Inca...Allergy Issues? PT instead? One Last Try

[lilspaz68]

Do any of your rats know what normal is :giggle:

HAHAHA...never!

from ratguide.com

Demodex spp., and Notoedres muris (a sarcoptid-like mite), both transmit mange. Deomodex spp. can be found anywhere on the skin but are primarily found on hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the ears. Notoedres muris (also termed the ear mange mite) burrows into skin, and presents as yellowish crusty appearing warts on edges of ears and nose, or can appear on other extremities as reddened bumps. Both of these are not often seen in the domestic pet rat.

 

[Unepuce]

At least there's the good news! So happy for you and Inca! Can't wait to see pictures of her in a couple of months with a nice, fuller coat! :joy:

 

[mamarat]

So glad you can "fix" Inca.

 

[hopefloats]

Least it is good news for the poor stumpy girl!

 

[lilspaz68]

I picked up little Poo-foot Inca from her carrier, and in the lobby gave her ear rubs and scratches, one of the assistants couldn't stop laughing at her squished up happy face as i rubbed and itched LOL

We are all very happy to be home.

 

[victoria]

I'm happy to hear you got some good news today, at least :hugs:

 

[Scythe]

Do any of your rats know what normal is :giggle:

HAHAHA...never!

from ratguide.com

Demodex spp., and Notoedres muris (a sarcoptid-like mite), both transmit mange. Deomodex spp. can be found anywhere on the skin but are primarily found on hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the ears. Notoedres muris (also termed the ear mange mite) burrows into skin, and presents as yellowish crusty appearing warts on edges of ears and nose, or can appear on other extremities as reddened bumps. Both of these are not often seen in the domestic pet rat.

I could be wrong, but isn't demodex contagious? I know there was a type of mange that was... I think that might be the one that starts with an S.

 

[lilspaz68]

Do any of your rats know what normal is :giggle:

HAHAHA...never!

from ratguide.com

Demodex spp., and Notoedres muris (a sarcoptid-like mite), both transmit mange. Deomodex spp. can be found anywhere on the skin but are primarily found on hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the ears. Notoedres muris (also termed the ear mange mite) burrows into skin, and presents as yellowish crusty appearing warts on edges of ears and nose, or can appear on other extremities as reddened bumps. Both of these are not often seen in the domestic pet rat.

I could be wrong, but isn't demodex contagious? I know there was a type of mange that was... I think that might be the one that starts with an S.

Not contagious. These mites are naturally in our bodies (ours too) and when the immune system has been compromised you can get these flareups. Fur mites are our normal mites we know of, there's sarcoptic mites and demodex.

 

[lilspaz68]

Update on poor Inca...she is 2 weeks into treatment and got her ivermectin injection this morning instead of last night...

The angry pink of her skin has changed to a normal pink, her fur is still bare in patches but I think its finally coming around.

BTW she let me hold her on her side like this without protest, I didn't force her. :giggle:

 

[Unepuce]

So happy she's getting better! :nod:

 

[Godmother]

So great to see her getting better! :joy:

Good learning experience for the rest of us, because I have never seen this.

 

[SQ]

Glad it is working and that Inca is doing much better

 

[mamarat]

That is good news. Sweet girl.

 

[lilspaz68]

Well that momentary victory went away...Inca went back to pink, and got worse even with the ivermectin injections.

1) Does anyone know WHY Ivermectin injections sometimes don't work?

2) Does anyone think I should take the injectable ivermectin and try giving it to her orally in baby cereal instead?

Inca is coming up on 29 months old, and aging very fast. The demodex is not painful and doesn't affect her healthy like some things might, and if the Ivermectin isn't working I believe the only other thing is Amitraz a topical, but I won't stress out my old girl with that.

these pics were taken April 15th

Her muzzle is bare pink skin now

 

[Joanne]

Is she uncomfortable and itchy? Or just pink and losing her hair? If she is feeling OK and medication is not working, would it be OK to just leave it untreated? What are the consequences?

 

[lilspaz68]

I don't think there are any consequences. Its not painful, its not dangerous...but if I can use the ivermectin orally instead I will go that way...as that is just a "Treat" once a week

She won't be able to be a case history on ratguide.com, and help future rats though if I just stop.

 

[Godmother]

You have nothing to lose by trying the oral route.

 

[lilspaz68]

I am getting interesting info on other forums and from Karen and I think I will go the oral route for Inca...

I'll copy/paste it here once I get home

 

[lilspaz68]

Well Inca has aged very very fast recently...and today when I got back from the vet, I found her on the bottom of the cage. She's unable to stand or walk. She's a bit twisted and she seems to be having mini-strokes or seizures (nystagmus in her eyes).

I have emailed Jorats to ask about anything supplementary I should do to help ease her passing, because I am sure I am going to lose my feisty 3-legged dynamo today.

Last night

and right now...she's still trying to groom, my special girl :heart: :heart:

 

[Joanne]

Awww, sweet Inca...
I hope if she passes that it's quiet and peaceful.
You never know though - maybe she'll rally and bounce back for a bit.
Either way, :hugs: for you and your girlie...