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Skinny pig skin scratches

TNWApigs

TNWApigs

New Born Pup
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May 23, 2019
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Hi everyone,

I just recently adopted a Skinny pig. She is my first skinny. Before i describe the issue further, I am aware that they are more prone to skin issues, and I have been rubbing her with coconut oil for her dry skin.

The day I adopted her i was told she had new scratches on her back because the other piggies at the rescue had bitten her. It did not seem too horibly intense despite having visible wounds on her back. I'm not seeing much healing happening on her back, in fact it almost seems like more scratches have appeared. I've had her for a week now, there is only one other piggy in her enclosure at them moment, and it is one that i adopted her with so they are familiar woth each other. Other than rubbing coconut oil on her skin, does anyone have any ideas on how to help treat her back?
 
Please have her checked by a vet in case there is a skin condition going on which requires prescribed treatment. Using any kind of home DIY treatment is never recommended as they delay getting proper vet care, can mask symptoms and make it harder for a vet to diagnose and home treatments usually don’t work anyway because you don’t know what is actually wrong.
 
Its a bit of a myth that skinny pigs need their skin oiling, most have beautiful skin that keeps healthy on its own. Possibly she could be scratching herself, if she has a sharp nail edge? Our Tallulah sometimes has visible scratches after a nail trim if we've left a sharp edge. But worth a vet check definitely, and perhaps the vet can also check the nails.
 
PigglePuggle said:
Its a bit of a myth that skinny pigs need their skin oiling, most have beautiful skin that keeps healthy on its own. Possibly she could be scratching herself, if she has a sharp nail edge? Our Tallulah sometimes has visible scratches after a nail trim if we've left a sharp edge. But worth a vet check definitely, and perhaps the vet can also check the nails.
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Her nails are pretty short, but i think its possible. The injuries arent horrible I just wouldn't want them to get infected or anything which is why i was wondering if there is a guinea pig safe disinfectant!

Also that is so interesting about the oil!
 
Minor scratches can be cleaned with sterile saline (you can make this yourself by adding salt to boiled water that has been left to cool) but apart from that I would always just see the vet.
Scratching can be a sign of many skin nasties like ringworm or mites, or could just be a sign of mild irritation from the bedding or hay, or even just normal grooming- skinny pigs have every sensitive skin and can be a bit twitchy with the scratching reflex if something is tickling, even a bit of normal hay! But best to get the vet to check there are no signs of a skin infection all the same.
 
PigglePuggle said:
Minor scratches can be cleaned with sterile saline (you can make this yourself by adding salt to boiled water that has been left to cool) but apart from that I would always just see the vet.
Scratching can be a sign of many skin nasties like ringworm or mites, or could just be a sign of mild irritation from the bedding or hay, or even just normal grooming- skinny pigs have every sensitive skin and can be a bit twitchy with the scratching reflex if something is tickling, even a bit of normal hay! But best to get the vet to check there are no signs of a skin infection all the same.
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Thanks for you feedback it is very helpful! I definitely don't hesitate to take all my girls to the vet when they need it! Honestly as they are two new babies it might be wise to take them to the vet just for a regular check up. But thanks for the trick about saline, I appreciate it.
 
That's great you will take them to the vet @TNWApigs we just have to make sure we say that because its surprising how many people come here looking for a quick fix to avoid the vet bills, but of course the vet is always best!
Can we see photos of your piggies? We all love a skinny pig photo, there are a few people here with skinny pigs but not many of us! :)
 
Yeah, I get both sides of the argument, it can be hard to find a trustworthy vet that don't prioritize making $$, but also you don't wanna compromise the health of the piggy so it can be haed to find a balance :hmm:

Of course! Here my precious baldy Euphy! Her cage mate Sandy is a short hair as are the rest of my girls.
 

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Aw she's beautiful, and so is her furry friend!
My skinny girl Tallulah also has a furry friend, a handsome neutered silver agouti chap :)
 
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