Food allergy and fox mange in our dog. 10 important insights we learned from his medical history.

Authors: Julia Blömer & Dr. Steffen Blömer

Published on:

Updated on:

Short version:

• Please note the disclaimer below: We accept no liability for damages or injuries that may arise from the application of the methods or findings described here.

• It all started with severe itching, constant licking, and discharge from the ear. The initial diagnosis was yeast dermatitis combined with a food intolerance.

• Through allergen analysis, we were able to identify critical ingredients and gradually switch to a healthier and more tolerable diet.

• However, the allergy-induced rash masked the presence of Sarcoptes mites (fox mange). After several weeks of intensive treatment, we finally managed to bring this painful rash under control.

• Unfortunately, Mogli continued to lose weight, and it took several more weeks before we could stabilize his weight loss. Further investigation into the cause eventually led to a diagnosis of mitral valve insufficiency.

10 lessons we learned from this:

• Document everything so you don't forget anything.

• Recognize warning signs in time

• Free yourself from the mental merry-go-round.

• Everyone has their own truth.

• You are what you eat

• Trust the facts and your intuition.

• Find the balance between patience and action

• Focus on steady, small steps forward.

• Analyses are snapshots in time.

• The best solution is a combination of different approaches.

Disclaimer:

The content shared here is based on our personal experiences with our dog's medical history, as well as our use of natural remedies and medical treatments. We would like to emphasize that we are not veterinarians and have no medical or veterinary training.

The information and insights provided are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian if you have questions about your pet's health or require medical advice.

We accept no responsibility for any direct or indirect consequences that may arise from the use or misuse of the information provided here. The use of any content is at your own risk. We accept no liability for damages or injuries that may result from the application of the methods or knowledge discussed here.

Mowgli's medical history

Mogli is a wonderful and lively Croatian Shepherd Dog who came to us in 2019 at the age of three. His past was anything but easy. He must have experienced terrible things on the streets, which made him a "difficult case".

It took a lot of time, patience, and above all, love before he could trust people again. We are grateful that his foster parents, Claudia and Hans-Jürgen, lovingly laid the first small foundations before Mogli became part of our family.

This blog post is about his medical history in 2024. His past life circumstances, which ultimately led to almost a year of suffering, also play a role.

Topics such as fox mange in dogs, food allergies and unexplained weight loss despite a good appetite play a central role.

When did his period of suffering actually begin?

Mogli was an enthusiastic eater from the very beginning. He always received mid-priced canned food, supplemented by occasional treats from the table – always unseasoned meat.

He had suffered two bouts of gastritis in recent years, but apart from that, he enjoyed excellent health. He was bursting with energy, a passionate dog walker, and a keen hiking companion. Weighing over 18 kilograms, he was always strong and vital.

It's likely that changes in his stomach were already apparent 2-3 years ago, but we hardly noticed anything. It wasn't until mid-2023 that he experienced his first serious illness. He suddenly seemed weak and lethargic. He went for his walks with enthusiasm, but in between, he lay almost motionless and tired in his sleeping place.

Following an investigation Anaplasmosis He was diagnosed. Thanks to medication, he recovered and was considered "healthy" again. During this time, we noticed that he had lost weight – the veterinary clinic documented a drop to about 17 kilograms.

Towards the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, however, a new and extremely distressing period of suffering began for Mogli. He started licking the insides of his thighs excessively, and fluid began leaking from his ears. It was like a severe ear infection, accompanied by a yellow to brown discharge that smelled unpleasant.

The discomfort was taking a heavy toll on him – he was constantly licking his skin and shaking his painful ear incessantly. Day and night, we sometimes had to hold tissues in his ears for minutes at a time to catch the draining discharge.

At the same time, more and more bald patches developed on his skin, which were often intensely red. His belly, the insides of his hind legs, and the area around his rump and anus were particularly affected. This phase was a real challenge for both Mogli and us.

First vet visit, which only provided temporary relief…

The diagnosis was yeast dermatitis and a food intolerance.

Mogli had to have his fur shaved in several places because the yeast infection had spread extensively. The vet said Mogli would have to take medication to suppress the allergy for the rest of his life. She also advised us to feed him only hypoallergenic food.

A relative who works in the medical field discovered that this drug is actually used in transplant medicine.

