Scratching And Biting Fur - Dry Skin?

[Littlepig&co]

For the past few months now my elderly boar Gino seems to go through phases where he'll itch his fur and occasionally bite at one bit which then makes it stick up and a little wet from where he's been licking it.

I've treated him with ivermectin on the back of his neck thinking it could be some type of mite or lice but I don't think it is any more. There's nothing visible in his fur however his fur isn't in as good condition as I would like it to be.

As he's abut 5-7 years old , I think the most likely cause of the scratching is dry skin.

What could I do to soothe his skin?

 

[Tbag]

How long did you treat it with ivermectin for? Sometimes it can take a few doses to clear out a mite problem - my vet always recommends an initial treatment of over 3 weeks. Is he sensitive around the area/unhappy about you touching him?

There's a lot more experienced members on here who could give you more in-depth medical advice but I would suggest you could try some Gorgeous Guinea's shampoos/treatments like Manuka & Neem and their melts to improve the condition of Gino's coat and skin.

 

[helen105281]

I would get him to the vets as that sounds like mage mites possibly, they will then be able to treat accordingly preferably with an Ivermectin injection which is more effective on mange mites than spot on. They will also be able to diagnose if it is dry skin or even mild fungal.

If you touch his back does he try to take a chunk out of your arm?

 

[Littlepig&co]

How long did you treat it with ivermectin for? Sometimes it can take a few doses to clear out a mite problem - my vet always recommends an initial treatment of over 3 weeks. Is he sensitive around the area/unhappy about you touching him?

There's a lot more experienced members on here who could give you more in-depth medical advice but I would suggest you could try some Gorgeous Guinea's shampoos/treatments like Manuka & Neem and their melts to improve the condition of Gino's coat and skin.

Thanks for your reply!
I've treated with ivermectin for a 3 week period every time that I suspect a piggy has mites or lice. I treated last week so could do another 2 treatments on Gino and his friend Little pig.

I'm pretty certain it's not parasites as his friend Little pig is just fine and has no fur loss , nor itchy and has perfect shiny fur. Then again he is 5 years younger.

Gino is sensitive being touched behind his head , especially on his side but this is down to having little to no human contact and handling until he came to me as a senior. He's never got used to being carried although he will settle and go to sleep on your lap

 

[Littlepig&co]

I would get him to the vets as that sounds like mage mites possibly, they will then be able to treat accordingly preferably with an Ivermectin injection which is more effective on mange mites than spot on. They will also be able to diagnose if it is dry skin or even mild fungal.

If you touch his back does he try to take a chunk out of your arm?

No he doesn't try and their a chunk out of my arm. He's not aggressive in any way at all.

I'll get him checked at the vets next week.