Deep Cleaning?

[Kota12]

So I decided to do a deep cleaning for my piggy today. I used a wet and Dry Q-tip. I often do the normal cleaning checking for hair an debris. Today I found a white pasty discharge coming out of his anus. I've looked online and read about Impaction but I'm not sure how old he is since I had bought him from a pet store. I think he is roughy 1 or 2 years old.

I searched online and read that you have to clean deep into it. My piggy gave me the "I can't believe you're violating me, we are going to fight in the parking lot" look. I had SO much sympathy for him, I had to promise him a cherry tomato! I'm going to do the second part of the cleaning tomorrow because there is just so much. I have a hunch it's Calcium discharge because I've been finding white spots on the fleece...

If you can give me any tips on how to calm him down, how deep to go, etc. Thanks!

[bpatters]

Take a look at this: medical :: Sac cleaning video by brimstone_photo - Photobucket

[Leoseb27]

I use to use mineral oil with the q tip. You can really separate the skin and clean it out well. It's a smelly and horrifying task that will never go away unfortunately. You can find pictures online of how to separate the skin. But careful because if the special poo comes out you it to save them for them to eat! Really really research this. I'm not sure anyone can type enough on this topic.

[Kota12]

@bpatters I guess I was doing it right.

@Leoseb27 Thanks for the input, I'm thinking when I go to my piggy's next check-up I'll ask the vet if they can tell me some more info on it.

[mother feathers]

This is really interesting. I've never heard of "deep cleaning" like this before. Why does it need to be done? Do all g-pigs need it done or is it just an individual thing? How do you know how often to do it?

[bpatters]

How often the sac needs to be cleaned depends on the bedding in the cage, the length of the hair on the pig, the age of the pig, behavior of the pig, and maybe the phases of the moon. Who knows?

But, all sorts of junk can accumulate in there. Older unneutered boars sometimes have problems with fecal impaction, and need to be cleaned on a daily basis. Younger, randy boars who flip their sacs open a lot can get all sorts of things stuck in there, especially if they're housed on wood shavings or have a lot of hay on the floor of their cage.

The general recommendation for younger boars is to check once a week, and clean when necessary. You also need to check the sheath of the penis as well, since they can get hay and other things lodged in there. And as they get older, they may need some lubrication with K-Y jelly to get the penis to fully retract.

[Kota12]

Thanks, I guess I'll have to do a cleaning every week and a check every day now that I'm paranoid with him having stones of some sort. I've been watching him and he is eating normally and pooing normally.

[Kota12]

@mother feathers You usually need to do it with Boars. I think they call it 'Boar Juice'. You have to clean it because hair and debris can get stuck in there and I think if you don't clean it they can develop impaction, not sure.

[bpatters]

@Kota12 , not cleaning a boar is not the main reason for impaction. That usually happens to older unneutered boars as they lose muscle tone and tend to exercise less. It has absolutely nothing to do with urinary tract stones, so the fact that you're seeing white spots is probably related to boar stank.

You don't need to check him every day unless he's having problems, and you don't need to clean him unless he needs it. Unless he's an older boar, a once a week check should be fine.

[Mastershroom]

Reading this thread makes me glad I only have lady pigs.

[Kota12]

@Mastershroom Aren't you lucky!

[Mastershroom]

@Kota12 it sure seems that way.

[coconutty78]

Thank goodness i read this post last night. I got up this morning to discover that my munchie had a bit of an impaction happening. I did the cleaning based on reading and several tutorials avaiable on line. I am a little concerned as it seems a bit it still kinda stuck there. However Munchie is eating, drinking, pooing and remaining social. Anyone else notice some of it being stuborn about coming out. I don't want to harm the delicate lining of the sac. So now what. Also note i tried a bath as well in hopes it would come off easier.

[Kota12]

I use to use mineral oil with the q tip. You can really separate the skin and clean it out well. It's a smelly and horrifying task that will never go away unfortunately. You can find pictures online of how to separate the skin. But careful because if the special poo comes out you it to save them for them to eat! Really really research this. I'm not sure anyone can type enough on this topic.

@coconutty78 I tried this last night and it worked well!

[coconutty78]

Yes i read that post and i did all this, but it seems there is still some there, however its not enough to block him from pooing. I already did the deep cleaning and a soak. Should i do it again then in a day or so. Its so smelly and nasty and clearly not pleasant for either party involved. I actually will be taking him to the vet as well just to be on the safe side.

[Kota12]

I haven't been as 'Lucky' as to experience that so I wouldn't be much help. I would ask the vet if there is anything he/she could tell you about it. Good Luck!

[jacquerooks]

I am so glad that I decided to read this post. I just adopted my first piggie and considering the shape that his nails, cage and grease gland was in I am sure that the previous owner never did this for him. This is definately next on my "to do" list for him. Is one type of mineral better than others and where can I buy it? Should I try to get it all the first time that I clean it or can I stopand try again in a few days if he gets to squirmish (I had to do this with his grease gland)? Thanks in advance for anyone who can answer my questions, this forum has been a life saver for me! I just thought that I had researched everything I needed to know for him.