Itchy Pig - Lice?

[Ocelot]

A couple of weeks ago I noticed my piggies scratching a lot and biting at themselves. On inspection, I found little brown specks in their fur so I washed them with Lice and Easy. After a week they were itching again and there were some specks again, although fewer. I used Lice and Easy again (this was last Saturday). Now one of them is scratching a lot again, and biting at his fur. I've had a good look at him and I could find only find one or two specks but I'm not sure if they're lice and there was hardly anything to see. It doesn't look like his fur is coming out (no bald patches) and I couldn't see any other signs of anything untoward (he looks really healthy) although he was making slightly unhappy noises when I touched his fur as though he didn't like it. I'm not sure what to do next. Ideas?

 

[Jesse's pigs]

I would see a vet to rule things out and to seek a shampoo etc that will totally rid him of the lice if thats what it is. Where do your piggies live- inside or outside? It could be mites. I would advise buying invectimin which I buy from pets at home. You squirt it on the back of the neck and leave it. It lasts 4 weeks and I think it costs about £5 for a box.

 

[Ocelot]

Thanks for that - I'll look into all that. They live outside. I think you're probably right about the vets to rule everything out.

 

[helen105281]

I agree that a vet visit is needed. They will most likely treat with an Ivermectin product. As far as I am aware though the one from Pets at home (Beaphar?) Is lower in strength so not ideal for a full outbreak or lice or mites. Treatment would also need to be weekly for 3 rounds. Also don't bath within 48 hours of any Ivermectin treatment regardless of whether it is spot on or injections.