Fly Strike - A Warning

sport_billy

sport_billy

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Fly Strike is very uncommon but a real danger to our piggies.

Unfortunately a recent case to a much loved and extremely well looked after indoor Guinea Pig has occurred and they unfortunately had to be PTS.

Please read up on our guide regarding it and be aware of the dangers especially in this hot weather

Fly Strike
 
sport_billy said:
Fly Strike is very uncommon but a real danger to our piggies.

Unfortunately a recent case to a much loved and extremely well looked after indoor Guinea Pig has occurred and they unfortunately had to be PTS.

Please read up on our guide regarding it and be aware of the dangers especially in this hot weather

Fly Strike
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Flystrike is horrendous, I know of a rabbit owner who lost her bunny due to it :(
 
My rabbit died of it and it's the worse thing I ever saw. I can't explain it as it is too traumatic to repeat it and even read. I was well aware of the potential of flystrike and cleaned her rear end twice a day as usual but the attack happened within 3 hours.
I also nursed and failed a rabbit through myxy and that was bad but flystrike is simply evil.
I heard recently a woman even lost her tortoise to flystrike.
It's always good to be aware.
 
I have seen a picture of what it did to a bunny... it was awful... such a heart breaking picture.. bunny survived thank God
 
Kallasia said:
Are the vaccines offered to rabbits suitable for pigs?
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No, rabbits are vaccinated against myxi and VHD, which are both viruses specific to rabbits and not a threat to guinea pigs.

vaccinating rabbits does not prevent or reduce the risk of fly strike. A product called rearguard, available from vets, can be used on at risk rabbits to help prevent flystrike. Rearguard can also be used on guinea pigs but is not usually necessary.
 
Redribbon said:
My rabbit died of it and it's the worse thing I ever saw. I can't explain it as it is too traumatic to repeat it and even read. I was well aware of the potential of flystrike and cleaned her rear end twice a day as usual but the attack happened within 3 hours.
I also nursed and failed a rabbit through myxy and that was bad but flystrike is simply evil.
I heard recently a woman even lost her tortoise to flystrike.
It's always good to be aware.
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I am so sorry you had to see your rabbit go through this. You are right it is evil.

And yes, while rabbits are particularly susceptible to it, any animal can get flystrike, especially if they are injured or very ill.
 
@Redribbon i am really sorry. I hope the thread hasn't upset you too much. Just wanting to get the word out there

Hugs
 
Ah don't apologise! I thank you for keeping the issue out there. It is easy to get complacent with this, it doesn't just happen on hot days and it happens so incredibly fast that we can't drop our guard.
It makes me sad to remember Ernie's death but to ignore it means her death isn't helping other animals!
 
Bums ch3cked this morning whilst doing nails... I feel so sorry for anyone who has been through this with their animals x
 
Knowing that people like yourself are being extra aware, as we all need to be, is reassuring.
Good hygiene is always the key.
 
Its weird isn't it, when I preach (yes preach) about the dangers of fly strike, they (non good guinea pig owner) don't believe me. But I'm very careful here and no matter what the weather the fly guard is down and secured in place. hygiene is the only way to go to be honest, but that one stray fly can cause such damage, I feel for all those affected by it.

Good reminder @sport_billy Lee
 
There’s this spray you can get against flystrike, in most pet shops. Anyone heard of this? Is it any good?
xx
 

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Wizzy said:
There’s this spray you can get against flystrike, in most pet shops. Anyone heard of this? Is it any good?
xx
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I have this just a couple of squirts round the backside once a week. Of course hard to say if it works as flystrike is rare.
 
Wizzy said:
There’s this spray you can get against flystrike, in most pet shops. Anyone heard of this? Is it any good?
xx
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I use this as well. As @Watchman says its hard to tell if it works as flystrike isnt that common but it puts my mind at ease, especially with the garage piggies.
 
I have the Johnson spray too but have been scared to use it. Do your pigs react ok to it? no inflamed skin or anything?
 
helen105281 said:
I have the Johnson spray too but have been scared to use it. Do your pigs react ok to it? no inflamed skin or anything?
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I've used it for a few years and never had a reaction other than very disgruntled piggies when I ruffle them up a bit to apply it!
 
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