As with other animals, potbellied pigs (sometimes called pot belly pigs) cant tell us when theyre sick, so its best to try and be aware of signs of pain or illness. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap immediately after handling sick pigs, even if you were wearing disposable gloves while handling them. when they are mixed following weaning, or if there is limited access to water. A herbal miticidal preparation of Neem oil, Karanj oil and Camphor have been shown to be effective in controlling Sarcoptes scabiei in India (Kumar et al., 2005). 10 Fast Facts for the Potbellied Pig | PetMD Animals having outdoor access, shade, shelter, lighting and sufficient space for them to undertake free movement and to exhibit natural behaviors. They were often huge, puss filled and caused him discomfort. Vaccination may help prevent possible kidney infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. Has he been dewormed? Swine performance is influenced by internal parasites, most dramatically in the young, growing pig. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. Early treatment is needed to prevent distortion of the involved joints. Diseases of Pot Bellied pigs | Long Beach Animal Hospital Kidney failure can be diagnosed with blood and urine tests. Lice sometimes transmit pox virus. Their intelligence, curiosity and charm make them appealing, but it may also make them a challenging pet. Missing areas of skin since birth, often over back or rump, perhaps mouth. You can put some treats in the back of the kennel every now and then, leaving the door open, so the pig can come and go. Hi Nycholee,The only experience I've had with actual "pimples" was with my very first pig about 11 years ago. I have a 1 one yr spayed pot belly who lives indoors with us. Clinical signs include: diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, bloated or thin appearance, dehydration or rough hair coat. If shade is provided, pigs will not lay in the sun. This has kept mange from being an ongoing problem with even the very severe cases we have encountered. Wash your hands after handling pigs, especially pigs that seem to be ill or have a runny nose. Use OR to account for alternate terms Otherwise, look into purchasing a supplement designed for potbellied pigs with omega-3 fatty acids in them. Sorry, this entry is only available in British English. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you notice this, have a veterinarian see your pig. This is a dog/cat ear preparation for ear mites. Triggering factors are poorly understood. Untreated pigs may die from the infection, so prompt veterinary treatment is important. Fenbendazole treats tapeworms, whipworms, roundworms and hookworms. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Vet Manual outside of North America. Is it mange? The Swine Pox virus is widespread and infects swine through skin abrasions, causing circular red lesions on the flank, abdomen, face and head (Taylor, 1995). The skin in these areas will take on an orange color. Clinical disease may be treated with antibiotics when severe. Surgery is usually required to remove a large or sharp foreign object. Adrienne Kruzer, BS, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. I hope it is just an isolated blemish. He will occasionally rub against hard corners, etc. Inactive pigs may not consume enough water to control salt concentrations in their bodies. Potbellied pigs are demanding and require special care that a typical person cannot provide for them. Common signs of infection include coughing, fever, and lethargy. The treatment is a dewormer, so there wouldn't be an issue with giving it to him even if his skin problem is not due to parasites. This burrowing mite is about 0.3-0.6mm in length and the entire lifecycle takes place on the pig, although mites have been shown to be capable of surviving off host for a few days. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. After sedating the pigs, we trim their tusks and hooves, and do a dental checkup. Loss of appetite Change in mood Lethargy Coughing or nasal discharge Absence of or difficulty while urinating or defecating Very dark, concentrated urine Discolored vaginal discharge Hemorrhage from the eyes, ears, nose, rectum or vulva High temperature (103 or up) Elevated respiration or respiratory issues Constipation However, the infection can be fatal. We took him to numerous vets and none were able to offer a real diagnosis or help. Tooth reduction (by clipping or grinding) is often recommended to avoid damage caused by fighting. The pigs may also lose condition. For herds with mange already present, risk factors for the spread ofS. scabiei were found to bemixed housing of dry and nursing sows in the same unit (vs. separate housing) and straw bedding (vs. strawless) (Damriyasa et al., 2004). Then the hair in the affected area becomes brittle and starts to break off. Mange can impact on production, with reduced growth rates and poor feeding efficiency, with reductions in growth rates of 4.5-12% possible in affected pigs (Zimmerman et al, 2012). In this section, the following skin conditions are considered: Formally known as facial dermatitis, Greasy Pig Disease (exudative epidermitis) commonly affects neonatal piglets causing skin lesions on the cheeks, neck, ear tips and body. Greasy Pig disease is best controlled through identification of the causal factor excessive fighting in litters (Potter, 1998). It can be an extra special treat that she doesn't get any other time. Instead, wipe the pigs skin with a wet towel each week to remove the flakes. Vaccines are available for atrophic rhinitis, but they must be used in pregnant mothers and unweaned pigs to be most effective. Minor injuries, including muscle sprains and strained ligaments, are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Left untreated, this condition can become chronic and can lead to other health problems. For pigs with chronic nose bleeds, cooling the area with cold water and keeping the pig calm are helpful. Common Mini Pig Skin Concerns - Mini Pig Info Watch newborn piglets for sneezing, nasal discharge, and tears. It is also important that sufficient dose is given for the correct duration. Can you help me with this? Secondary dermatitis may follow (www.thepigsite.com). Maintaining animals in closed herds and flocks and at stocking rates that enables free-movement, reduces risks of disease spread and minimizes environmental damage. If this treatment