AboutHelen Morrison Expertise Pot-bellied or other miniature pet pig care, including diet, housing, training, health care. Can provide information about zoning, adoption, supplies, and organizations. Questions about any kind of pet swine are welcome!
Experience Fifteen years experience owning, raising, and caring for small pet swine, including "Vietnamese" pot-bellied pigs.
Organizations Pigs of Great Fortune
Publications Animals Exotic and Small
I am the Swine Contributing Editor
Expert: Helen Morrison Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: mini pot bellied pig
Question my ten month old female mini pot bellied pig has been really sick, the vet has no idea what is wrong with her. She just had surgery yesterday to see if there was any blockage in the intestine or stomach, they didn't find anything and could see anything wrong with her inside. Her symptoms are fever of 103.6, little appetite, she has been urinating but nothing else for 2 days, losing function of legs or just wont stand we have to hold her up for her to eat and drink, soreness in stomach area, gums are very pale. she is on and antibiotic, some type of steroid and iron supplements.
Answer My first guess is poisoning, because pigs love to eat just about everything including things they shouldn't. Is there any possibility she had access to antifreeze, rat poison, etc?
Another problem that matches the symptoms you describe is salt poisoning. This happens when the pig is dehydrated, or eats something that's far too salty, like a large quantity of dog, cat, or poultry feed.
The Duchess Fund is an organization that provides medical information about pot-bellied pigs to veterinarians. There's a data base of case histories, and a staff of volunteer veterinarians willing to provide assistance to other vets. I strongly urge your vet to contact them, they may be able to help www.duchessfund.org
