Skin issues, potential allergy?

[RachelH]

Wondering if anyone could help or give some advice.
Please note that Ralph is under the care of vets and this is an ongoing problem.

My 3 year old boar Ralph has had skin issues yearly since being a baby. The rash is bright red, flakes and any touch pulls out the hair with ease. He scratches at it and at one point it was on the majority of his back and legs. This year it is now appearing on his shoulder and just around one of his ears.

So far vets are stumped.. I’ve had biopsies, skin scrapings, various fungal and mite treatments. Histology from biopsies showed nothing, was sent to a specialist in Canada for further investigation with no outcome. I’ve probably spent over £400 on trying to sort out this issue because he does detest any attention when the rash flares up and I hate to see him this way as he is a perky and cheeky little pig with unlimited energy. It only happens around once or twice a year and lasts about a month (depending on his scratching). Any ideas on what else I can try would be much appreciated, the last vet appointment was last week and we have been told to bathe in Hibiscrub, treat with Xeno 450(or 350) can’t remember which he gave and I have been putting on Neem cream from gorgeous guineas to try and ease the shed of skin.

 

[sport_billy]

@furryfriends (TEAS) @Wiebke @Jaycey @Abi_nurse @Freela @helen105281

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Does it happen at same time of year?

 

[RachelH]

Unfortunately no, it’s very random each year.

 

[VickiA]

Can’t offer any answers but just wanted to show support. It sounds horrid for him when it happens.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Is he an indoor piggy?

 

[RachelH]

He is , he also lives with his brother who does not have any issues at all.

 

[Abi_nurse]

Do you have any photos? I'm assuming you have tried ivermectin injections (tends to be much more effective than the spot on). I would potentially be concerned of either an allergy or a endocrine problem (hormone issues).

What do you feed your little ones and what quantities.

Abi

 

[RachelH]

Attached a photo for you.
Yes he’s had ivermectin injections unfortunately he also had a range of blood tests about two years ago however I’m not sure if they’ve checked for any imbalance of hormone (I may ask this next time I end up there so thank you)

They are on pets at home guinea pig nuggets mixed with some LFJ Millers Premium nuggets for adult guineas with nettle and herbs (something I have added after a few flare ups to see if he was not getting enough vitamins/minerals from just the pellets)
They also get a few sprigs of either basil, mint or parsley on a night time and two handfuls of mixed salad (no iceberg) throughout the day. If not salad, celery, corn husk, romaine etc.

 

[helen105281]

You mention fungal treatments, was one of them an oral medication?

 

[RachelH]

No , vet has not prescribed oral just shampoos and also used canesten. He hasn’t prescribed due to pathology being negative for fungal.

 

[helen105281]

I dont think all types show up on tests so it may be an option to try Itrafungol.

 

[RachelH]

Ok thank you I will bring it up on his next visit, fingers crossed it is a potential cure!

However another reason I don’t think it’s fungal is that it’s not affected his friend and also only appears every so often throughout the year.

Do you have any advice on anything I could do to help him be more comfortable?

 

[helen105281]

I have had fungal issues in the past and not all of my pigs had it. Though it is always best to treat the companion too with Imaverol dips if fungal is suspected.

I'm not too sure to be honest. Possibly an anti-inflammatory to keep him more comfortable?