Ivomec versus GG products ?

[Deb]

Ever since I have owned piggies I have been recommended to ivomec on a regular basis to help prevent mites. (explained to me was the same as Frontline your cat against fleas). Ivomec is used by breeders and rescues alike. It was a rescue that advised me to do it and have since been told the same by breeders.

Ivomec is a great product and touch wood I have never had a pig suffer from the terrors of mites. I have had pigs come to me that have been suffering from mites and a few doses of oral ivomec have always resolved the problem and the pigs has regained it hair, stopped scratching and gone from strength to strength.

I note that there is a great tendancy on here to promote GG products. I have used them in the past, for shampooing... but am wondering why no one seems to recommend ivomec for mite problems ?

To me the ivomec is a great product and it has never failed and is a simple treatment to use. Piggie is not stressed from the dose of ivomec (ok he he/she may pull a face but its soon forgotten with a treat of cucumber) but is far simpler than to put the pig through various shampoos etc.

Not confusing the condition with fungal / lice (which are totally different conditions) and GG products are well recommended to treat those.

Am I the only one that used ivomec ?

 

[Niki]

No Deb i too have used & do use Ivomec for mites & I've also used & use GG products too but i find Ivomec much easier & less stressful for the piggies & me in the treatment of mites

 

[karenrgpr]

I use Ivomec but am going to move over to a herbal product that does not contain chemicals (obviously). Just using up my Bimectin : My pigs aren't 'put through' any sort of ordeal when bathing them, they don't enjoy it like they do grass but they don't enjoy mites or fungal problems either and with other pigs coming in and out (even though they're apart) there's always that risk. Fungal spores are abundant in this warmer climate, thats why I bath my guineas.

Gorgeous Guineas products are soothing to mites and their affects (open wound from scratching) and help the wound to heal quicker. A bath is needed to wash out all the eggs so whatever the product you should be bathing too with mites.

Other shampoos like Vetsect leave a horrible film on the hair that is very noticeable when compared to Gorgeous Guineas where the hair is just hair and Vetsect (Millpledge) don't put all (if any?) of their ingredients on the label (Sorry, I know that wasn't in the question, but I used them for a while before GG came about).

In short, I find an Ivermectin product in combination with a GG treatment more effective in severe cases and quicker in others. They have the bath 4-6 wheekly any way. This will change to the Herbal product (not Verm X) and treatment with Ivermectin where necessary (mange mite).

 

[maryh]

Karen,

I agree with all you have said.I too used to use Vetsect and found that it did not always work,and I once had a piggie react badly to it.I much prefer GG products ,.

As a matter of interest is the herbal insecticide Four Seasons?,.I do not have pigs with mites at the moment.in fact I seldom do,but I do get piggies brought to see me with mites.I will be interested to know your opinion of this product as I do not like using Ivermectin.Yes,it does work but it is a very strong chemical.

 

[karenrgpr]

Yes, Four Seasons But, it doesn't do mange mites, if you use GG shampoos though they shouldn't be a problem (not a guarantee though!).

Haven't used it yet so can't comment, will let you know when I have

 

[SkinnyLover]

I use both Ivermec and GG stuff. I use Ivermec for badly affected piggies first, them bath them once the itching starts to subside. I use tee tree cream in the mean time while sores heal

 

[smiler]

I will always, always use ivo...we give it every 6 months as a wormer too

 

[maryh]

Thanks Karen.

 

[daftscotslass]

As you say - recently there have been a lot of posts about and some confusion between lice and mites. Mites I would always recommend ivermectin for. Lice are not blood suckers and ivermectin injections have no effect on them. Topical application has only limited evidence that it works on lice.

I would always use GG products for lice but not for mites. That said, I haven't tried GG for mites because of how effective ivermectin is on them.

 

[Michele]

I use the oral form of Ivomec Super. That i buy. Works out so much cheaper then the vets

 

[gus and jack]

Can I ask where everyone gets their ivermecti from? I'm looking for some for my first aid box. I know that beaphar do a spot on but I was hoping to find some that wasn't quite so messy, that could possibly be taen orally or topically but with only a few drops rather than tubes of the stuff.

 

[gorgeousguineas]

Hello from Gorgeous Guineas,

Mange Mites need treating with Ivomec as they can kill guineas if left untreated. Gorgeous Guineas products have never claimed to be able to treat this problem. I've always clearly stated on my website and instruction sheets that Mange Mites must be treated with Ivomec as they live under the skin.

That said, the gels, lotions and shampoos can help piggies that have been treated with Ivomec and are recovering from Mange Mites. Aloe Vera Gel is soothing, cooling and can help open wounds to heal. Once they have scabbed over, Lavender & Myrrh Lotion can put some moisture back into the dry skin and help the scabs to come off more easily. When the piggy is feeling better, a CocoNeem Melt followed by Manuka & Neem Shampoo will help the overall condition of the skin. Also bear in mind that piggies often get fungal and parasitic skin problems at the same time and need treating for both conditions.

Sometimes there is confusion about Mites because Static Lice are also known as Hay Mites. Static Lice / Hay Mites are external parasites and can easily be washed away with Lice 'n' Easy shampoo.

Skin problems frequently occur where a guinea is stressed or has a depressed immune system. Often you will find that the following types of guineas are affected: pregnant sows, sows who have recently given birth, babies, oldies, guineas who have been ill, guineas who have been stressed by a move (a change of home for example) or kept in a poor environment. Prevention is always better than cure, hence the recommendation to shampoo your guinea every 4 - 6 wheeks.

I hope this clears up the confusion, and as ever, I'm always happy to answer all emails about skincare issues.

Chrissie & 10 Gorgeous Guineas

 

[Michele]

Can I ask where everyone gets their ivermecti from? I'm looking for some for my first aid box. I know that beaphar do a spot on but I was hoping to find some that wasn't quite so messy, that could possibly be taen orally or topically but with only a few drops rather than tubes of the stuff.

just pmed you

 

[daftscotslass]

Thank you Chrissie, super-duper helpful as always O0