Reproductive system failures/problems
Because each pig is different, just as each person is different, there can be many many problems with ANY body system. This page will focus on problems with the reproductive system. Some of these problems can be fixed with surgery, such as a spay and/or neuter, while others require a more advanced surgery such as a sling or mesh repair. Each pig may present differently, so it is hard to determine what is wrong with your pig unless your vet orders particular testing to be done to rule particular problems out. Some may not know the extent until surgery, whatever the case may be, just prepare yourself. Some problems are an easy fix while others cannot be fixed.
Testicular abnormalities
There is a condition called Cryptorchidism in males with "retained" or undescended testicles. This may be one or both testicles and I have heard of unsuspecting pig parents being fooled by someone saying a pig is neutered when in fact, the pig is far from neutered. The procedure to locate and remove the testicles in animals with this condition is much more difficult than the standard neutering procedure. The veterinarian needs to be skilled and proficient in mini/potbellied pigs to reduce the risks of a native or disastrous outcome. An experienced vet would be ideal, but this isn't always possible. Having your vet contact an experienced veterinarian like Dr. John Carr of the UK or Dr. Wilbers of Quarkertown Vet Clinic in Pennsylvania would be a great option if your vet wanted to consult a more experienced veterinarian beforehand. Most university vet hospitals have experienced vets on staff as well. This is a genetic disorder, it can be passed on to offspring and can be a result of inbreeding too. Breeders who pass these pigs off as neutered should be informed that these pigs are NOT neutered and if they have proof of surgery, that veterinarian who claimed to do a procedure to remove the testicles, should be reported to the veterinarian licensing board. This is unacceptable and people who are passing pigs on as being neutered knowing they're not ought to be ashamed of themselves and these dishonest people also need to be reported to someone. Even if you let others know of their scam, that may prevent others from being fooled. Since this is a genetic disorder, the cycle can continue for quite some time and lead to major health complications in pigs who are identified as neutered when they're not.
Aggression is a big concern in intact pigs and boars cannot be trusted. So these morally constipated people who are flat out lying to people can literally put others lives in danger. An intact boar can fatally wound a person given the right circumstances and opportunities. It still isn't the pigs fault, as their hormones drive their behavior. If you were told your pig was neutered and see scrotal sacs on the hind end? Your pig is likely NOT neutered. Perhaps he had one or both testicles retained and they finally dropped or they weren't very prominent to begin with. If your pig is displaying classic boarish behavior like humping any/everything, you may want to have your vet check your pig out to be sure your pig is not intact. There is a difference between a pig with behavioral issues and a pig with hormonal issues. A story about a boar that "attacked" both husband and wife can be read by clicking here. (This story is very questionable to me and this pig did NOT need to be euthanized, a neuter would have likely solved the problem)
Diagnosing an animal as bilaterally cryptorchid, as opposed to having been previously desexed, is generally difficult to do on the basis of testicular palpation alone. After all, in each case, there will be no testicles felt in the scrotal sac. The only time that testicular palpation may be able to assist in the diagnosis of bilateral cryptorchidism is if one or both of the retained testicles is outside of the abdomen and located within the inguinal canal or prescrotal area and, therefore, able to be palpated by the vet.
Palpation of the empty scrotum may give the veterinarian clues about whether or not a pig was desexed (castrated) as opposed to being bilaterally cryptorchid. Desexed animals tend to have a thick ball or nub of scar tissue within each of the scrotal pouches. But this is not a foolproof method to be 100% certain a pig has been neutered.
This condition, left untreated, can actually lead to complications if not treated. Pigs with cryptorchidism are at a much higher risk for developing testicular tumors as well as these conditions.
As mentioned above, animals with bilateral cryptorchidism might be infertile and incapable of making viable sperm, however, their testicles are still capable of producing high levels of the masculinising hormone: testosterone. Desexed males, on the other hand, have very little testosterone. Bilaterally cryptorchid animals with plenty of testosterone are therefore much more likely to develop the kinds of "male" testosterone-dependent body features normally attributed to an entire animal.
