow-up check up and treatment.

Bumps have flared. No Chronic Itching, but has patches on his forehead and wounds caused by scratching

Waiting for his diagnosis

 

During Summer, think about Yakutsk

My boss from London spent his first Christmas in the Philippines and he was boasting to his relatives back home of the magnificent weather and climate that we have. He is in fact currently enjoying the summer.

I faint a smile. I seriously don't get it. There must be something wrong with him cause I know this tropical heat is one of the worst...ever. I know it has always been cold in London, but who could ever love Manila Summer? You'd die ungracefully in this heat.

If I were to switch places with him, I'd like to be relocated somewhere in Eastern Siberia, like in a place called Yakutsk, which is penned the coldest city on earth by Time Magazine. It usually ranges from negative 35-40 Degrees Celsius. It's where people wear ultimate protective clothing and where your hot coffees could have frost in a matter of minutes. It's a deadly kind of cold where the soil beneath the city is frozen.

There are pros and cons I'm sure. Urban living in the coldest place on earth do have numerous setbacks. But I'm willing to dream and gamble. I think I'll thrive there.

time.com Yakutsk the coldest city on earth

I hate summer.

As I type, I have a glass of water filled with thinning cubes of ice that seem to escape from the glass in forms of moisture. Soon, the glass looks immensely wet from the outside, it won't take that long. I forgot to put a glass coaster. In this heat, it would surely leave a puddle in the dining table and my mom would be furious. To get to the coaster, I have to leave this place, walk a few feet, open the drawer and walk back. Honestly, my fingers are about the only thing that I can manage to move right now. I can take the scolding, but I cannot take this heat.

Manila is at 34 Degrees Celsius now. In a way, we are lucky. It isn't that bad. Two days ago it reached 36 Degrees, but to be honest, the difference is unrecognizable. The point is, it's still hot. It's the kind of heat that immobilizes you. I can't think of a place that's worst than this. But sure, of course there is. This heats make me overreact and be dramatic. Thinking about the dessert places make me want to puke. I don't like the summer and if I were given a choice, I would never be here in the tropics. 

Checking on my dogs in the middle of the day makes my heart break. Their eyes say it all and I know they scream for snow. Their energies are obviously stripped from this heat. What they do is sleep and just try to forget the hours. They don't even eat their lunch with gusto. They would find a nook and stay there for as long as possible reserving their energy to cool themselves down. Bruce finds his solace in a damp shaded place under his home. Harvey and Chivas stay indoors and sleep with their bodies pressed in the cold tiles and wall. They look miserable, like me, but they do try to cope. 

If only I can whisk them away and go to a place where it's cool, crisp and scenic. Gray clouds, winds and snow states are even better. Anywhere but here in the tropics during summer. 

Summer heat even in varying degrees is still a taste of hell. I hate summer. 

Officially on Vacation Mode

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who believes that happiness is a fleeting fleeting. It's not a constant state of condition. Happiness may be suspended and prolonged in a moment, a minute, an hour, a day or a week if you're really lucky, but it's never ever permanent. And even if the idea and feeling of happiness are prolonged, there are only a few moments, seconds or minutes when you actually feel "at most high". And what's more subliminally sweet is when you experience that calm happiness, that brand of happiness that you hear yourself whisper how you love life. As the feeling of happiness envelopes you, the noise seems muffled and you realize that you're involuntarily grinning. No need for frantic shouts, jowls or shaking. It's a calm soothing happiness that washes me and often leaves me in awe.

That brand of calm happiness is rare, but I experienced it today. I experienced this calm happiness after I have composed my out-of-office emails, after I stepped out of the building and drove my car home. While driving through SLEX, I knew I was grinning and I dare not correct myself. It's such a euphoric feeling. I felt that nothing could go wrong.

I am now officially on vacation mode. Work button had been effortlessly switched off. I know it's simple and shallow, but for someone who values time and career, I've come to realize that vacations are important and should not be taken for granted.

I am officially on a vacation and I'm happy. And since happiness is fleeting, I'll try to enjoy every moment as much as I can.

Fire in the Blood

A dear friend of mine who is a budding writer and a rebel-attorney developed into a sophisticated and voracious reader. As I read for pleasure, anything goes that interests me, he is more of the discriminating type. When we met up for coffee two weekends ago, he gave me two bagful of his old and new books. He wanted to give them a new home, short for he's running out of space and concern, as well as he wanted to give books he had no plans of reading a second chance. Of course, I willingly obliged.

As we were talking about, well...books, I had an irrational desire to buy new books the spot even if I already had freebies. I know it's illogical but it's also some kind of a book lover's sickness. After four hours of conversations, attempting to be Tolstoy and literature scholars, we went to Fully Booked and scouted the sale section first. As a tip from one book lover to another, never ever miss out on the sale section, you won't believe what people would put out on discounts! Mostly they're unpopular but excellent works!

As I patiently inspected the lot, my friend pointed out to me Irene Nemorovsky's Fire in the Blood. It's in perfectly good condition at 100 pesos. He hasn't read Fire in the Blood, but he has high praise for Nemorovsky's best known novel, Suite Francaise. He wanted me to try Fire in The Blood, which is a logical choice. From a book lover to another, I trust his judgment.

And thank goodness that I did! The next weekend, I had the time to squeeze in Fire in The Blood and in a day I was able to finish it. It was so good! I was engulfed by the story and the ease of the language. Though the book is not typically thick, more of a novella, it still carries a rich story with a strong message of the power of youth and the evolution of passion. It's a story written with a quaint rural French community as a background. It pictures passion and certain ideas of happiness in the eyes of the youth and in the eyes of the people past their prime. It's a parallel story amidst the minor family scandals and indiscretions.

For those who'd want a quick and meaningful read, I would recommend this.

And just because I so love how the words were unassuming and unpretentiously written, I have become a fan of Irene Nemorovsky. I was so impressed that I texted my friend to thank him for introduce the author to me.

A week after, I decided to search Suite Francaise to include it in my list of summer reads. I was ready to search and order (if need be) from the leading bookstores. On an uneventful Sunday, I was in a simple Booksale store at a  nearby mall waiting for my ride. As I was browsing through the shelf, I quickly spotted the book in excellent condition and on sale at 115 pesos! What luck! Out of all the Booksale shops and timing in the world, I was able to get a copy without breaking a sweat. It's like it fell into my lap. In this case, I believe in destiny.

I intended to read Suite Francaise in my upcoming beach vacation in a few days. I want good vibes and good reads, but I simply cannot wait. I've already read 6 chapters and least to say I am hooked.

I have become a Nemorovsky fan. I recommend anyone to experience her raw works. It's really something worthwhile.

"...i thought i was seeking my fortune but in reality i was being propelled forward by the fire in my blood. But these passions are now extinguished i no longer know who i am."