The vet visit brought Mogli short-term relief. The itching and skin irritation improved for a while. However, the vet only treated the symptoms. No tests were carried out to determine the underlying causes.

The allergy worsened further.

Investigating causes and combining different approaches

Even before our first visit to the veterinary clinic, we had contacted a veterinary naturopath. She couldn't help us in the short term either, but in the long run it was exactly the right decision.

We were already familiar with colloidal silver sprays, but these hadn't helped much with Mogli's inflamed areas. She recommended a silver ointment, which provided somewhat more relief. We also tried certain homeopathic remedies. However, these too only treated the symptoms, so we embarked on a long journey to find the underlying cause.

The animal naturopath had recommendations from her network, so we brought a homeopath and a nutritionist on board. Together with another veterinarian, Mogli's long road back to a normal life began.

We had a bioenergetic fur analysis performed on Mogli's hair, which provided us with valuable insights into his overall health. This allowed us to rule out some possible causes and focus our attention on other investigations.

This analysis was definitely a crucial building block for his future path.

Food allergy and dietary change

There is no single "right" diet, as countless (expert) opinions exist on this topic. This makes finding the perfect solution virtually impossible. Instead, you should focus on your dog's individual needs and continuously expand your own knowledge.

Ultimately, it's up to you which expert or approach you trust on the topic. Food allergy you give.

For us, this marked the beginning of an intensive search for solutions. We developed these step by step through our own insights, expert knowledge, and thorough analyses. The first step was a detailed examination of the existing feed.

• What ingredients are necessary for a balanced diet for my dog?

• Are there any problematic ingredients I should avoid?

• How can I recognize the quality of a dog food, and are all ingredients listed?

• Should I choose wet food, dry food, or a raw food diet (BARF)?

• How can I ensure that the food is tailored to my dog's specific needs?

• What kind of meat can my dog tolerate?

Testing for allergens

To eliminate potentially problematic ingredients, we started cooking the meat (chicken) ourselves in the slow cooker. We also added zucchini. We had previously discovered that he didn't tolerate beef, which manifested as diarrhea and stomach problems.

Of course, he was initially missing some important additives, but there was no other way at first. Unfortunately, it later turned out that he could no longer tolerate chicken either, and his allergy didn't improve as a result. Therefore, we decided to have an allergen and pseudoallergen analysis done instead of continuing to rely solely on trial and error.

Through a hair analysis, we were finally able to identify the problematic ingredients more precisely and chart a clear course of action. It turned out that he can no longer tolerate many types of meat, including beef, lamb, horse, chicken, and some game.

Finally, we opted for kangaroo. With 100g of pure canned kangaroo meat and cooked zucchini, we were finally able to get his severe skin rash under control.

New diet plan

Although further challenges and illnesses arose over time, more on that later. Working with a nutritionist, we were able, after months of effort, to tailor his diet to his individual needs.

We don't want to give detailed instructions here, as every situation is unique. What worked for Mogli won't necessarily work for other dogs with food allergies.

Nevertheless, we are happy to share a few basic insights (this was only made possible thanks to the support of an experienced nutritionist):

• Pure kangaroo meat, zucchini, carrots and puffed amaranth

• Calcium intake via calcium citrate (no calcium from bone meal, as this would likely be incompatible)

• Psyllium husks and zeolite to support digestion

• Coconut oil and krill oil as healthy fat sources

• Supplemented with B vitamins and vitamin D3

• Supply of essential trace elements and minerals

• Specific support for the function of the pancreas and liver

• Use of an antihistamine

• Support through enzymes

We're currently making such good progress that we occasionally add different types of fish to his food (naturally taking the allergen list into account). We also sometimes mix in puffed quinoa.

This list is obviously not suitable for every dog and can vary depending on the individual situation. It is therefore crucial to always consult a veterinarian or nutritionist before making any major dietary changes or addressing a food allergy in your dog.

Fox mange or sarcoptic mange in dogs

By changing his diet, we were finally able to get Mogli's severe skin rash under control. However, he continued to struggle with weight loss and reddened skin. Even though we had already avoided certain allergens, Mogli still wasn't completely healthy.

We sent numerous samples – stool, blood, urine, fur – to various laboratories. Although we repeatedly received possible diagnoses, none of the approaches led to the hoped-for success.