It is sometimes possible for your veterinarian to locate bilaterally undescended testicles using ultrasound technology. Many clinics have access to diagnostic ultrasound these days and a skilled operator may be able to locate the undescended testicles. Note, however, that undescended testicles are often small and can be very difficult to find and that a negative result on ultrasound does not mean that the animal is not cryptorchid.
Sometimes a diagnosis of bilateral cryptorchidism (as opposed to monorchism, anorchism or prior castration) can only be made by surgical exploration. In these situations, the animal is placed under a general anaesthetic and its entire abdomen, groin and scrotal region is shaved and surgically prepared. Because the missing testicles might be very small (retained testicles are often a lot smaller than scrotal testicles are) and could be located anywhere from the abdominal cavity, behind the kidney, through the inguinal canals to the prescrotal regions, the vet may have to make several incisions to find them. The vet might make an incision into the abdominal cavity, only to discover that one or both of the retained testicles' spermatic cords (vas deferens and testicular blood vessels) disappears into the respective inguinal canal. The vet will then need to make a new incision into the appropriate right and/or left inguinal (groin) region/s to locate the missing testicle/s. This is the more complicated surgery mentioned above.
Excessive estrogen production, as can occur in male animals with certain testicular tumours or female animals with estrogen-secreting ovarian tumours or estrogen-secretory ovarian follicular cysts, can cause the feminising syndrome. In its severe form, it can also produce signs of estrogen toxicity, resulting in severe, often life-threatening effects on the animal's bone marrow.
Aggression is a big concern in intact pigs and boars cannot be trusted. So these morally constipated people who are flat out lying to people can literally put others lives in danger. An intact boar can fatally wound a person given the right circumstances and opportunities. It still isn't the pigs fault, as their hormones drive their behavior. If you were told your pig was neutered and see scrotal sacs on the hind end? Your pig is likely NOT neutered. Perhaps he had one or both testicles retained and they finally dropped or they weren't very prominent to begin with. If your pig is displaying classic boarish behavior like humping any/everything, you may want to have your vet check your pig out to be sure your pig is not intact. There is a difference between a pig with behavioral issues and a pig with hormonal issues. A story about a boar that "attacked" both husband and wife can be read by clicking here. (This story is very questionable to me and this pig did NOT need to be euthanized, a neuter would have likely solved the problem)
Diagnosing an animal as bilaterally cryptorchid, as opposed to having been previously desexed, is generally difficult to do on the basis of testicular palpation alone. After all, in each case, there will be no testicles felt in the scrotal sac. The only time that testicular palpation may be able to assist in the diagnosis of bilateral cryptorchidism is if one or both of the retained testicles is outside of the abdomen and located within the inguinal canal or prescrotal area and, therefore, able to be palpated by the vet.
Palpation of the empty scrotum may give the veterinarian clues about whether or not a pig was desexed (castrated) as opposed to being bilaterally cryptorchid. Desexed animals tend to have a thick ball or nub of scar tissue within each of the scrotal pouches. But this is not a foolproof method to be 100% certain a pig has been neutered.
This condition, left untreated, can actually lead to complications if not treated. Pigs with cryptorchidism are at a much higher risk for developing testicular tumors as well as these conditions.
- Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)
- Testicular cancer (testicle cancer)
- Male feminizing syndrome
- Bone marrow hypoplasia and pancytopenia- estrogen toxicity
- Excessive testosterone production- this can lead to super aggressive behaviors.
As mentioned above, animals with bilateral cryptorchidism might be infertile and incapable of making viable sperm, however, their testicles are still capable of producing high levels of the masculinising hormone: testosterone. Desexed males, on the other hand, have very little testosterone. Bilaterally cryptorchid animals with plenty of testosterone are therefore much more likely to develop the kinds of "male" testosterone-dependent body features normally attributed to an entire animal.
It is sometimes possible for your veterinarian to locate bilaterally undescended testicles using ultrasound technology. Many clinics have access to diagnostic ultrasound these days and a skilled operator may be able to locate the undescended testicles. Note, however, that undescended testicles are often small and can be very difficult to find and that a negative result on ultrasound does not mean that the animal is not cryptorchid.
