Impaction

[Olivitree]

Right, well, I think all the crazy things that have been happening (diarrhea, weird eating) have finally lead to this, Jacks got impacted.
From what I've read in my piggy book, this is it really, I've got to help him do his poos or he'll die. This isn't good! I'm willing to help him all I can and he doesn't seem unsettled by it, but he was REALLY impacted when I came back home, I'm not always going to be hear either so I'll have to get my mum to do it when I'm away.

But, really, if theres a way to fix this with out upsetting my piggy regularly I'd love to know it. From what I've read it's the poos he eats getting sticky, stuck together and his muscles can't do the job because they've weakened(probably because of age in his case as he's 6 years old). The real problem is he's now 1230g, he's about 300g lighter than he was in his youth.(he use to be about 1500g/1600g)

As he isn't eating the poos he's meant to, is there a supplement or diet that will replace the stuff he's missing out on from not eating his poos and that might sort this problem out a bit better, like, maybe more fiber or something of the like?

 

[alcesterpigs]

Impacted males adjust to not being able to recycle the first pass pellets, just make sure he has a good, balanced diet.
It takes less than ten seconds to clean out an impacted pig. I have had pigs that have needed to be cleaned out twice a day. They get used to it very quickly.
All you need to do is to roll out the impacted lump, no more, no less. There is no need to put any ointment/cream on the pig or into the sac.
There will be some natural weight loss in a pig of that age, whether or not he is impacted, it is a good age.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Six years is a great age. I have not heard of piggies dying from impaction, it is a minor condition on the scale of illnesses, it's main characteristic is simply being a long-term condition.

The easiest way to deal with impaction is to just empty out the sac frequently. Roll open the sac and get the faeces out, nothing more to it. It takes just a few seconds once you've mastered a good handling position and a quick technique. Some boars need clearing every 1-2 days, some only need checking once a week. For now, clear the impaction and check every couple of days to see how quickly it is building up.

Some people offer the delightful ball to the boar once it is removed. Some pigs eat it, some pigs don't. In my experience it is unlikely to affect him if he doesn't.

 

[alcesterpigs]

Two answers both saying the same thing, must be right!

 

[Tracyxx]

I was in the same situation as you when I got my rescue boar Wilbur, about a year ago. He wasn't too badly impacted, but wasn't really gaining weight despite the fact that he ate like a little trooper. All you need to do is lie him on his back in the crook of your arm, roll the skin around his bum back slightly (this doesn't hurt them, although it sounds and looks horrendous!) and ease the poop out. I always offer it to Wilbur, and he always eats it! Since I started offering him the impacted poo, he's gained weight beautifully and is now a very fat, happy little old man. Are you in the UK? Pets at Home sell a probiotic supplement called Pro-C Probiotic. I give this to Wilbur in his water, and he loves it. I've found it helps keep him un-impacted for longer, and softens the impacted poops. I know a few other members have had the same results when using it too. As with any guinea pig, just ensure he has a balanced diet with lots of his favourite veggies. Wilbur is so used to having it done now! Like AP said it only takes a few seconds, but of course you're new to this, so it will definately take you a bit longer when you first try it. Practice makes perfect, good luck with your little boar