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Piggie ears

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KevinandCharlie

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Whats the best way to clean guineapigs ears, ive noticed my piggies ears are not very clean, and when i stroked them they had hard bits round the edge of the ear, is that normal?:{
 
My pigs were overgroomed (due to them being bred initially for reptile food) as babies and have very raggedy ears, including a few hard bits.

When we cleaned them, some came away (like old blood or muck) and some bits are covered in fur, which seems to be scarring from their early overgrooming.
 
If you suspect fungal (which could answer to your description) or ear mites, I would have them seen by a vet; he will give you suitable ear drops.
Otherwise, clean the ears gently with a bit of cotton wool or a cotton bud; most piggies don't like it, though!
 
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Hard edges on the ears could be a fungal infection- I haven't run into it with my piggies, but had to treat two hedgehogs with a veterinary fungal ointment for hard, ragged ear edges. It did get better with treatment. Hope this helps a bit!
 
If you suspect fungal (which could answer to your description) or ear mites, I would have them seen by a vet; he will give you suitable ear drops.
Otherwise, clean the ears gently with a bit of cotton wool or a cotton bud; most piggies don't like it, though!

Absolutely.

A good indication (though not definitive) is if there is scabby/dry/hard skin inside the ear as well as on it.

Your piggy will most definitely not thank you for playing around with its ears but it has to be done sadly...
 
I bought ear drops from my local pet shop and used these to loosen any wax then used cotton wool to remove the wax. My piggies didn't seem bothered by it. I often catch them cleaning and licking each others ears aswell.
 
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