One GP preening the other on the other's injured eye. Why?

[Alliwantisaroomsomewhere]

Our one male pig has a sore eye - took it to the vet and it would seem that the cornea is scratched. The other GP was sort of nibbling at the other's sore eye tonight. DH and I have not noticed this before.

They are 2 males and are about 3 years old. They don't fight at all, though may kind of growl at each other once in a while.

Is the one helping the other get better? The one with the sore eye does not seem to mind the attention of the other, though he has just pushed him away now as I type.

Any ideas?

Is he licking the other guineas eye?
They have a milky cleansing liquid that comes out when they do that squirrelly washing thing (you know when they sit on their haunches and desperately try to get their little short front legs round their ears. And if you laugh they stop and look affronted - cute)

Maybe they know that it will stimulate the tear gland (though guinea pig pooh saliva, hmmm )

Our younger boar used to lick the older boars ears. Older one sat in the housie with his head sticking out and an FFS look on his face but let the young one continue.

My guess is he is giving piggy first aid. Animals lick their wounds and all that.

Did your vet give you any ointment for sore eye? My Millie Pig has scratched her eye twice in under a year causing me a nice vet bill . Our vet prescribed cream to put in 3 times a day.

I would be concerned if other boar was licking medication. Not sure how you would prevent it short of separating them. Separation is not a good idea as they might not go back together again.

I thought I had replied to you two, 70 and Fortified! Apologies!

Yes, our GP went to the vet and has been given fucithalmic for his eye which appeared to have a scratch to the cornea. Otherwise he is fine.

Other GP was preening the sore eye, but that behaviour seems to have stopped now.