Then, quite by chance, it happened: An employee of the nutritionist stumbled across our photos. She herself had been searching for months for the cause of her own dog's rash. It finally turned out that her dog was suffering from mange.

Since we were already at the clinic with Mogli for a follow-up examination, we had a special blood test done. And indeed: In addition to a food intolerance, Mogli was also suffering from Fox mange (Sarcoptes mange).

Here are some pictures that likely show fox mange, caused by Sarcoptes mites (please note the disclaimer regarding medical information). However, some of the pictures also show areas that could be attributed to food allergies.

Now began our great internal struggle over which path to take. Should we treat Mogli with an antiparasitic (spot-on) medication or look for alternative options?

As mentioned in the disclaimer, we do not recommend imitation. Instead, we encourage informed decision-making – whether for or against a particular product or treatment. It was anything but easy for us, but we consciously decided against the spot-on treatment. However, we kept it as a backup in case our efforts proved unsuccessful.

Alternative approach

To provide internal support, we also gave Mogli a supplement to strengthen his immune system. We applied silver ointment to some of the sores. In addition, we treated his skin regularly – at least three times a day – with a mixture of coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and an oil for Demodex mites. These measures provided him with some relief, but were not entirely successful.

Desperately, we continued our search for alternatives and came across Neem oil – the game-changer against sarcoptic mange. We rubbed Mogli's affected skin areas several times a day with a paste made from neem oil and other ingredients.

„Paste“: 12.5 g coconut oil + 12.5 g aloe vera + 2.5 g demodex oil + 1.5 g neem oil + 2 g apple cider vinegar

When temperatures drop, you can reduce the amount of coconut and add more aloe vera instead. This will prevent the mixture from becoming too thick.

In addition, we "showered" him once or twice a week with a mixture of aloe vera gel and neem oil. At the same time, we had to regularly shave his fur because the mites migrated and settled in new places.

Ultimately, through a combination of dietary changes, internal immune system support, and intensive external treatment, we succeeded. After several weeks, Mogli was completely free of rashes.

There was no single "miracle cure"—success lay in the combination of all measures. The treatment was extremely time-consuming and certainly not suitable for everyone, but for Mogli, the effort was worthwhile.

Persistent weight loss despite change in diet

We had finally successfully brought our dog's food allergy and mange under control. But Mogli continued to lose weight steadily. His weight had dropped to only about 14.5 kilograms, and he had become alarmingly thin.

So we began with further vet visits and treatments. A comprehensive blood test and additional examinations were carried out. Unfortunately, during the appointment, the vet also detected an unusual heart murmur…

Mitral valve insufficiency

This was followed by X-rays and time-consuming and expensive ultrasound examinations of the organs and heart. Our brave Mogli endured all of this, even though he was very scared each time.

In the end, a Mitral valve insufficiency (Grade 1) diagnosed. While not serious, it was clearly visible on the ultrasound. We were advised to administer a suitable medication to slow its progression.

However, when writing this blog post, we initially decided against the medication and opted for a different approach. Whether this was the right decision for our Mogli will only become clear in the coming years.

Suspected kidney failure

The first blood test revealed a very low glucose level, accompanied by other abnormal results. The veterinary clinic suspected possible kidney failure. However, at that time we didn't know that dogs should fast for 12 hours before having blood drawn.

Further blood and urine tests followed, this time taking Mogli's fasting status into account. Fortunately, the results regarding kidney failure were unremarkable.

Nevertheless, the weight loss continued and the repeated glucose measurement (non-fasting) again revealed alarmingly low values.

Suspected tumor (insulinoma)

Our vet approached the examination with great dedication. But slowly, even she became baffled as to why Mogli was losing so much weight and his blood sugar levels were so low. Finally, she raised the possibility of a tumor in his pancreas. A suspicion, but a shock for us nonetheless.

When we learned about the possible course of the disease and life expectancy with such a tumor, we were devastated. After a day or two, however, we realized that none of it was the end of the world. Our vet advised us to measure Mogli's glucose levels several times a day by pricking his ear.

Should the levels remain consistently low, we would need to go to the hospital to have blood drawn for further testing. There, the lab could determine with greater certainty whether a tumor is likely.

