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Possible mites?

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lyndsbell

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Hi there, looking for a bit of advice.

One of our pigs, Millie, has recently began itching more than usual. During lap time last night, I noticed 'dandruff' and her hair was coming out in tiny clumps, although her coat remains in good condition.

I think she may have mites, would you guys advise a trip to the vets or try treating it first with some gorgeous guineas products?

Thanks
Lyndsay
 
Its odd that her hair is comming out in clumps, best thing I would say is a trip to the vets whould should hopefully do a course(2 or 3 doeses with 7-10 days between each dose) of ivermectine if any sort of mites infestation is suspected

vets give ivermec topically- drops on the skin or depending on how bad the ifestation is sometimes by injection.
 
if you run your finger the wrong way up her back you should see what looks like dandruff which is probably what you have seen, this would normally be mites, make a note of her weight and weigh each week just to keep an eye on her.
Xeno 240 contains the active ingrediant Ivermectin which is a spot on treatment for mites and you can buy this on line (not a prescription drug) but if your not sure go to vet.
Not sure about the clumps of hair coming out though? is that when you brush her? stroke her? or just falling out as and when?
Mites can be very itchy for a piggie and the sooner it is treated the better,
Xeno 240 is suitable for piggies up to 1.2Kg otherwise I believe you have to use 2 tubes but it gives instructions on the packet.
 
Does the hair slide out fairly easily? Flakes of skin attached to the bottom of the clumps?

It sounds like a fungal infection a possibility. Gorgeous Guineas do sell treatments for this.
 
Thanks folks.

Think will try Ivermectin and order more gorgeous guineas as a procaution afterwards.

Ps I'm not very good at describing myself, when I said clumps, I meant the hair falls out easily with tiny bits of dried skin on the end.
 
You can treat for both parasitic and fungal infection at the same time. It sounds like your guinea could have one or the other, althought he fact that the hairs slides out easily does lean more towards fungal.

The most usual routine goes as follows...

Day 1 - Ivermectin
Day 6 - Anti-fungal bath (this leaves at least 48 hours after Ivermectin dose before bathing)
Day 10 - Ivermectin
Day 13 - Anti-fungal bath

It could be slightly altered, the above is an example, but the key elements in this routine are:

1) Ivermectin doses given around 10 days apart (a few days either side of day 10 is also okay);
2) Anti-fungal baths are given at least 48 hours after the Ivermectin doses;
3) Anti-fungal baths are given around one week apart.

A third round can also be added in more severe cases, following the same rules.
 
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