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Recurring Lice!

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verticordian

verticordian

New Born Pup
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For the third time within the matter of a few months, my piggies all have running lice (at least I'm pretty certain that's what it is). Every time they have them, I clean everything including their beds and shelters, the cages and, of course, the pigs themselves get treated with Lice n Easy. I have also changed hay suppliers. Is there anything else I can do to stop them coming back? It's frustrating to have to clean eleven piggies plus all their cages etc. so often and it must be a bother for them :(
 
The only thing I can suggest is to try a different shampoo, I tend to recommend Lyclear Crème rinse, but please patch test for 48 hours behind the ear. Also, if you have any fleecy bedding wash it on at least 60 degrees. Some of us are using this washing liquid too:

http://www.halononbio.co.uk/halo-flea-and-mite-lauundry-detergent-500ml

I think it can also be used as a cage cleaner if it is diluted too @GloriousGuineaGirl told me that as far as I recall, otherwise I would use F10 or Virkon.

Are you certain it is running lice? can you see them moving? I recommend a vet visit just to get a proper diagnosis and they may also recommend something to treat them with.

I have been told in the past that the only really effective way of clearing hay mites or running lice is to clip the infected hair.
 
When you treat them, do you repeat it weekly for three weeks? If not then there could still be eggs around that then hatch out. I use FleaorDie, available on the internet.
Otherwise I'd try a trip to the vet.
 
Thanks, I'll definitely look into getting a different shampoo. It's possible that I'm not shampooing them enough though so I will be more thorough in future! I'm almost certain they're running lice - they definitely move! Quite quickly, as well. And I've managed to see them pretty close up by pulling one or two out and they resemble the pictures I've seen of them online.
 
The Paragon Flea and tick wash ( formally known as Halo) can certainly be used as a clean can certainly be used as a cleaner when diluted in hot water :)
 
I find running lice tend to hide near the rear end & in the fur down along the hind legs so when you shampoo work it around this area well to catch any hiding there. A hay rack may help if you don't use one already to keep piggies out of the hay. I use Johnsons mite & lice spray on mine as I can't bath, I lift the coat & do one spray over the rump & one under each hind leg or spray on a brush then put it through the coat just on these areas & let it dry off for a few mins. Its quite long lasting & its not harsh as its water based. I spray hutches with it as well. Find it works well for runners & static lice too :)
 
I found that mine used to get them when I bought either baled or hay bagged up from bales that hadn't been treated. I now use bagged treated stuff from a horse supplies place as it's cheaper than pet shops. I see you're in Aylesbury so If you ever go near yarnton garden centre they sell meadow hay which is £3 a bag called pillow wad which is what I also use sometimes. I used to use the johnsons insecticidal shampoo but they've stopped manufacturing it. I never found the lice and easy worked either. It's good to see what others use as I've not had to tackle this for quite some time and can sympathise with you having to treat 11. My main bedding by recommendation on here has changed to snowflake softchip which is very absorbent and smells lovely.
 
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