However, after all the previous tests, we didn't want to subject our dog to having his ear pierced several times a day. Especially since this would only provide indications and not reliable data.

Since Julia works in the medical technology sector, she had the idea to test a continuous glucose monitoring system. Although this was significantly more expensive than the method using needle pricks, it promised minute-by-minute readings and therefore greater certainty.

Of course, this incurred additional costs, as we felt it was too risky to attach the sensor ourselves. Therefore, we commissioned the vet to do it. Unfortunately, things didn't go entirely smoothly at first: the first sensor was defective, and we had to take Mogli to the clinic a second time.

But in the end, everything worked out wonderfully, and we were able to confirm with certainty that his glucose levels were within the normal range. The suspicion of a Insulinoma wurde somit ausgeschlossen.

Kleinere Stellschrauben bringen die letzten Erfolge

Zum Glück hatte Mogli weder Nierenprobleme noch einen Tumor. Dennoch war sein Zustand alarmierend, denn sein Gewicht war dramatisch auf unter 14 Kilogramm gesunken. Trotz einer täglichen Futtermenge von etwa 1,2 Kilogramm! Ein kontinuierlicher Gewichtsverlust trotz guten Appetits ist ein alarmierendes Zeichen.

Am Ende waren es wieder viele kleine Anpassungen, die den Durchbruch brachten. Wir erhöhten den Fleischanteil in seiner Nahrung und reduzierten das Gemüse. Zudem stellten wir von drei auf vier Mahlzeiten täglich um, was es uns ermöglichte, den Fleischanteil besser zu steigern. Bei nur drei Portionen am Tag hatte Mogli oft mit schweren Magenproblemen zu kämpfen.

Zusätzlich bekam er Amaranth ins Futter, sowie ein zweites Enzympräparat, um seine Verdauung weiter zu unterstützen.

Auch wir mussten feststellen, dass wir Probleme mit uns herumtrugen, ohne sie aktiv anzugehen. Jeder Hundebesitzer weiß, dass Hunde unsere Stimmungen aufnehmen und widerspiegeln. Deshalb haben auch wir beschlossen, positive Veränderungen bei uns selbst vorzunehmen.

Einmal pro Woche dokumentieren wir sein Gewicht und Stand heute hat er endlich die 15-Kilogramm-Marke überschritten. Es war eine fast einjährige Leidenszeit, geprägt von kleinen Erfolgen und vielen schwierigen Momenten.

Dieser Weg hat uns viel Einsatz, Kraft und Geld gekostet, aber jeder Aufwand hat sich gelohnt. Unser Sonnenschein Mogli ist wieder voller Lebensfreude und darf sein altes Leben beinahe uneingeschränkt genießen.

Natürlich behalten wir bei Wanderungen seine Herzprobleme stets im Blick. Seine Ernährung handhaben wir mit äußerster Konsequenz – er bekommt z.B. ausschließlich Känguru- oder Kokos-Leckerlis. Zusätzlich werden wir ihm im Sommer vor jedem Waldspaziergang etwas Neem-Öl aufsprühen, um erneute Ansteckungen mit Fuchsräude zu verhindern.

Mogli zeigt uns jeden Tag aufs Neue, dass all unsere Mühe nicht umsonst war. Seine Lebensfreude ist zurück, und das ist das schönste Geschenk.

10 Lektionen, die wir für uns daraus verinnerlicht haben

1) Dokumentiere, um nichts zu vergessen: Unser Gedächtnis ist nicht unfehlbar. Deshalb haben wir jeden täglichen Fortschritt in Bildern und Worten festgehalten, ergänzt durch alle Laborergebnisse und wichtige Gespräche.

2) Warnsignale rechtzeitig erkennen: Achte auf subtile Hinweise, die auf potenzielle Probleme hindeuten könnten. Bei Mogli haben wir sein Gewicht nur selten überprüft und erst zu spät bemerkt, dass er sich in einer Abwärtsspirale befand.

3) Entkomme dem Gedankenkarussell: Grübeln führt selten zu Lösungen. Stattdessen öffne dich für neue Perspektiven. Nutze die Vielfalt des Internets, um hilfreiche Informationen zu entdecken und dich mit Menschen aus aller Welt zu vernetzen.

