Well Cali's skin infection is really bad.  I went to a new conventional vet (been to her maybe 3 times over the years because she is close but for little things) with her on Saturday and this women is amazing.  Had to take her back today so I have stayed at home this week.
She does understand that I believe in holistic medicine but thinks conventional and holistic can work together (as I do).
She listened to all that had been done for Cali in the past with the Advantage Multi and then the natural supplements.
Her skin eruptions are awful so she has been put on antibiotics and antihistamines and specialized baths.
Even my holistic vet uses antibiotics in situations where they are called for.
She said it was important to build up her immune system and give Omegas.  She also has an immune booster.  I showed her the stuff I was using when Cali wasn't well and she said to continue on.  That I didn't need her product if I used these.
As Cali is very sore on her legs and tummy, we didn't lift her on the table.  The vet sat on the floor to examine her.  She also burst some of the pustules to send to a lab to see exactly what type of bacteria she picked up in case we need to change the antibiotics.
She is also going to give me her protocol on how she has treated Demodex so we can discuss it if all holistic methods fail.  I am once again looking at months of treating her either holistically or conventionally.  I will be doing both I am sure.
One of her demodex patients was given liver tonic by someone.  She said there was nothing wrong with that.  I told her my holistic vet suggested feeding Cali raw organic liver 3 to 4 times a week when she was ill.  She wasn't opposed to that either and has no issues with me home cooking for the critters.
When I saw her on Saturday and told her I home cooked, she asked if I was giving a good balanced diet.  I said I have been doing it for about 15 years under the guidance of my holistic vet.  Unlike some conventional vets, she was not upset in the least.  As well, she is not upset in the least I have a holistic vet.
I just had Cali's records faxed to her from my previous conventional vet.  I adore my other vet but she free lances now and is only at the clinic every other Monday.  It is also about a 40 minute drive away.  This vet is about 5 minutes away and is open 7 days.  And, she is the only vet there.  Has some amazing techs.
Anyway, this truly has been my vacation from H*ll.  Had I not gone to the Adirondacks, Cali wouldn't have been drinking lake water and the skin infection would not have happened.  I think she needs a couple of more years to truly build her immune system.  As Cali's mom and siblings all had demodex, she may be a likely candidate to have flare ups over the years because it is probably in her genes.
As I was leaving, she thanked me for loving Cali so much that I would go through this again and even that I went through it the first time.  She said there are a lot of people that would have put her down.  She also said, don't worry, we will get through this even if she has to babysit me and Cali!  :)
More so, she respects my views on holistic medicine and will let me make all the choices.
Will keep you posted on my girlie girl.
Will start the tea tree oil rubs again too!