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White discharge

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When we picked up one of our two boars this morning he seemed to have a sticky white discharge around his neck and one of his front paws. We couldn't see exactly where it was coming from, but it definitely didn't appear to be from his bottom. He's not acting ill or distressed (as far as I can tell - I'm very new to keeping guinea pigs), but he's just dirty and sticky. What could this be?
Many thanks for your answers
 
I could be wrong but it sounds like he may have some "boar glue" stuck on him (semen). It could either be from him or, if he's been kept with other boars, quite possibly from another pig, which can sometimes happen. Boar glue usually sets very hard, so if the sticky stuff you've seen is starting to set then I'd try to remove it asap, if not already. It's perfectly normal for boars to occasionally get this 'glue' stuck on them (some more than others though) and nothing to worry about - just carefully snip it out with scissors if it's set hard.

Otherwise it may be a bit of excess grooming fluid perhaps, although I'm not sure if this is sticky stuff as it usually gets wiped away very quickly. Guinea pigs naturally excrete a milky white liquid from their eyes (looks very odd when you first see it but it's completely normal!) which they use to groom themselves. They wipe it around their hair with their front paws so that may be what you've seen.

Obviously it could be something completely different though, so keep a very close eye on him. Discharge from the nose is not normal and eyes should also be clear, so any other discharge from the eyes (apart from the milky grooming fluid) needs looking into. Also check his skin as thoroughly as you can, in case he has an infected wound.

Obviously it goes without saying that if you're very worried you should always see a Vet for peace of mind. It's not a bad idea to get new pigs a check-up anyway, just to give them the all clear.

Good luck x
 
Thanks so much Missy for your informative reply. Whatever it was he managed to clean it off, and is absolutely fine now, so I guess nothing to worry about.
 
Good news. Just keep a close eye on him and if you're at all worried or unsure then a checkup at the Vets wouldn't go amiss.

Welcome to the wonderful world of guinea pigs! They really are wonderful creatures and a joy to get to know. Hope yours settle in quickly :)
 
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