[Gpdd] HEALTH Teddy's diet and shampoo

[Penny Charlesworth]

I have just been shampooing some of the Piggyfriends and it reminded me that I have not responded to Mary's post about Teddy.

First of all I am glad that Teddy's problem is fungal and not mites, though both are equally uncomfortable and miserable for the piggy concerned.

Fungal skin problems often occur in damp or humid climates as our piggies' ancestors came from a very dry area and their coats are designed for that environment. I believe that Teddy lives in Florida, which I considered to be very humid when I visited it on vacation so he may be prone to fungal infestation in the future. Hopefully he will get used to the shampoo as it may need to be repeated.

It is a shame that Teddy does not like his shampoo as he will feel SO much more comfortable afterwards. The piggies that I have just bathed are happy to sit in the bath for the four minutes that their shampoo has to be left on. I make sure that the bathroom is nice and warm and they sit and gossip, covered in lather, while the shampoo does its thing. I can do several at a time, lined up in the bottom of the bath and use the shower pipe without the sprinkler head to wash them. They are now sitting in boxes, wrapped in fluffy towels, with some cucumber to munch, whilst I type this.

Regarding Teddy's diet, I agree with Jaime and the slaves to the LAPS piggies that 3lb. is not too heavy for a full grown boar but I think, from reading Teddy's stories that he is not that old yet and maybe is a little overweight. Correct me if I am wrong on this. The memory is not what it was! 

If he is still growing, does he have too many treats? If so, he will have to cut them out to slim down. He could stop eating the dog biscuits as munching on good hay and pellets or a dry food mix will keep his teeth in trim. Also grass if this is available. Lots of veggies and some fruit are the best foods. Can you give him fresh instead of frozen?  Does he have enough exercise? He needs to come out and have a good run around. You probably already do this, in which case, give him a little extra running time.

Front teeth can be trimmed without an anaesthetic. He may have broken a front tooth on those dog biscuits. Their teeth grow back very quickly.

It is problems with the molars ( back teeth ) for which most vets need to use the anaesthetic.

Hope that this is of some help.

Time to wrap the Piggyfriends in some more dry towels.

Penny.