Boar Cleaning

Clean the Anal Sac
This should be done about every three weeks, more often in older boars who have lost some elasticity in their muscles and are more prone to impaction. Have your mineral oil and q-tips ready, then place piggy on your lap with his back resting up against you so his back is supported because, of course, his spine does not bend backwards. Then use one hand to gently pull the anus back so you expose as much of the sac as possible – do not be rough here as you don’t want to stretch out piggy, but you do want to make sure the sac is being cleaned well. With the other hand, dip the q-tip in the mineral oil and insert it into the anal opening, then scoop all around to move any debris from the sac. Sometimes there will be a lot of build up and you will have to repeat the process with several q-tips. Just do this until the q-tip comes out clean. - See more at: http://www.guineapigtoday.com/2012/07/09/tips-your-male-guinea-pigs-routine-boar-cleanings/#sthash.bqbOdcnv.dpuf

Boar cleaning is unpleasant but necessary. If you find the whole scenario overwhelming than perhaps owning boars isn't for you. Your only other option is to pay a vet to do it. You don't have to do it every week or even every month. If you are squeamish you can con a friend into helping you for moral support. It is a good idea to do this in a quiet area, where you have access to clean water. I would also recommend wearing gloves. 

The easiest task is cleaning the grease gland. It is a small think 10cent piece sized, leathery area located above the anus. Also known as the caudal glad, its purpose is to excrete a scent used to mark territory and establish dominance. It is situated approximately where your cavies tail would be if it had one and is often made more noticeable by the black, sticky grease noted on the surrounding hair.

Opinions on the best product to use are diverse but some breeders choices include the following:

Diluted eucalyptus oil

Diluted tea-tree oil

Dish-washing liquid

Coconut Oil

Cornflower paste

Toothpaste

Rubbing alcohol

Malaseb

Cetaphil

Simply apply your product of choice and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rub gently but firmly with a cloth, soft toothbrush or cotton tip. Rinse with warm water and repeat as many times as necessary to remove any build up. This prevents the gland from becoming clogged and potentially getting infected.

The next task is a little more personal and involves the penis of your boar. Long-haired cavies and mating boars often get hair tangled around the shaft of their penis. Add to this the smegma that they produce, urine and litter from your cages and you can see how the area might become a little festy. Bad tangles may require scissors but needless to say, use them with extreme caution. Try to snip the hair at it's base and then untangle it. If you press gently on either side of the penis it will protrude. Wipe it softly with a moistened cloth and you are done. Just ensure that it slides back into its normal position. 

Hair is caught in the folds of this boars penis.

The final task is to check for impaction and clean your boars anal sac. If you support his body while he is in a reclined position you can gently pull back on either side of the anal sac. It will open up so that you are able to clean it with mineral oil coated cotton tips. Just swirl them one at a time around the inside of the area. If you do this often it will be a quicker and easier process.

An impacted boar will not be able to expel and thus eat his caecal pellets, which is akin to not being able to take his vitamins. Therefore it is not only uncomfortable but can also affect his overall health. If your boar is impacted you may need a friend to help you hold him. Then use the same method, some extended breath holding and patience to remove the blockage. 

Opening the anal sac.

Once all of this is done it is time for a treat. Reward your boar with a piece of carrot or one of his other favorite snacks and reward yourself with some extended hand washing, a pat on the back for a job well done and some fresh air.