Ah yes.. it can be very confusing... because the scales will continue to look like crud until they fall off and are replaced by fresh ones.
How old is your gal?
I took one of my hens in to the vet to verify if I had SLM due to dry or slightly lifted looking scales. He said we didn't have any signs of SLM at that time... and that it would essentially look like yellow growth of keratin similar to fingernails coming out from under the scales and lifting them up. Of course I'm SURE there could be other less noticeable loads than that.
I know some people will try soaking and scrubbing the lifted scales off with a tooth brush. But once the parasites are treated, I think it's mostly cosmetic.
I do believe the natural falling off will take place with time. After doing that treatment so many times... I would have to presume it was effective and try giving it about a month and see if there is any change.
Did you already post pics and get the opinion that it SLM and not just dry or aged scales? You are welcome to post a pic here as well. Maybe using the pics posted for before and after comparisons instead of trying to recall the condition from memory.
Worst comes to worst... pour on ivermectiv is not labeled for use in chickens so egg withdrawal time is not WELL researched. Dosage and withdrawal suggestions are available though... and it IS considered effective against SLM, lice, depluming mites, and a whole host of other systemic feeder parasites.
Good for you for being persistent until you get results!
The same is true when people deal with feather mites and such... the feathers *may* continue to look ragged until molt. Sometimes the difference is noticeable shortly after... but with living things there really is so much that just happens when the body is ready or triggered by other environmental factors that we may not be in direct control of. Hang in there!
