Itchy piggie

[PiratePig]

I've noticed lately that it seems Athena is scratching a lot, and all over. She doesn't seem to be shedding any more than normal (she has always shed a little). The hair just comes out a strand or two at a time and no flakes are stuck to the roots.
I've been looking around and it doesn't look like she has any symptoms of fungal or parasites.
Is it possible for piggies just to get dry skin? I have recently been running the dehumidifier more often as it helps to keep the room warm.
Is there anything I can do to help her with this?

 

[Laura-CCC4]

It is possible for them to get dry skin, but IMO I would still treat for mites just to be sure, often what you describe is just how mites start off in the very early stages. Treatment needed is ivermectin, given either topically (on the skin), orally or by injection. Three doses, each dose given 7-10 days apart.

This is safe even if there are no mites.

 

[PiratePig]

Thanks!
Athena and I are going to the vet tomorrow to get this looked at. I would have liked to take her today but there just aren't enough hours in the day.

Over the weekend I notice some bald spots along her sides I have to move her fur around to be able to get a decent look at it and she really doesn't like that.

I think that the vet should be good with prescribing the ivermectin (fingers crossed)

Wish us luck!

 

[Glynis]

awwwwwww best of luck to little Athena xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hugs for you too, it's so stressful when they're ill :...

 

[PiratePig]

Just got back from the vet.
I am now even more convinced that this guy knows his stuff.
He was very happy to hear that Athena was eating well and said that she was a good girl again. He wasn't sure where she would have got the mites (I'm not sure either) but he gave her some Revolution and gave me a dose to put on in 10-14. He had to dole out the cat dose into two separate syringes for her. He said that the Revolution should take care of mites, lice and any other creepy crawly GPs carry as well as deworming her. He did say that he didn't think that she had worms but that it won't hurt.
He also identified the lump near her nipple as a mammary tumor but since it is still fairly small and not bothering her we are just going to leave it for now. If it gets bigger or starts to bug her I will certainly take her back to see about getting it removed.
I'm hoping Athena didn't get too cold on the journey. I had her all bundled up in her carrier and had a towel over it but I was also bundled up and i still got cold.