Waxy ears

[catalady]

Can anyone tell me what is a 'normal' amount of wax in a piggys ears? I cleaned my girls ears today, not something I do often..which is very bad of me I know - they all seemed to have a lot of wax in their ears. I did wonder if it could be ear mites but they have no symptoms of ear mites at all and its not causing them any problems, could it just be a build up of wax because I haven't cleaned them regularly? I shall certainly be cleaning them more regularly now.
I found it fascinating that my white girls have white ear wax and the 2 black and white abys have black wax..I was half expecting ginger Gemmas to be orange!

[abby]

Hi, is it necessary to clean their ears? I only ask because i had an ear infection recently and the doctor told me you should never clean your own ears out, they are self cleaning, that's what wax is. I was doing more harm than good by using cotton buds and it's easy to damage your inner ear. I know this is about people not piggies but i wonder if the same applies because i've never heard of cleaning their ears unless they have mites. I have just checked Peter Gurney's site as i'm not sure and he does suggest keeping ears clean. See:
www.oginet.com/pgurney/ears.htm
So you're right, but do take care with a cotton bud, ear drums are very sensitive and he doesn't mention that.

[Dawn - Admin]

I wouldn't use cotton buds. I usually just use a baby wipe around the ear to clean mine. I do it every time they have a bath and yes there is quite a lot in some pigs ears and it does seem to be the sae colour as the skin in their ears

[celia]

Have a sniff if it smells it could be a fungal infection x

[essie]

I haven't clean my pigs ears, if it is very waxy then there may be a problem, I think the can get Canker which will smell horrible and is caused by ear mites.

[piggielover28]

Is it easy to see wax in guinea pigs ears because I haven't ever seen it in my guinea pigs ears but the vet did get wax out of their ears... And should I clean their ears and what should I use as I have never done it before

[piggyluver123]

someone please help!! i was siting with my piggy creamy... i lifted up her ears and there was this black stuff sort of like play-dough all over her ear... i tried to take it out but she would make a high pitch squeak every time i tried...idk what to do.. HELP!?!?!?!??!?!

[tatiepot]

Sounds like a build up of wax..my sow, bear tends to get waxy ears too. A wipe is pretty good at cleaning them up. Use it wrapped round your finger and gently clean the ear out. I also have some ear drops for my piggies that i use on bear every once in a while.

[Orlaith]

It might be ear mites. It could be worth a trip to the vet as ear mites can leave guinea pigs with permanent head tilts. It could be nothing, but best to be safe.