Medical Issues by Life Stage

1st state: birth

I. Potbellied Pigs generally don't have as many problems as other animals. They do better when compared to dogs, goats, horses and other animals.

There is a difference between congenital and genetic defects:

• Congenital defects - Present at birth and does not have to be genetic.
• Genetic defects - Caused by breeding

II. If a baby is born deformed, it is usually to be genetic. This is not always the case. There is not enough information to prove one way or another.

III. Important conditions which are correctable:

1. High degree of hernias (abdomen to the outside connects with nerves to the outside). When the piglet is born, the opening to the abdomen is suppose to be closed. In pigs, the ring isn't totally closed, and the structures (intestines) from the inside will come out.   The theory is that there may be an incomplete closure, and it doesn't close until 4-5 months of age. If the pig is neutered, a hernia will occur. There are problems with people handling potbellied pigs like farm pigs. i.e. prolapse.  In general: Have the pig neutered to prevent problems. Castration is too traumatic for pet pigs.
2. Cryptorchidism - One or two testicles missing.  This means the ring closed before the testicle had the chance to go outside. If a pig has one, it can breed, but cryptorchidism is a genetic situation.  In the long run, there is proof that testicles that don't come out can turn into cancer. There are ethics involved. If you sell a pig that is cryptorchid pig, it will show up later.

IV. Other defects and problems which are less significant:

1. Born with deformation of the intestinal tract:  Atresia ani - No opening of the anus. It is believed to be caused by viruses, drugs, or chemical exposure to the female during pregnancy. If a male piglet has atresia ani, it is best to put the piglet to rest. If a female piglet has atresia ani, she can live, but the surgery is 40-50% effective and it is difficult to own a female pet after surgery. A connection is made between the vagina and intestines. 4 or 5 professors say it shouldn't be connected. Surgery cannot be done until the pig is a few months old, and she will have problems with urinary tract infections, etc.
2. Incomplete closure of the scull.
3. Formation of limbs

2nd state: few months old

I. Respiratory and Digestive tract disease

1. Infections - bacterial and virus
2. Parasites - Worms/Coccidia
3. Nutritional - Problems with people feeding them in very strange ways.

II. Nutritional deficiencies or overfeeding.

3rd stage: Grower

I. Skin Problems:

1. Mange
2. Dryness

Part of the problem is nutritional, but there is some degree of infectious and pneumonia.

2. Once in awhile there could be bladder problems in neutered males. This occurs when the opening is narrow. We don't see it much in females.

Future stages

There is zero known about old age problems in potbellied pigs. There are no geriatric pigs yet.

Q & A

What type of respiratory problems do potbellied pigs have?

Of all problems which potbellied pigs encounter, about 60% are respiratory, 30% are intestinal, and 10% includes everything else. There is not as much respiratory problems in potbellied pigs as in a commercial operation due to less stress. There is less change in their life. There are two types of respiratory problems

• Upper respiratory problems - Nose, trachea, major bronchia. Upper respiratory problems could develop into the lower respiratory system.
• Lower respiratory problems - lungs

An example is AR (Atrophic rhinitis)

1. AR is usually infections. If it is bacterial, it can be controlled if treated early. It starts as an upper respiratory problem and if not treated, the bacteria deforms the nasal passage. Nasal discharges will occur, and later in life, the pig will always have AR.
2. Carrier - The pig passes it to other pigs.
3. Upper respiratory infection - Under certain conditions, AR moves to the lungs and causes pneumonia. Some of the bacteria can go to the brain and spinal cord.

What does a sick pig look like?

Anything that deviates from normal. Change in appetite, but not always. Sneezing, discharge, runny eyes, coughing, vomiting, scours, etc. The normal temperature is between 101 and 102.5 Fahrenheit (one degree higher or lower is normal).

The above article is based on a seminar on general health considerations in potbellied pigs presented at the Los Angeles Fair by T. Ron Vered, D.V.M., of Pedley Veterinary Clinic of Southern California