Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hey Wendy,
I first learned of lemon treatment from Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide way back in the late 80's, and yeah, it works to help the mange in a lot of cases. I loved your question back at the vet who dissed your use of it! Poison instead, then? Umm, no.
Kefir makes sense, as it's known that some 80% of our immune system is in the gut, dependent on healthy microbial balance. Anything that adds "good guys" to the intestinal population is a plus in my book.
Severe mange cases (i.e. "generalized" cases where it's all over the body) are tough to cure. Those immune systems have really tanked, letting the demodex mites run rampant, so I'd definitely work on immune support and not poison these poor guys, whether from oral poisons like Bravecto or topical poison dips. I've not had smashing successes in these cases, even with careful homeopathic work, so I think they are quite damaged. Lots of patience and a focus on supporting them is my best advice. Slow going at best.