How to stop pig scratching his sore eye

[miowmix]

Hi everyone,

My pig Kevin got a bad hay poke and was given a 14 day course of Tiacil eye drops from the vet, we are 7 days in. At first it started to improve but now it seems to be getting worse again. I suspect it's because he's scratching his eye - I have seen him scratch it using his back paw a couple of times.

I was wondering if anyone has any tips for preventing this, was thinking of maybe a little square of cotton wool pad over the sore eye held down with surgical tape, or a homemade ruffle/cone to go around the neck?

Thanks

 

[VickiA]

Please get him seen by the vet ASAP. His eye needs to be rechecked. If it looks worse not better then he needs different treatment. Please seek an emergency appointment.

 

[Wiebke]

If the eye is getting worse despite treatment, then the eye needs to be seen again as quickly as possible. The medication is obviously not working and the discomfort/pain is getting worse again.

Please do not tape anything over your piggy's eye.

This does NOT replace an urgent vet visit and any medication (antibiotic eye drops and analgesics) but it can help to reduce the discomfort/itching in the eye a little unless your vet also prescribes a lubricant of their own. Not having seen the eye, we cannot comment on what is causing the problem; but it is definitely not a case for home DIY.
Please try to get plain artificial tear gel from your vet or a pharmacy; in a pinch plain tear drops will do but they are more difficult to apply and the effect will not last as long. Apply 3-6 times a day always wait at least 30-60 minutes after any other eye medication to allow that to be fully absorbed first.

 

[rudent]

To add to what everyone else has said, when you see the vet I'd ask for Isathal eye drops because they work absolute wonders on hay poke ulcers. Apply ~3 times a day or as directed by a vet.