Pigs will need their eyes and ears cleaned. Cheap pellets can cause around the eyes to have a rusty/ orange color as it runs down snout. No matter which end of feed, expensive or cheap all can cause the rusty color to some pigs. It depends on your piggy. Pink pigs tend to get this more often than black pigs.
When cleaning eyes wipe with a warm cloth gently or non-fragrant baby wipes(do not get in eyes) you can also use a dish scrubber brush or denture brush to remove any dirt or debris off of snout.
When cleaning ears DO NOT GO INTO EAR CANAL and NO WATER OR ANY LIQUID IN EAR. Take a wipe, warm rag and wipe the outer part of ear. The black crap is a protective barrier. Clean the back side of ear in the crease area.
Pigs normally do not like ears or eyes messed with but if it’s done from the get-go or from day you adopt or rescue while doing belly rubs, they will adapt and enjoy the experience each time. My girls loved when it was time for eye and ear cleaning that is when I pulled out the diaper wipes, they would follow me and roll over.
If your pig refuses to let you wipe ears and eyes add pb to lick matt and distract pig. Another option is adding a melon to wall using a towel holder and zip tie
ENTROPION– An eye condition in pigs normally associated with being overweight.
Eyelids roll inwards pushing the eyelashes to rub on eyeballs. This will require surgery to repair. Another issue with the eyes will produce excessive tearing and crustiness with an orange appearance. Wipe eyes with a warm rag sometimes this will resolve with a simple fix if after few days eyes still run, check with your vet so he can determine if eye is infected or has entropion needing surgery. Follow instructions from your vet.
HOOF CARE
NEVER USE BEER, WIRE CUTTERS or BRANCH PRUNERS
MULE FEET
Small cracks on hoof – wipe hoof clean from any dirt, spray with antibacterial let it dry, using a toothbrush brush on hoof alive into cracks. This can be done over 2 weeks before bedtime.
Some pigs have a condition called MULE feet (fused hooves) it can make it hard for heavy pigs to walk on them. Trim your pig hooves regularly or take them to a vet to have them trimmed. Overgrown hooves can cause wounds and make it difficult to walk.
Pigs will lose their dew claw on occasion by catching it on something DO NOT PANIC it will grow back just as our human nails do. To stop the bleeding use turmeric root, flour or corn starch.
PIGS can get a sprain very easily by just walking across a pillow, yard or other areas they have access to. It is very common since they have short leg and heavier on top. If you notice your pig is now limping and is swollen, you can soak in Epson salt or just let him rest in area with buffered aspirin. A vet for a sudden sprain most of the time is not required all that can be done is to give pig rest (which is hard to do) The more you can keep pig down the better chance it has of healing on its own. Some pigs will forever have a limp as my Maggie Mae did from walking over a pillow when she was one.
Pigs need their hooves trimmed 2x a year. Anyone who does hooves should flip the pig only. Vets when able to do and want to sedate be sure its ISO only. There are so many wonderful farriers yet as with anything do your research before letting anyone do your pig.
Sometimes when a pig is done in his safe area (mainly indoors) pigs will have a tendency to stay clear of all areas they feel bad person is still in. lol. We see farriers helping and most pigs will feel the same yet for the ones who don’t it will be a challenge. When I first had my girls done in her favorite spot in living area it took her few weeks of walking around area, grunting and very upset with that space. After few weeks she did realize It was still safe and the person she wasn’t happy with was no longer in area. If able to do pigs hooves in an area like outdoors in common area would work best.
MAGS SNOUT KISSES 