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potbelly pig w/lice (maybe?)

we just got our kids a very young potbelly pig. it was not a planed thing we saw them and feel in love. we were told she may have a little pig lice. well we bathed her and my son later on saw some bugs crawling on her. we were not concerned at first because the people we bought her from acted like it was no big deal, but we have been told people can get them and there like scabies but i have been trying to research it on line and what i can tell people cannot get them but they will multiply and they maybe hard to get rid of. is this true?
i also am concerned because she doesn't seem to be weined yet, they gave us some starter food told us to mix it with milk and then buy potbelly pig food. but i tried to feed her the starter food w/ milk and she acts like shes looking for a nipple. so i've gone to the store and bought pets milk along w/ canned dog food, she's ate only a little so i'm concerned. is it ok to feed them dog food or not? and am i doing the right thing by just trying to get her to eat.
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Avatar universal
How often should my pot belly pig be vacinated?
She is 1 1/2 and has see the vet 2 times for her shots, she is also fixed. She lives in the house with us and is a great pet.
Should I have the vet clip her nails, i've been told that if you clip them then they grow. If you leave the nail alone then they stop growing, Is this true.
Thank you for taking the time and reading my e-mial.
Heidi Bianchi
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
thank you so much for all you'r help. i'm sure we will have a great time learning new things together. this web site is so useful thank god i found it.merry christmas to all.
Helpful - 0
172023 tn?1334672284
Pets are not inexpensive.  Your pig will need to go to the vet, and return there for proper care from time to time.  Plan and budget for it, so that you will never have to make a difficult decision down the road.  Good luck!
Helpful - 0
234713 tn?1283526659
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Potbelly pigs need vaccines too.  So when you take her to the vet for her first vaccine, you will be able to get the ivermectin, or other lice medication at that time.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thank you so much for responding.she has finally, started eating her starter feed w/ pets milk. i will not give her anymore dog food. i was wondering is there a cheaper way to get rid of the lice, then going to the vet? now that i know it gets on dogs too i'm going to have to treat my inside dog. hopefully he won't spread it to our other dogs outside. do pigs need shots like dogs? how often?
thank you once again.
Helpful - 0
234713 tn?1283526659
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Pig lice is called Hematopinus suis and should be treated with ivermectin, available from your veterinarian.  It is not transmissible to people but I have seen dogs acquire it.  It should be treated.

Pigs root when they eat.  Rooting looks like they are looking for a nipple to suckle.  However I don't know her age and she may be pre-weaning age. There is nothing wrong with letting her nurse for a while.  The first diet a  potbelly pig should be on is Mini-Creep Piglet Feed,  Creep feed is the term for starter food.  You can order this from an excellent site:
Growing pigs are not small dogs and dog food is really not appropriate.  If you have a good feed store, they should have the appropriate food in stock.  Many pet stores can order the proper food for you from their distributors and may be able to get it faster than if you ordered it yourself.

Be sure to check out the potbelly pig santuary site: www.pigs4ever.com
Helpful - 0

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