masha
Junior Piggy
Posts: 50
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Post by masha on Dec 17, 2012 20:13:35 GMT
One of my guinea pigs has been having dandruff problems for a couple of weeks. No scabs or hair loss and he doesn't seem to be in discomfort. He scratches once in a while, but no more than usual. The other two piggies don't have any dandruff. I took him to the vet 2 weeks ago. She checked him out all over and didn't see any problems other than the dandruff. She thinks it's just dry skin. She gave me a spray that's supposed to help, to put on his coat once a week before brushing.
I called her back for a follow up today and now she's recommending to give him 1/8 tsp flaxseed oil per day to help with the dryness.
I did ask about the mites, which of course is the first thing on my mind, but the vet does not think it's mites as there are no scabs and no signs of pain or discomfort.
So what do you guys think? Should I insist to get him treated for mites? Should I try flaxseed oil? I'm reluctant to go against the vet's advice and do things on my own, but I could be more forceful in asking about a different treatment if you guys think it's right. Thanks for your help!
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Post by Kayleigh on Dec 17, 2012 20:18:22 GMT
Treating for mites wont cause any harm and i reccommend treating for mites at least twice a year. Better safe.
Pigs can get dry skin but theres usually a reason for it.
To rule things ok i always de mite, treat for fungal and then see where things go.
Mite treatments are cheap enough too, drop or two of ivermectin
Behind the ears.
Do you have a picture of the coat?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using probioards
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masha
Junior Piggy
Posts: 50
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Post by masha on Dec 17, 2012 20:56:52 GMT
I don't have a pic at the moment, but the coat is glossy and looks great aside from the dandruff. Also the vet went through the coat to look at the skin beneath and found no sign of irritation; that's why she's reluctant to treat for mites. But I will talk to her again tomorrow to ask about doing preventive treatment anyway. Thanks!
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Post by lisa21264 on Dec 18, 2012 3:33:54 GMT
It wont hurt him to treat for mites even if he doesnt have them.
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masha
Junior Piggy
Posts: 50
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Post by masha on Dec 19, 2012 13:52:05 GMT
OK, I talked to the vet yesterday and she prescribed Revolution (I guess it's the new drug now? She says that's what they recommend). I gave the first dose to all 3 of my piggies and there are 2 more doses to go, 2 weeks apart. It's different because it goes on the skin behind the head, not around the ears.
So now I have another question. I was going to adopt another piggy next week. Should I wait till the treatment is over? Or should I treat her when she arrives? The shelter guarantees them mite free. I didn't want to wait any more to adopt because young females are hard to come by in my area and they happen to have one right now.
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Post by Kayleigh on Dec 19, 2012 19:39:44 GMT
Its perfectly ok to adopt another pig, It wont harm to treat her with the mite treatment just incase.
As for the revolution yes its a good treatment, as its topical it goes anywhere on the back of the neck etc. I usually just put it behind the ear on pigs as they have no hair there.
When it comes to pig care its best to elminate the obvious, which are mites, fungal and lice usually.
Vets dont always know best, some arent as experienced with guinea pigs as with dogs or cats etc. Most dont mind the advice coming from the client. I often teach my vet new things about the pigs. When i need POM medications i go in and diagnose and explain to the vet what i need etc and they agree and prescribe it.
Hope your pigs dry skin clears up
Kayleigh
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Post by cordane on Dec 19, 2012 21:13:13 GMT
OK, I talked to the vet yesterday and she prescribed Revolution (I guess it's the new drug now? She says that's what they recommend). Not a new drug, its been around for.. gosh knows how long. Revolution is a flea treatment for cats and dogs but from memory, is one of the few that are safe to be used on guinea pigs and rabbits, (I believe the other is advantage) |
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masha
Junior Piggy
Posts: 50
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Post by masha on Dec 20, 2012 12:23:13 GMT
Oh OK, I thought it was new because somewhere it said it doesn't have the proven safety record of Ivermectin. I thought it was too cheap to be new:)
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Post by Orlaith on Dec 21, 2012 8:13:51 GMT
Let us know how it goes!
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masha
Junior Piggy
Posts: 50
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Post by masha on Dec 21, 2012 13:35:51 GMT
Sure! Thanks for the advice. So far I can't tell if it's working. I think there is a little less dandruff, but I don't know if it's because of the spray I am now using on his coat. At least now I don't need to worry about mites. Now does Revolution also protect them from re-infestation for a while? I'm thinking IF they had mites it would only be from hay, so there's always a chance of that happening again.
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