The 3 most common skin conditions in pet pigs are sarcoptic mange, sunburn, and dry skin. As mentioned in Chapter 2, injectable ivermectin is the treatment of choice for sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange, as in other species, is zoonotic. The labeled, FDA approved dose is 0.3mg/kg SQ behind the ear. This dose is appropriate to treat mites, lice, lungworms, and GI roundworms. This treatment may need to be repeated in approximately 14 days to kill any mites that may have hatched since the initial treatment.
Sunburn can easily be prevented by limiting the pigs time in direct sunlight. A gentle sunscreen can also be applied if prolonged sun time is expected.
Dry skin can develop from a variety of reasons including inadequate nutrition, external parasites, sunburn, and dry winter conditions. A gentle, unscented, hypoallergenic lotion or coconut oil can be applied to the pig’s skin.
Approximately 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day will provide the pig with enough vitamin D3. If this is not achievable, 1000-2000IU of vitamin D3 can be supplemented orally daily for 2 weeks for a loading dose and then once per week after that. Another option is to add vitamin E to the diet.[1] 400IU per day is a good starting point for most pigs.[2] This can be dosed to effect, starting low and increasing as needed.
Malassezia infections can often be present as well. Clinical signs include bilateral alopecia, scaling, lichenification, depigmentation, and occasionally mild pruritis. Systemic ketoconazole 5-10mg/kg q12h) or itraconazole (5mg/kg q24h) are some of the therapies described.[3] Bloodwork should be ran to screen for liver disease prior to starting therapy. Antifungal shampoos are also useful for treatment.
Other skin conditions of pet pigs include aural hematomas and Erysipelas. Aural hematomas arise from excessive head shaking as in dogs, and the treatment is similar. Several methods of treating aural hematomas are available and this can be left to doctor’s preference. The cause of the head shaking should be addressed as well.
Erysipelas is relatively rare in indoor pet pigs, especially if they are vaccinated. It is more of a concern in hobby farm pigs due to their potential for exposure to turkeys and sheep that harbor the disease (see the reproductive section of this chapter for more information). This bacterial pathogen is a commensal in healthy pig tonsils and is shed in feces and oronasal secretions. It is generally young pigs that are affected during the period when maternal antibodies wane and vaccines are not yet on board. The classic sign of erysipelas is the rhomboid urticaria (diamond skin lesions). Other signs include cutaneous erythema, septicemia, arthritis, fever, and in chronic forms, endocarditis. Diagnosis is based on bacterial culture from a blood sample, clinical suspicion and treatment with penicillin or another beta-lactam would also be appropriate.[4] Addition of an NSAID would also be appropriate for fever reduction.