4) Jeder hat seine eigene Wahrheit: Menschen betrachten die Welt durch den persönlichen Filter ihrer Erfahrungen und Werte. Ein Beispiel dafür war eine Person, deren Groll auf Tierärzte so tief saß, dass sie von Anfang an alles negativ beurteilte. Wie es so treffend heißt: „Frage zehn Menschen und du erhältst vermutlich elf Meinungen.“

5) Du bist, was du isst: Sowohl deine Ernährung als auch deine Gedanken beeinflussen maßgeblich dein körperliches und geistiges Wohlbefinden. Sei achtsam bei dem, was du deinem Körper und Geist zuführst. Hinterfrage vermeintliche „Fakten“ kritisch: Wer hat die Informationen veröffentlicht? Wer finanziert beispielsweise bestimmte Studien?

6) Vertraue auf Fakten und deine Intuition: Zahlen, Daten und Fakten sind unerlässlich, wenn es darum geht, fundierte Entscheidungen zu treffen. Sie liefern die Grundlage für Analysen und Bewertungen. Doch genauso wichtig ist es, deiner inneren Stimme zu folgen. Der Schlüssel liegt darin, beide Ansätze zu kombinieren, um die richtigen Entscheidungen zu treffen.

7) Die richtige Balance zwischen Geduld und Handeln: Erkenne, wann es klug ist, abzuwarten, und wann entschlossenes Handeln gefragt ist. Oft waren wir zu ungeduldig und haben schnelle, positive Ergebnisse erwartet. Doch alles, was wirklich gut und nachhaltig ist, braucht seine Zeit.

8) Setze auf kontinuierliche kleine Schritte: Große Veränderungen können überwältigend sein, doch kleine, konsequente Verbesserungen führen über die Zeit zu beeindruckendem Fortschritt. Es ist besser, jede Woche stetig voranzukommen, als nur alle paar Monate einen größeren Sprung zu machen.

9) Analysen sind Momentaufnahmen: Alles, was du analysierst oder misst, repräsentiert nur den jetzigen Zustand. Bedenke auch immer die Datenbasis. Wie oft hat dein Hund vor dem Wiegen gefressen bzw. wie viel? Hat er sein Geschirr an oder aus? Warst du vorher mit ihm Gassi?

10) Die beste Lösung entsteht aus der Kombination verschiedener Ansätze: Wir haben gelernt, dass die Wahl der richtigen Behandlungsmethode immer von der Situation und dem individuellen Wesen abhängt. Es gab Momente, in denen Mogli auf Kortison oder andere Medikamente angewiesen war, um sich überhaupt wieder zu erholen. Für die langfristige Genesung hingegen war oft ein alternativer Ansatz richtig. Einer, der vielleicht nicht sofort wirkt, aber nachhaltig die Gesundheit stärkt.

Natürlich waren wir nicht immer sicher, ob wir die richtige Entscheidung getroffen haben. Doch wir haben stets unser Bestes gegeben, um die optimale Lösung für Mogli zu finden. Mit dem heutigen Wissen würden wir manche Dinge anders angehen, aber auch das gehört zum Lernprozess des Lebens dazu.

Danke an alle guten Menschen, die Mogli geholfen haben

Vier Frauen haben entscheidend zur Genesung unseres geliebten Mogli beigetragen, wofür wir zutiefst dankbar sind. Jede dieser Expertinnen bringt dabei ein einzigartiges Wissen und Erfahrungen aus unterschiedlichen Heilrichtungen mit.

Leider dürfen wir ihre Namen nicht nennen, aber es ist uns ein großes Anliegen, ihren Einsatz zu würdigen. Mit unendlicher Geduld, Einfühlungsvermögen und fachlicher Kompetenz haben sie gemeinsam mit uns Mogli die Chance gegeben, wieder gesund zu werden.

Am Ende war es jedoch nicht nur ihre Hilfe, sondern auch Moglis unerschütterlicher Wille und sein Lebensmut. Es war eine starke Verbindung aus Mensch, Tier und Heilkunst, die diesen Erfolg möglich gemacht hat.

Your Julia & your Steffen

Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing trauma, please seek advice from an expert (e.g., a therapist, counselor, or other professional). Therapists).

All images and 3D elements used in this post are from Envato Elements and are used under a valid license.

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