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Dandruff And Itchy Pigs

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Furuba12

Furuba12

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We have four pigs and I have noticed recently Stig and Dave have been itchy and have some dandruff whereas the two other boys who live separately have just been a little itchy. I did a little research and noticed it could be mites or a fungal infection.

I decided to put some mite stuff on all four just in case but this has not cleared up the dandruff. I have given all four a good look, especially the two with dandruff but have noticed nothing unusual about their skin or any bald patches. Stig hair is quite thick and he has always shredded a lot, whereas the others do shed but not so much (if you pull some strands of hair perhaps a couple come out easily). All pigs have lovely full coats, shiny and are not greasy.

I was going to bathe them next but just wondered if perhaps dandruff was a normal thing? With Stig and Dave it seems to only affect them from the middle down...

Thanks!
 
Some pigs are very prone to dry skin and dandruff especially if they are a teddy (not sure of your breeds). Dandruff can however be linked to fungal and also if they have mange mites it is not uncommon for there to be skin debris which can look like dandruff. Out of the two I would be inclined to think this is more likely fungal related as you have said some hair comes out easily. When you look at their skin does it seem fluoresced at all? I think a vet visit is needed to diagnose properly. It may be that the vet just diagnoses dry skin but you need to be able to rule the other 2 out.

Please be careful with hygiene between handling your two pairs of pigs in the meantime. I recommend F10 to clean their cages which is antifugal and they also do a very handy handgel. Also wash any bedding on a high temperature.
 
The only pig's hair who comes out loose is Stig's, he is long haired and it has always been like that (he is 1 1/2 years), but it is not like there is mountains of hair just when you pick him up you tend to get some on you. We have had a humidity problem lately and am having to use a dehumidifier, unfortunately this cannot be avoided anywhere in the house (otherwise house would get damp) so could this be a causation? All their skin looks fine and they are not hurting themselves when scratching and are not bothered when being petted or picked up.

Unfortunately I do not know the breeds as Stig and Dave are both rescued (both went to the vet when we got them so not a problem then!)

Everything is always disinfected and hands always washed, etc.
 
Humid conditions can cause fungal definitely. I have a fungal history with my herd and use a dehumidifier when needed too. The dehumidifier itself would not cause fungal and I have not known my pigs to get dry skin when it is on, though it is a possibility.

I would see how they go but if any more dandruff appears or any other symptoms then it is worth getting them checked by the vet.

If you post a photo forum members should be able to identify their breeds.
 
Good thing to go to vets to get a diagnosis to rule out any fungal or other issues.

You have already treated for mites (please be aware it should be 2-3 treatments spaced 7-14 days apart - but what manufacturer have you used please?) I only ask because some of the products sold in pet shops are really not very effective as they are not at proper strength for an active infestation.

Interestingly, I have often noticed over the years that some of my pigs "shed" more hair than usual at this time of year (and in Autumn) with associated skin flakes/scurf....particularly my more rampant un-neutered boars... And like Stig and Dave, it is from the middle down, especially on the back and bum I have this at the moment with Lewis, Sambuca and Dandy (short-haired un-neutered very dominant pigs) but not with Ginger my neutered boar or any of my other less randy boars!

It does't look like mites or fungal to me ....and unlike rabbits, guinea pigs do not have different winter and summer coats with associated "moults". Yet to all intents and purposes it does "look" like they are moulting rather than anything else. I guess after many years of this somewhat "cyclical" phenomenon, I'm a bit more ambivalent about reaching immediately for drug treatments as the scurf has normally resolved itself by June.

So aside from the possibilities of fungal, mites, and dry air (from central heating or dehumidifcation) .....here is another to consider. At these times of year, the temperature is SO variable between night and day it could mean their immune system is slightly challenged and they are sub-clinically fighting off a bug even though there are no obvious other symptoms apart from the shedding. Also this year we have gravitated between extremes of low pressure (windy/rainy/storms) and then small periods of high pressure (sunny blue skies and higher than normal temps ) weather wise.

Now at times of "scurf", I first add some extra Vit C to their food and if it doesn't clear up in a week then I will opt to bathe them - using Vetsect shampoo (insecticidal) followed by a water rinse and then immediately by an Imaverol antifungal dip (syringe on the diluted dip and leave in). Obviously given the cold nights I make sure they are properly dried and as mine are all indoor pigs anyway I just put the heating on low overnight.

Just a few thoughts to discuss with your vet.

HTH
x
 
I have noticed the same thing as Pebble with some of my pigs having a kind of "moult", with lots of hair and little bits of scurf, I usually give them a good brush and/or a bath with a dandruff shampoo (Nizarol is my favourite).
 
Thank you for all the replies!

I decided to give Dave and Stig a proper check yesterday and their skin looks completely normal, not even red! I noticed the flakes tend to gather around the hair follicles the one thing that really bothers me is how irritable they act. When checking through Stig would not stop biting (not himself but my knee like he was getting an itch) but only on his bottom half, and Stig NEVER bites. When I checked Dave is squealed like he was in pain. I know animals do not like their hair being messed up but I have never noticed them to act this drastic!

So I am now seriously considering a trip to the vet, all four of them. I only have to pay for one consultation so I might as well use it for a general check up as well. Would this be correct step to take?

Thanks :)
 
Also I would post a picture but the flakes are TINY, just look like little white dots and as all pigs are light colours it is hard to see unless you closely look!
 
I would definitely see a vet with this problem. Pigs can be irritable when you mess with their fur, but a proper diagnosis from a guinea-savvy vet is the best course, and taking all of them in for a check up at the same time is sensible. The tiny flakes with no red skin, does sound like the "moult", but it's best to get it checked out.
 
Just an update they want to the vets on Saturday, the two younger pigs got the all clear and the two older ones (who had the main problem) were diagnosed with mites. The vet did say that it seems they were mostly dead and to bathe them and just keep giving them mite stuff every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. If it does not clear then to use a stronger medication that can only be bought over the counter. Their fur already seems to have improved and they seem to all of a sudden have boundless amounts of energy! They are popping all over the place which is lovely to see :)
 
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