Dry flaking skin, scabs and black lumps

[popcornpiggles]

Today I noticed my 3 year old boar has very sore-looking skin on the lower half of his back. It's scabby and flaking, and there are moderately sized black lumps all down his spine, at least 5 of them. I don't know how I missed this, I had him out just the other day to cut his nails. His demeanour is absolutely fine, no change from usual and greedy as ever. He has no hair loss and I haven't seen him scratching. It's also been very warm which makes me think it's fungal. But it's located on his back which seems more like mites.

It's Sunday and I plan on taking him to the vet first thing tomorrow. I won't find out if it's fungal or parasitic until then, but I'm just ruminating about it has anyone else experienced this? I'm thinking the lumps must be lesions that have scabbed over, it's just really odd that they're black because his skin is light in colour.

Thanks for reading - just being a nervous pigmum!

 

[PiggyPoo]

No idea sorry! Someone may be able to help. Do you have any photos? Hope the vet appointment goes ok tomorrow xx

 

[popcornpiggles]

No idea sorry! Someone may be able to help. Do you have any photos? Hope the vet appointment goes ok tomorrow xx

Here are some pics- it's a bit hard to see because of his hair (though I'm thankful he hasn't lost any). I'm certain the lumps are scabs after feeling them just now.

 

[popcornpiggles]

No idea sorry! Someone may be able to help. Do you have any photos? Hope the vet appointment goes ok tomorrow xx

Also thank you, fingers crossed❤

 

[Betsy]

We cannot diagnose from pictures as we aren't vets. We are just members who can give you the benefit of our experience. One of my piggies is being treated for mite at the moment (one dose of Ivermectin to go a week tomorrow). I noticed a change in her skin condition and took her straight to the vet who diagnosed mites. Hopefully it'll be just a case of treatment every 2 weeks for 6 weeks for your piggie too. Let us know how you get on.

 

[PiggyPoo]

Aww looks sore! Hope it goes ok tomorrow xx

 

[popcornpiggles]

We cannot diagnose from pictures as we aren't vets. We are just members who can give you the benefit of our experience. One of my piggies is being treated for mite at the moment (one dose of Ivermectin to go a week tomorrow). I noticed a change in her skin condition and took her straight to the vet who diagnosed mites. Hopefully it'll be just a case of treatment every 2 weeks for 6 weeks for your piggie too. Let us know how you get on.

Thank you ❤ I've had pigs with mites before but not with this much skin damage (except one who had a bacterial skin infection at the same time as mites). If that's what it is at least I know how to treat it. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow x

 

[popcornpiggles]

Aww looks sore! Hope it goes ok tomorrow xx

I know, poor Ziggy! thank you, I'll let you know how it goes xx

 

[popcornpiggles]

Update: Ziggy is being treated for mites his skin is still looking very sore but I'm going to soak the scabs so hopefully that should have him a little more comfortable

 

[Betsy]

Update: Ziggy is being treated for mites his skin is still looking very sore but I'm going to soak the scabs so hopefully that should have him a little more comfortable

Hopefully that will make Ziggy feel much more comfortable. Those mites are pesky little creatures.

 

[weepweeps]

Good luck with the mite treatment. I’m sure Ziggy will be feeling much better very soon.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Get better soon Ziggy!

 

[popcornpiggles]

Thank you everyone! ❤ Unfortunately Ziggy has not improved, his skin has got worse I phoned the vet and have been prescribed a shampoo for what seems to be a secondary infection from the mites, so I am treating for both. The shampoo is both antibacterial and antifungal and my vet advised it would be the most effective form of treatment for a skin infection, so I have to bathe him twice a week. He also has an oral anti inflammatory (loxicom I believe?).

He's on his second bath as of this evening and I haven't seen any improvement yet, really hoping his skin starts getting better soon :'( he's been a little quiet lately but I think it might be the medication. He's getting lots of treats and tasty veggies in the meantime. He's not a young man (he's 4) and I lost his brother very suddenly a year ago so I do worry! But I'm doing my best for him ❤

Here he is looking sorry for himself after his bath

 

[popcornpiggles]

This is him when he was healthier!

 

[weepweeps]

I hope he’s feeling better soon

 

[popcornpiggles]

Something I have noticed in Ziggy the past few days is that he appears to be dragging his belly across the ground? Sometimes completely sticking his back legs out behind him. It's not that his legs are unable to move, he will walk normally afterwards, it looks more like he is pressing his belly against the ground.

My first thought was that his tummy is itchy from the mites and he's trying to scratch it. But he is barely scratching as it is? Even though his skin is incredibly irritated and sore-looking I wondered if the Loxicom was giving him a sore tummy but he is not bloated or acting different, it's just the belly-dragging. I would say the only change in his behaviour is he is sleeping a lot, out in the open rather than in a hidey. He is just as alert when he's awake and chats to me, asking for treats as usual. Eating just as much.

I'm going to phone the vet tomorrow but I have my first shift at my new job so everything is a bit hectic

 

[weepweeps]

Good luck with the vets. Hope Ziggy is ok. Good luck on your first shift.

 

[Wheekallweek]

I agree! Good luck with the vets, it sounds like he is still quite a happy little fella.
Best of luck for tomorrow too! I'm sure you'll smash it!

 

[popcornpiggles]

Thank you for your kind words ❤ Unfortunately I don't have good news. Ziggy has not improved, and this factor combined with the severity of his skin condition, and the fact none of my other pigs are showing symptoms, has lead my vet to believe he has cancer. It is looking like a kind of lymphoma, and this is just not realistically treatable. The vet has recommended euthanasia as he is likely in more pain as he is letting on

I got Ziggy when he was just 3 weeks old, and he has been the best little orange boy I could have asked for. I'm heartbroken that this is the end for him, but comforted that he has had a lovely life full of pea flakes, garden time, fresh veggies and his favourite food, carrots. I love you Ziggy Piggy ❤

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry to hear that Ziggy may have lymphoma. It sounds like he has had the best life with you.

 

[popcornpiggles]

I’m so sorry to hear that Ziggy may have lymphoma. It sounds like he has had the best life with you.

Thank you very much ❤

 

[mordeandrigs]

I’m so so so sorry to hear about Ziggy. Sending love to both of you.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Oh golly what a shock, very sad news. I'm so sorry. He has been loved and cared for for his whole life, something that not all piggies get unfortunately. RIP little fella