Sorry But A Bum Post...!

[Heykids!]

I have an entire male boar who will be 5 in September. Most days (if not every day) I have to clear out his perineal sac to get rid of the accumulation of soft poo, hay, hair etc. I know older boars can get impaction because of the fact that their muscles start to weaken.

At the moment I am literally just popping him on his back, parting the sac and easing out the gunk. I have read the "Boars, Bums and Bits" article which I found very helpful and informative (thank you) and I have read the appropriate pages on the Guinea Lynx website. Since having had guinea pigs I have found that a lot of the information available is very conflicting - different vets say different things, as do forums, web pages and experienced guinea pig owners and this seems to be the same when it comes to impaction. I have read that some owners use q-tips and mineral oil whereas others say that this is a no, no! Obviously I don't want to do anything to harm Clegg but want to make him feel as comfortable as possible so am wondering what tips and opinions you have on this "delicate" subject! By the way, if it is safe to use, is mineral oil Baby Lotion? Many thanks.

 

[rome_italy]

I cannot help you in this specific subject, but I also like reading and studying a lot on the net (of course only serious and/or scientific websites); it is often necessary to experiment something "new" even when not all the people and the vets agree. I don't think you have read that a specific oil is a poison for piggies when there is a group of researchers which say the opposite. Anyway, reading carefully the single researches you will understand whether the risk is real or not; then you will decide what to do, just like everybody does for cleaning the butt of an old parent or a newborn baby. I wash my piggies with a natural soap by an unknown brand, but with a very good INCI, better than the famous brands for children and better than the products for guinea pigs. In fact my piggies' fur is always clean and soft although it is long and I hardly ever brush it. Of course I cannot suggest you this brand because it is sold in Italy, but in your country you can find (online) some list of good Baby Lotions and Baby Oils; check their INCI and give it a try.
Many people use for themselves organic coconut oil; it has great properties and is good for a delicate skin.

 

[Wiebke]

I have an entire male boar who will be 5 in September. Most days (if not every day) I have to clear out his perineal sac to get rid of the accumulation of soft poo, hay, hair etc. I know older boars can get impaction because of the fact that their muscles start to weaken.

At the moment I am literally just popping him on his back, parting the sac and easing out the gunk. I have read the "Boars, Bums and Bits" article which I found very helpful and informative (thank you) and I have read the appropriate pages on the Guinea Lynx website. Since having had guinea pigs I have found that a lot of the information available is very conflicting - different vets say different things, as do forums, web pages and experienced guinea pig owners and this seems to be the same when it comes to impaction. I have read that some owners use q-tips and mineral oil whereas others say that this is a no, no! Obviously I don't want to do anything to harm Clegg but want to make him feel as comfortable as possible so am wondering what tips and opinions you have on this "delicate" subject! By the way, if it is safe to use, is mineral oil Baby Lotion? Many thanks.

Hi and welcome

You may find our impaction guide from the Caring for an ill piggy section helpful. We have collected good standard videos (not the horrible stuff that is making the round online!) with a good guide with tips that really work from an experienced keeper. Impaction Recovery - How To Help Your Guinea Pig.

All the best!

 

[Heykids!]

I cannot help you in this specific subject, but I also like reading and studying a lot on the net (of course only serious and/or scientific websites); it is often necessary to experiment something "new" even when not all the people and the vets agree. I don't think you have read that a specific oil is a poison for piggies when there is a group of researchers which say the opposite. Anyway, reading carefully the single researches you will understand whether the risk is real or not; then you will decide what to do, just like everybody does for cleaning the butt of an old parent or a newborn baby. I wash my piggies with a natural soap by an unknown brand, but with a very good INCI, better than the famous brands for children and better than the products for guinea pigs. In fact my piggies' fur is always clean and soft although it is long and I hardly ever brush it. Of course I cannot suggest you this brand because it is sold in Italy, but in your country you can find (online) some list of good Baby Lotions and Baby Oils; check their INCI and give it a try.
Many people use for themselves organic coconut oil; it has great properties and is good for a delicate skin.

Hi and welcome

You may find our impaction guide from the Caring for an ill piggy section helpful. We have collected good standard videos (not the horrible stuff that is making the round online!) with a good guide with tips that really work from an experienced keeper. Impaction Recovery - How To Help Your Guinea Pig.

All the best!

Firstly apologies for the late reply! Thank you both for your advice and help - it is much appreciated.