HELP ME!- all six of them have this!

[1aicha]

4th week of ivermectin treatment. Adults are stable but young ones lose more hair. griseofulvin is not in yet. The skin of the pigs is a bit *dusty* like. but beside that look healthy. No wear redness. Good blood circulation, no open wounds from scratching.
I guess that it will just take a long time for them to recover.

[Bethie]

No advice, just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of your babies and hope they are getting better. Glad to hear they don't seem to be getting worse.

[Mum]

griseofulvin is not in yet.

Is this for possible ringworm? Did you get a culture?

Personally, I'd not use the griseosulvin - just give a dose of Program. Much easier (just one dose followed by another in a couple of weeks I believe), cheaper, and easier on the pig. Treats ringworm like a charm.

[1aicha]

Mum:
the culture is still negative but going back to the vet tomorrow.
I will tell her again about program. It is like they are reluctant to give it. Maybe they think I am just a smart-*** who wants to tell them what to do. I can't really but insist.
If I get both ( because it is sure that griseo is on its way) , should I give them both, maybe some time in between? Shall I stop the Ivermectin then? What would be the best of plan now 4 weeks later?
Bethie:
Thank you for your moral support! I tell you, it is not easy to see them all looking like poor lil piggies nobody cared for. And the extra cleaning is a bit of a job isn't it? Let's say that at this time of year, with the extra visitors and preparing food etc I am overloaded. I don't complain but state the obvious: my hands are full. A bit sad too not to be able to cuddle the piggies as much. I do when I cream them: a nice pretext to run my hands all over them gently while applying the Monistat:)

[Mum]

If I get both ( because it is sure that griseo is on its way) , should I give them both, maybe some time in between?

I believe the Program is much, much easier on the pig. From what I understand it's very effective, so I can't really see why one would use something known to be harsher on the system.

I would also carry on with the Ivermectin just to be sure. It can take a good number of treatments to get all pigs cleared of mites if the outbreak has been particularly severe.

[1aicha]

Mum: thank you : now pray I can convince my vet of giving me program!!!! ( I wish I would be in a big city now, seems easier to get what you need).

[HollyT]

Even if it isn't ringworm, program may still work. I never got a definitive answer about ringworm on Frizzle's back but the program cleared whatever caused the hairloss in one area.

[1aicha]

Went to the vet this p.m. Culture is negative for ringworm. . She doesn't want to give program, says that with several very severe infestation like the pigs here we best go with more aggressive meds. Can't but follow the doc's advice. They had their 1rst dose this evening, with a bit of fat ( she said it makes the organism absorb the medication better.
One time a day for 14 days.
I chose nuts ( sunflower seeds, without the shells0 as a fat source. Any other idea?

[HollyT]

Flaxseed oil- about 1cc

[Mum]

Culture is negative for ringworm. . She doesn't want to give program, says that with several very severe infestation like the pigs here we best go with more aggressive meds. Can't but follow the doc's advice. They had their 1rst dose this evening, with a bit of fat ( she said it makes the organism absorb the medication better.

I'm totally confused:

They don't have ringworm
They're not having Program.

What are you giving them a dose of, then, that must be mixed with oil?

[1aicha]

Flaxseed oil, good idea: wouldn't have thought of that.

Mum: Griseofulvin. Maybe the culture was negative because I had already begun the preventive treatment and baths etc with the pigs when I actually discovered they were REALLY sick. Honestly, I can't quite remember if they had their Nizoral bath before. Could be a false negative.

[Mum]

Why would you give this if the culture if negative?

From what I understand, this can be very harsh on their systems. I absolutely would not give it without a firm diagnosis of ringworm - which you don't have.

Incidentally, I just Googled, and Program is available without a prescription.

[1aicha]

Mum: you are right. She even said it could be hard on their kidneys.
So your call would be to make another skin culture first before continuing with the meds?

[HollyT]

No, just do program.

[1aicha]

I am trying to see right now with a clinic in Montreal how /what I can do. The clinic is called Clinique DMV. Might have more success there.
Anyone can point me to store online, Canada, that sells Program without prescription?

[Mum]

I wouldn't touch that drug. I would just do Program. It works, and you can find it on the internet (from a reputable place) with no prescription.

You can get it from any number of places, including Drs Foster and Smith

[1aicha]

Checking with site if they sell to Canada. If so, my chase will end here.
I see the package is a 6 pack ( aka for six months). Given I have 7 Guinea pigs, shall I order seven of these?

[HollyT]

You'll be much happier with the results and you won't need to worry about side effects.

[1aicha]

Site doesn't sell to Canada. At the check out, there is no possibility but for US.
Man, this is like looking for a needle in a hay stack! And it could be so simple.
FOUND ONE who ships to Canada; petcarechoice
Just a mater of playing with Paypal now.
So how many doses should I order?

[1aicha]

Well I'll go ahead and order 3 times a six pack and if needed buy more.
Thanks again for all your help! very much appreciated.