Ivermectin for pregnant pigs

[Eviolus-]

I just gave one of my pigs some ivermectin because she's been itching a lot and hasn't had a flea treatment for a while. Then I realised I'm an idiot and I shouldn't have put it on her without checking it's safe for pregnant pigs first, from what I see online it doesn't seem dangerous but should I wipe off what I can just in case?

 

[Eviolus-]

I saw something saying it's okay for pregnant mice? I don't want to put her through the stress of washing it off

 

[Wiebke]

I just gave one of my pigs some ivermectin because she's been itching a lot and hasn't had a flea treatment for a while. Then I realised I'm an idiot and I shouldn't have put it on her without checking it's safe for pregnant pigs first, from what I see online it doesn't seem dangerous but should I wipe off what I can just in case?

Hi! Opinions are very divided on this front as babies at some stages of a pregnancy are more at risk than others. Because of the still unresolved debates, we tend to recommend to err on the side of caution if at all possible.

 

[Eviolus-]

Hi! Opinions are very divided on this front as babies at some stages of a pregnancy are more at risk than others. Because of the still unresolved debates, we tend to recommend to err on the side of caution if at all possible.

Okay, she's around 7 weeks if it's relevant? I'll wipe it with a damp cloth

 

[Wiebke]

Okay, she's around 7 weeks if it's relevant? I'll wipe it with a damp cloth

PS: guinea pigs don't have species specific fleas and therefore do not need flea treatment. if you are worried about skin parasites, please see a vet and discuss the issue with them. Do not home treat on spec, especially not potentially pregnant piggies!

 

[Eviolus-]

PS: guinea pigs don't have species specific fleas and therefore do not need flea treatment. if you are worried about skin parasites, please see a vet and discuss the issue with them. Do not home treat on spec, especially not potentially pregnant piggies!

Okay! Will do in future I've seen a lot of people giving monthly spot on treatments as a preventative so when I found one that I knew was safe for pigs on my desk I put it on her without thinking, should have checked first...

 

[Wiebke]

Okay! Will do in future I've seen a lot of people giving monthly spot on treatments as a preventative so when I found one that I knew was safe for pigs on my desk I put it on her without thinking, should have checked first...

Personally I find that well cared for piggies don't need low dosed broad spectrum maintenance treatment because their skin parasites are kept perfectly under control by a fully working immune system and all it does is to allow the mite eggs sitting in the skin to develop resistance.
It is usually much more effective (and ultimately cheaper!) to hit any piggy hard that is really acutely affected with a good quality high dosed product when there is really the need.

@pig in the city

 

[Eviolus-]

Personally I find that well cared for piggies don't need low dosed broad spectrum maintenance treatment because their skin parasites are kept perfectly under control by a fully working immune system and all it does is to allow the mite eggs sitting in the skin to develop resistance.
It is usually much more effective (and ultimately cheaper!) to hit any piggy hard that is really acutely affected with a good quality high dosed product when there is really the need.

@pig in the city

Huh I had no idea, I'll stick to that then

 

[pig in the city]

Personally I find that well cared for piggies don't need low dosed broad spectrum maintenance treatment because their skin parasites are kept perfectly under control by a fully working immune system and all it does is to allow the mite eggs sitting in the skin to develop resistance.
It is usually much more effective (and ultimately cheaper!) to hit any piggy hard that is really acutely affected with a good quality high dosed product when there is really the need.

@pig in the city

I agree, l don't routinely treat my piggies, although long haired breeds can harbour mites as its difficult for them to groom effectively. The best thing is to keep their coats short and groom them regularly.
I have used ivermectin on pregnant pigs in the past (on veterinary advice) and mum and babies did well