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Odd twitching...

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mysteriousdave

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Hello again all.

After Ben's sad death the other week, Bill has been learning to live on his own (being very laid back he's been doing fine with lots of hugs to help).

However (sigh), the past few days he's started to behave oddly. On Wednesday night he had an upset stomach, although this seems to have sorted itself (i've cut back on wet food for now). He's drinking as well, so doesn't seem dehydrated.

When I'm stroking him, he seems to squeak if I go too near his lower back, or if I stroke his belly. It also seems to set him off twitching... then for a while after he just sits in my arm and will seem to twitch involuntarily. I'm pretty sure it's not popcorning...

He has no hair loss, seems the same weight, and doesn't appear to be too fluffed up.
 
Could he have mites? Egg buried in the skin have a tendency to pop up in stressful situations.
 
It can be difficult in the very early stages before you; however, it may not hurt treating him for mites.

Are you looking for a new friend for him? I know that it is hard for you when you are still hurting from the loss and are emotionally not ready for a new pet; however, most bereft piggies pick up quickly in company.

Of course, taking him to a vet to make sure that you haven't missed out on anything vital or having your hunch confirmed can do no harm, either.
 
Wiebke said:
It can be difficult in the very early stages before you; however, it may not hurt treating him for mites.

Are you looking for a new friend for him? I know that it is hard for you when you are still hurting from the loss and are emotionally not ready for a new pet; however, most bereft piggies pick up quickly in company.

Of course, taking him to a vet to make sure that you haven't missed out on anything vital or having your hunch confirmed can do no harm, either.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure whether to get him a new friend or not... when he was seperated from his brother for a week he didn't react too well to being put back together, so I don't think introducing a stranger will work?

He is very laid back, and hasn't seem too worried about being on his own. Have been giving lots of extra attention as well.

I popped him out in the run earlier, and he's still being squeaky when I stroke towards his back. Think a vet trip might be in order... ?/
 
Bereaved piggies will usually me more amenable than ever before to friendship, however if you are worried a local rescue should allow you to bring Bill to the rescue so you can see how he reacts to different pigs.

Treating for mites won't harm him even if he hasn't got them, from the sounds of things he may benefit from a couple of doses of ivermectin to ensure he's not being bothered by parasites.
 
Well I've been to the vet, who suspects mites, and has given him the first of 3 jabs... Hopefully that'll have him a bit more cheery!
 
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