Crusty black ear edge, falling off

[Kmacleod]

Hello, I have a rescue piggy call Dobby who has under-developed lungs and has recently been on 2 sets of antibiotics for possible pneumonia and metacam as an anti-inflammatory. After 8 weeks he seems much better, his poop is getting back to normal, he’s eating so much more and moving around. However as a result of his inactivity and wet poo he has developed a bacterial infection in his feet which I am soaking twice a day in an anti-septic solution the vets gave me. Last night I noticed both his ear edges are crusty and coming away, just sort of hanging off with a tiny bit of black pus-like liquid on one. I have read that heart problems and stress can cause ear problems in pigs and this wouldn’t surprise me if this is what is affecting Dob as he’s had a really rough time of late with his breathing and his good belly biota must be low As he’s been on 2 sets of antibiotics. He seems really happy today, squeeking for his veg but I am concerned about the ears. I have also read it could be a possible fungal infection such as ring worm. Does anyone have any ideas/advice? Thanks, Kirsty

 

[Piggies&buns]

We couldnt guess what it is as we can’t see it, but all I can suggest is that you go back to the vet to get his ears checked out

this is our ringworm guide
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

 

[Kmacleod]

Ok thank you, sorry I am unsure how to post a photo here

 

[Piggies&buns]

If you click on ‘attach files’ just under where you type a message you can add a picture.
Only a vet is able to diagnose and prescribe treatment though but we can certainly look and see if it is anything we have seen before

 

[Kmacleod]

We couldnt guess what it is as we can’t see it, but all I can suggest is that you go back to the vet to get his ears checked out

this is our ringworm guide
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

Ok thank you. Here are some pictures

 

[Kmacleod]

If you click on ‘attach files’ just under where you type a message you can add a picture.
Only a vet is able to diagnose and prescribe treatment though but we can certainly look and see if it is anything we have seen before

Here are some pictures for you.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw good on you for rescuing Dobby. He is such a handsome boy, sounds like he has a rough time lately. One of the health team will be on shortly, but a vet visit is always advised x

 

[Siikibam]

I’ve no idea what it could be. I personally haven’t seen it. Your best bet is still to get him to the vet for check and treatment.

 

[Kmacleod]

I took Dobby to the vets, they believe it’s all related to his respiratory problems and weakened immune system from the antibiotics which has resulted in a bacterial infection and lack of blood flow to the extremities, explaining his bad feet and ears. To avoid any more medication and to just get his gut biota back he suggested a probiotic and plenty of vitamin C. The feet look like they are healing, no open scabs, wounds etc so just continue bathing in water to keep them clean and hopefully the ears should settle down as he does look much better, eating and squeeking lots. He took the dead skin off one ear and it did bleed which is a good sign as there is a blood supply to the ear. Not a damaging thing in pigs if they lose a bit of the ear edge but we will monitor it closely. Thought I’d post in case anyone ever has something similar in their pig. With a complex heart problem like his he said it’s always something like the ears that show symptoms which are connected to something more internal/bigger, apparently cows show something similar too. Hope this helps.

 

[Bill & Ted]

I took Dobby to the vets, they believe it’s all related to his respiratory problems and weakened immune system from the antibiotics which has resulted in a bacterial infection and lack of blood flow to the extremities, explaining his bad feet and ears. To avoid any more medication and to just get his gut biota back he suggested a probiotic and plenty of vitamin C. The feet look like they are healing, no open scabs, wounds etc so just continue bathing in water to keep them clean and hopefully the ears should settle down as he does look much better, eating and squeeking lots. He took the dead skin off one ear and it did bleed which is a good sign as there is a blood supply to the ear. Not a damaging thing in pigs if they lose a bit of the ear edge but we will monitor it closely. Thought I’d post in case anyone ever has something similar in their pig. With a complex heart problem like his he said it’s always something like the ears that show symptoms which are connected to something more internal/bigger, apparently cows show something similar too. Hope this helps.

Hope your little Dobby makes a full recovery soon. X

 

[Betsy]

Hope your little Dobby makes a full recovery soon. X

I do to! It's always worrying when your piggies are ill.

 

[Merab]

Well done for rescuing Dobby.
It sounds as if he's landed on his paws with you.
Hope he makes a full recovery quickly.
Welcome to the forum

 

[Patchwork Staccato]

I'm so glad you rescued Dobby!
I hope he has a good recovery.
As well as that, welcome to the forum!

 

[Gigi and Quinn]

Does Dobby live with others? I’ve had a pig with a crusty edge of ear from being nipped by another pig. Once the scab came off it was healed. No puss that I remember though so this could be unrelated to what poor Dobby is experiencing. Hope he improves!