Poor Piggy

Question
Hi Andy,
We have a 3 year old piggy, Dori and his roommate Peetree a big boy at only 1 1/2.
The reason i am writing is that Dori has always had this funny dandruff stuff ever since we got him.  We have used mite spray and also i bathed him regularly in a iodine based shampoo that was recommended to me.  It seemed to clear up but never really went away.  I also think it is seasonal as it is much worse in winter.
Recently we have noticed that he has been chewing and pulling out chunks behind his ear and neck which is strange as this isn't where most of the dandruff is!  I think he hsa gone blind in one eye as well as it has gone opaque and is slightly bulgy :(
He seems happy enough and is eating normally, is as fat as ever :)
Also neither of them drink water, we have a dripper but they never touch it, i tried a bowl and all they do is knock it over.  I give them foods with lots of water like cucumber to compensate.
Is there something we can do for Dori?  He doesn't mind having a bath.  Just hates the hairdryer (on low pressure and heat of course)
Thanks
Laura

Answer
Hi Laura

The fact that he is chewing his hair, alongside the opaque eye leads me to believe that Dori has mites. One of my pigs (alfie) had exactly the same symptoms so I got my vet to give a course of ivermectin and drops for the eye and he is fine now.

Regarding the water, some pigs dont drink much, but make sure the supply is there and working all the time. Are the pig's droppings normal? Not hard and dry?

Please let me know if there is a problem with that, but otherwise, a trip to the vet (or 3 as ivermectin is done in 3 treatments one week apart) s neccesary for Dori. Also, please take Peetree with you as he might be harbouring mites too.

Andy