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Eye and Ear Care

Pot belly pigs have very poor eyesight. In fact, many new pig parents believe something is wrong because they do not seem to be able to see very well. Well, this is true.

As potbellies age, most of them develop folds of skin which appear to 'cover' their eyes. Except for the severely overweight pig, this is normal. In their older years they may appear to be keeping their eyes shut. Again, this is normal unless it is caused by the pig being overweight.

Most potbellies will have runny eyes that produce sticky, brownish tears. A little of this is normal. You can wipe away the goo with a warm damp cloth. You may even find their blankets, sheets, or whatever you give them to sleep in with wet spots from their eyes. Again, this is pretty much normal and pigs in very dusty areas are more prone to this.

Some pigs are prone to eye problems such as entropiana. This is when the eye lashes lay on the eye. This condition is correctable by minor surgery (make sure the vet uses ISO!! See Anesthetics ).

Pigs ears sometimes will get a little wax build-up. This is normal!

DO NOT try to clean deep inside your pigs ear. When the build-up gets bad on my pigs ears I just use my finger nail and scrape it out, being careful not to let any of the gunk fall back into the ear. But, I do not use any type of foreign object or ear cleaner. It is not necessary.

That 'stuff' that builds up is their natural defense against dust, particles and tiny insects getting to far into their ears.

DO NOT put any liquids in your pigs ear EVER! This can get in their inner ear and cause them to have a head tilt, putting them off balance. If liquid gets into your pigs ears, it can cause serious problems.

If you are going to hose your pig down to cool them off during hot days, make sure you do not allow the stream of water near their ears or face

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