Lice And Mite Treatment

[Reenie]

I saw something on another thread about buying Xeno spot on or invermicin. Do you treat your piggies as a preventative measure or is it just recommended to have them on standby, or is it different depending on whether they're indoor or outdoor piggies? I'm pretty anti-chemical but I did have a bad experience with a cat flea outbreak a few years ago, which I would not like to repeat, so if preventative treatment is recommended I'm in! Thanks

 

[Mother Hubbard]

I treat mine as preventative with Xeno.

 

[Reenie]

I treat mine as preventative with Xeno.

Thanks @Mother Hubbard it was actually your comment on the other post but I didn't want to hijack the post.

 

[nsshaas]

How can Xeno prevent parasites?

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Xeno can't prevent parasites, but I find it does prevent the issues they cause. You get hay mites quite easily enough, and obviously mange mites is very unpleasant, however, it's about putting a stop before you even realise you have a problem.

3 girls that came to me were quarantined naturally and thank goodness, they had mites and took quite a bit of treatment. They came from an experienced person who actually used to be a breeder but changed their ways. It was only because they weren't able to spend the time with them and see what was actually happening.

 

[Swissgreys]

I treat mine as preventative with Xeno.

I am really interested in this concept.
Our poor, sweet Eddi had quite a bad case of mites last year, and whilst treatment with Xeno did cure him completely (the others were all treated at the same time) I can't help but think he did suffer with it before we got it under control.

I have often wondered if they should have preventative treatment.
What dose do you use and how often do you treat your piggies @Mother Hubbard ?

 

[Mother Hubbard]

You are right, it is an interesting subject. I use Xeno450 pipettes which come in a box of 6. It's not cheap obviously with more piggies but I do prefer to do treatment even though I can see with my naked eye (or believe so) that their isn't a problem.

In terms of frequency, well it can vary, but more often than not, I do it every 2 months. I always record the date of treatment that way if I need to shampoo using Gorgeous Guinea manuka shampoo or if I have a problem, the Lice n Easy, it's not going to interfere with the treatment.

I have no evidence that it makes any difference but as you say Swissgreys, it's about 'what if I haven't been so diligent as normal'?