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Itchy, Dandruffy, Tuffy Piggywigg!

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GeorgesHuman

GeorgesHuman

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I have three boars who all live together.

One of my boys in particular, Oscar, has been itching a lot. The others do occasionally itch too, but nothing out of the ordinary.

A few years back I noticed lice/mites (they were golden in colour) moving around on both my boys. I successfully treated both of them with ivermectin at home. As all my boys are dark on some of their bodies, these creatures are very easy to see.

Now, my Oscar has been itching a lot and has small specks of what looks like dandruff on his fur. Also, on his belly he has lost some fur. Not completely, but it's just thinned out a whole lot. His skin that I can see doesn't look inflamed. Just a normal pink colour, but I can't bear to think of my chunky monkey feeling uncomfortable or in pain. His personality is as vibrant as ever and he's eating and drinking and wheeking out loud in his lovely voice as normal.

What could this be, and is there anything I can treat him with at home, as trips out to the vets etc really unsettle him.
 
As much as George hates to go to vets, I am afraid that this one will have to be seen and investigated by a competent vet. It could be fungal, invisible mange mites, fur mites, just a dry skin issue or mechanical abrasion/overgrooming due to another health issue; the signs are not at all clear cut. We cannot diagnose safely via the internet. Just treating on spec could make the problem worse if you get it wrong.
 
I really think he needs the vet for a proper diagnosis. The possibilities are mange mites, hay mites or running lice, or even fungal.

If it is mange mites the hairs may look broken half way down the shaft. My preferred method of treatment is a round of Ivermectin injections at the vets.

For fungal, I would treat with Imaverol dips, though it would depend how serious it is as he may need oral fungal medication too.
 
Hello, thanks both for your replies. All three boys are all booked in for a check-up. Better to be safe than sorry I always think!
 
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