The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Liquidator on July 05, 2011, 03:40:31 pm
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My 5 year old GOS boar 'Spot' is currently moulting and I've noticed that his back is very red and has a few scabs which have attracted flies. I've hosed him off, which he seemed to enjoy but the flies soon return. Not sure whether this is sunburn coz we haven't had much in the way of sun in the Highlands of Scotland but he's never had these sores before during his annual moult.
All advice greatly received.
Thanks
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How do you normally worm him ?
If it's an oral wormer it won't be treating for external parasites and he may have gotten lice or some other nasties which would irritate the skin and cause him to rub/scratch excessively.
Are the patches diamond shaped ? If so, it could be erysipelas (sp?) in which case a course of anti-biotics will clear it up.
I'd get it cleaned and get some purple spray on it asap (I think it's proper name is genetian violet or something - it's used for horses, chickens etc) and if it's possible to cover it to keep the flies away that would be a good thing ;) If you can't cover it - dab tea tree oil round the sore bits (not on the broken skin or it'll hurt like hell) and the smell should help keep the flies off.
Hope he's soon on the mend - poor boy :-*
Karen x
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We've had a lot of trouble with hornets this week (big buggers!) which have left nasty bites for the other flying insects to feast on. My pigs are so covered in purple spray at the moment they look like they are Tamworths crossed with some weird spotty thing. I was told to use Spot-On (yes, I know it's no longer licensed for use in the UK) to keep the flies away, but was a bit unsure about doing so because it seems quite oily and I wasn't sure how it would work with the sunshine we've been having.
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spot on leaves an oily mark on there back but it does work :farmer:
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I was just worried that it might burn. Mind you, it's been p***ing down today, so all a bit academic now!
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A couple of my pigs have had this problem with scabs and flys so i went to Farmway and got a tub of flystrike cream its mean't for the bums of sheep but i brush it on my pigs scabby sites mainly sunburnt ears and it seems to do the job, they look a bit funny though with great daubs of bright yellow on their lugs :D
HTH
Mandy :pig:
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Hello, it sounds like mites my boars had it about 5 months ago and they nearly rubbed themselves roar a couple of injections from the vet I think I had to give 2 1 week apart in the back of the neck, changed bedding in the ark and it cleared up lovely.
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Thanks for all the advice. My BH decided she would rub some germoline on to 'Spots' sores and that seems to have helped!! He still has some scabs but is not as red and the flies don't seem to be bothering him as much. He's still happy to have his tummy scratched and the heavy rain in the last few days has allowed him to do lots of wallowing.
Thanks again. :p