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dry, itchy, scabby, bleeding skin

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bill & Mae
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Bill & Mae

We have a new-ish pig in the household and he is a handful. His name is Bill and he is anxious, engaging and strong. So...I think that his anxiety in combination with a dry dry winter house, he has started to scratch. He has a number of wounds that we just discovered this evening when he was out and couldn't stop itching and being bothered. I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions? Help. Thanks so much.
 
It sounds like mites in which case he needs treating with ivomec. He will need a visit to the vet :)

It's important he's treated as soon as possible as he will inflict more wounds on himself due to the itching & his skin will be extremely sore. Untreated mites can cause fitting in piggies & death
 
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Thank you so much Nikki - I'm so new to this forum I'm stumbling around trying to get to your answer. I could see it, but couldn't get to it. I will get Bill to the vets tomorrow. Thank you. A
 
Welcome to the forum. :)

It does sound like Bill could have mites; it's a common problem in guinea pigs, especially new piggies.

The vet may choose to give Ivermectin by injection, or topically. Orally is also suitable, but not many vets choose this method. If given topically, it is fairly likely to be a product called Xeno 450 (or Xeno 50 if he weighs less than 700g). Xeno is available to buy without prescription as well, but if you are unsure about whether or not it is mites then it's a wise idea to find a good vet - skilled and experienced with guinea pigs - to examine Bill.

For the lesions on his skin, aloe vera gel or ointment may help soothe the sore areas.
 
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