Mites

[DiLam]

Hi, I'm after a bit of advice about our piggie Dougal who went to the vet yesterday and was treated for mites. He had an injection of Ivermectin which he did NOT like at all, poor little thing, and while today his skin isn't so pink and angry looking, he's been scratching quite a lot and seemed to have a small seizure-like episode after one particularly vigorous scratching bout. He does seem happier in himself and is eating a bit better today.

How long will it be before the Ivomectin stops him itching so much, and is there anything else I can do to help him ? We got him from a rescue and is quite old - we've had him for 4 years and no idea how old he was when we got him.

Thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

The ivermectin takes about 2 days to work fully; unfortunately, as it is killing the mites in the skin, symptoms get worse for a little bit and the scratching will usually last until just after the second round of treatment, but it should go down in intensity. As a consolation, injections are the most effective way of giving ivermectin, especially in a severe case. You will have to go back for another 2-3 rounds to make sure that you catch all emerging eggs to prevent a return at the interval that is stated on the product your vet is using.

Please ask your vet for a painkiller. You can also try to prevent him from harming himself by scratching badly with an old sock into which your cut holes. Most piggies manage to wiggle out though! any topical treatment could unfortunately trigger more fits and should be avoided until after the end of the full course, when a gentle bath to remove itchy dead skin will be safe and welcome.

With members from all over the world, we find it very helpful in always giving you the best possible advice straight away if you please added your country, state or (for the UK) your county/city to your details. Click on the username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scrll down to location.

 

[DiLam]

Thank you very much for replying Wiebke. I've added my location now He has another appointment a week tomorrow. I'll definitely try the sock thing!

 

[The Furry Godmother]

My boy is having his third Injection this week (each has been 2 weeks apart). I'm glad the vet gave your piggy the injection first!
They gave Frank Xeno-spot on first that didn't help and seemed to make the issue worse :/

So there's just my current experience for you, hope the horrible things go away soon! x

 

[DiLam]

My boy is having his third Injection this week (each has been 2 weeks apart). I'm glad the vet gave your piggy the injection first!
They gave Frank Xeno-spot on first that didn't help and seemed to make the issue worse :/

So there's just my current experience for you, hope the horrible things go away soon! x

Awe poor Frank They really are horrible things. He got them from 2 babies my daughter got for me thinking she was doing the right thing after we lost Dougal's companion suddenly. We've separated them and now have spot on to treat those too, if I can catch the little blighters.

 

[The Furry Godmother]

They are rather fast little ones aren't they! Bless, that was very nice of your daughter though!
What spot on are you using?
I hope they all get treated and got rid of soon! X

 

[DiLam]

It was nice of her, I just had always said I wanted to rescue two when we had the room, not buy babies. They're cute little chocolate and white boys - Ben & Jerry, but it's taking forever to tame them, they're very very scared, although they have started wheeking at me when I go outside now lol. The spot-on is from the vet, it's in the car at the moment so I can't check what it's called. x

 

[The Furry Godmother]

That's fine !
It does take a while to tame them in all fairness, especially little ones, so don't worry too much about that!
X