is used, care must be taken to prevent salt poisoning Salt Poisoning Furnishing adequate housing, a good diet, and routine preventive care will minimize disease in potbellied pigs, as with any other animal. Because S suis type 2 can also be passed to humans, care should be taken to avoid exposure when handling a potbellied pig with suspected nervous system disease. Swine parakeratosis is a noninfectious skin disease caused by an unbalanced diet. This forms an oval wet patch over the lumbar area measuring 5 by 10 cm.". Many survivors have interstitial pneumonia. Swine Ectoparasite Control. Mississippi State University. Reddening, thickening, peeling of most exposed skin, usually on back and ears. 400 IU's of vitamin E is an often recommended amount and you should be sure not to give your pig too much of this fat-soluble vitamin. If you notice your pig scratching a lot or having dry, flaky, cracking, red patches, or lesions, bring him in for a visual examination. Mini pot belly pigs are a great pet for people of all ages, and can provide endless hours of enjoyment. Is she dewormed regularly to eliminate the possibility of mange or other parasites? 1 If your pig gets a lot of junk. Bringing a fresh urine sample with your pig for the examination can speed the diagnosis. Arthritis in multiple joints may result from bacterial infection of the navel after birth. disorders and diseases of potbellied pigs. It is caused by a Dermatophyte fungus causing gradually increasing circular areas of light to dark brown discoloration behind the ears and on the back and flanks. Treatment should be started early (White, 2007). and can be observed swimming in the baby oil the next day. Mange and lice, in particular, should be treated as soon as the infestation is noticed, to avoid further spread and to spare individual animals severe discomfort. Potbellied pigs (aka pot belly pigs) are omnivores, so their natural diet in the wild would include roots, veggies, nuts, seeds, berries, worms, insects, raw eggs and other little critters. Your veterinarian can test for the presence of mites and inject medication to kill the mites. Potbellied pigs are omnivorous and, like small children, prone to swallowing anything they can get in their mouths. This is an uncommon condition in pigs but where it does exist it is of little economic significance (www.thepigsite.com ). Initial 1-2 cm round to oval lesions on ventrum but can extend over the body. Pustules on posterioventral abdomen, inguinal area, inner thighs, perhaps eyes, lips, ears. If you suspect that your pig is constipated, consult your veterinarian, who can examine your pet and make an evaluation. This familiarity will reduce the amount of stress for both you and the pig when it is time for a scheduled or emergency trip to the vet. Just like other pets, potbellied pigs need to have an annual checkup. it could just be an isolated cyst. Recovery perhaps hastened by antibiotics in water or feed. Usually self-limiting. For my pigs (againI am not a vet and always recommend speaking to your vet with any health concerns you have), I use Ivermectin for Cattle, Sheep and Swine. The normal bowel movement of a potbellied pig consists of one main cylindrical fecal formation made up of multiple smaller fecal balls. Pigs naturally have somewhat dry skin. I also routinely give my pigs the same '2 dose over 14 day' treatment of Ivermectin every spring and fall for worms and parasites. Good Deeds. Although severe lice and mange can lead to loss of condition in animals, signs are usually limited to itchy, sensitive patches on the skin, which cause animals to scratch and rub the affected area, take on a hairy appearance, and possibly then develop visible lesions, welts and scabs. However, you should never force mineral oil or other drugs down the throat of a potbellied pig. Stripping natural moisture off of your pot-bellied pig's skin can also happen if you are using a harsh shampoo or bathing them too often. Has she had a sunburn recently? One of themost common reasons for dry skin in potbellied pigs is a lack of humidity in theirenvironment. Good sanitation helps prevent the disease. The skin thickens over twelve hours, and begins weeping. Improved understanding and responsible usage of veterinary medicines. Please let me know what you find out. The signs of salt toxicity include seizures, walking aimlessly, blindness, or abnormal sitting or standing positions. The calories on our menu boards include whatever is listed in the description of the sandwich, such as bread, meat (s) & cheese. Should You Keep a Potbellied Pig as a Pet? - The Spruce Pets Depending upon each pigs response, a fourth injection may be needed. If you notice any of these signs, you should seek immediate veterinary assistance. The pigs will eat all the chicken eggs if they can get to them. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics is required. Isolate your pig to prevent spread of the disease to members of the family. It is very important to treat it at the first sign of a problem. Swine pox can be confused with localized greasy pig disease, pustular dermatitis and the allergic form of mange. Breaks in leg bones and back bones are common in potbellied pigs and require surgery. I have a miniature pot belly and she has developed wht looks like a rash down the back of her on both her sides going up behind her ears it's very red and looks raw any ideas of what this may be? REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Typical symptoms are blisters - mainly around the mouth, snout and feet - which burst and cause sores. He does have dry skin pretty badly, but it's not terrible just yet. Rubbing, scratching, anemia. If you find that your pig is scratching a lot, has redness or bumps or seems to be uncomfortable a lot of the time, there is probably something going on. Lincomycin, the penicillins and cephalosporins are generally the most effective injectable treatments. We over a month ago brought home a Vietnamese micro pot belly. Things To Know Before Getting A Pot Belly Pig As A Pet They are charming and playful but are not good pets for everyone. Lesions dark, greasy, often extensive. Use to remove results with certain terms There are no topical or parenteral treatments licensed for use in the UK. Infections of the nervous system may be caused by several types of bacteria, including Streptococcus suis type 2, other Streptococcus species, Salmonella choleraesuis, Haemophilus parasuis, and Escherichia coli.