[Gpdd] HEALTH Luke

[Penny Charlesworth]

Janet,

I am so sorry that little Luke is still unwell.

I once rescued a little boar, whom I called Balthazar as he arrived on Twelth Night. He was in the condition that you describe Luke when I collected him. He was in such a state with his mite infestation that he would roll over in his attempts to bite at his back and was covered in blood. He was also having seizures, which were terrifying to behold. He hated to be held as he was in such pain but it was necessary in order to cure him.

He was given Ivermectin immediately and had to go on to have 8 doses of it in all before it was under control. I was also bathing him twice a week. I think that I used Seleen at the time, though I have not recorded what I used in my notes. Now, I would use Vet Select Repel, which I know is not available in the US but your vet will advise you what to use.

The mites will not hurt you or your family but are highly contagious to other piggies so you are right to wash after handling him. I don't know why you should break out in a rash.

I kept Balthazar in a separate room until he recovered and used different towels for his bath. I think that I probably threw them out afterwards, even though the mites cannot live without their host.

Poor little Luke. This is so distressing for all concerned. Hopefully the Ivermectin will kick in soon. With a severe infestation, the next doses are needed to kill off the next generation of mites.

All of the Piggyfriends, as long as they are over 3 months of age, are given Ivermectin as soon as they arrive and they all have a treatment of one dose every 3 months thereafter as a preventative. I have the liquid Ivermectin, which I give orally. One dose of this is 2 drops.

Paws crossed for little Luke. We are all thinking of him.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.