Sometimes a diagnosis of bilateral cryptorchidism (as opposed to monorchism, anorchism or prior castration) can only be made by surgical exploration. In these situations, the animal is placed under a general anaesthetic and its entire abdomen, groin and scrotal region is shaved and surgically prepared. Because the missing testicles might be very small (retained testicles are often a lot smaller than scrotal testicles are) and could be located anywhere from the abdominal cavity, behind the kidney, through the inguinal canals to the prescrotal regions, the vet may have to make several incisions to find them. The vet might make an incision into the abdominal cavity, only to discover that one or both of the retained testicles' spermatic cords (vas deferens and testicular blood vessels) disappears into the respective inguinal canal. The vet will then need to make a new incision into the appropriate right and/or left inguinal (groin) region/s to locate the missing testicle/s. This is the more complicated surgery mentioned above.
Excessive estrogen production, as can occur in male animals with certain testicular tumours or female animals with estrogen-secreting ovarian tumours or estrogen-secretory ovarian follicular cysts, can cause the feminising syndrome. In its severe form, it can also produce signs of estrogen toxicity, resulting in severe, often life-threatening effects on the animal's bone marrow.
This is a female pig, but the same behavior type problems exist in females. Intact female pigs will also try and hump, they will attempt to bite a potential mate to let them know they're interested. Even of there are no other pigs around, these pigs are desiring to mate. This video above is NOT aggression, this is hormones. Rin Baker was kind enough to allow us to use her video as an example of how intact pigs can act. If your pig is behaving like a pig in heat or a boar, and supposedly neutered/spayed, 1. Get the vet records stating that this pig has been desexed, 2. Go back to that vet and let them know how the pig is acting, 3. Take the pig to another vet for a second opinion.
It does take time in older pigs for the hormones to drop to non crazy pig levels. Sometimes up to 60 days. So if your pig recently had a procedure to neuter or spay and is still behaving like that, it is expected that hormones will normalize and behaviors should gradually improve. In this same group of older intact pigs that are spayed and neutered later in life, these behaviors have become routine to them, so additional training (or re-training) will need to take place to eliminate these things from their day to day behavior. Click here to see our page about aggressive pigs. The particular pig that inspired this page was an older intact boar with behavioral issues. You can watch him go from the devil pig all the way to a loving pet.
Source: http://www.pet-informed.com/cryptorchidism
It does take time in older pigs for the hormones to drop to non crazy pig levels. Sometimes up to 60 days. So if your pig recently had a procedure to neuter or spay and is still behaving like that, it is expected that hormones will normalize and behaviors should gradually improve. In this same group of older intact pigs that are spayed and neutered later in life, these behaviors have become routine to them, so additional training (or re-training) will need to take place to eliminate these things from their day to day behavior. Click here to see our page about aggressive pigs. The particular pig that inspired this page was an older intact boar with behavioral issues. You can watch him go from the devil pig all the way to a loving pet.
Source: http://www.pet-informed.com/cryptorchidism
There is another condition called testicular atrophy or degeneration (late-onset cryptorchidism). Pigs with this condition are reported to have palpably normal testicles at birth and weaning, but only having one testicle after 40 days. Ectopic testicular tissue has been noted in many of these pigs and initially, these masses may be interpreted as metastatic neoplasia, but histology reveals the presence of convoluted seminiferous tables and interstitial cells.
Hernia
Hernias are the most common genetic defect and often cause welfare problems. A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through a defect or natural opening in the covering skin or muscle. Hernias often cause welfare problems as well as economic loss.
Umbilical hernias in pigs occur when abdominal connective tissue fails to close around the umbilical ring. The condition may be hereditary, although the majority of umbilical hernias are related to infection of the umbilical cord.
Inguinal and scrotal hernias are congenital (present at birth) and can be significantly affected by genetic and environmental factors.
There are three types of hernia – scrotal, inguinal and umbilical. Scrotal Hernia obviously occurs only in males while inguinal hernia may also occur rarely in females. Umbilical hernias are more common in males and occur due to weakened supportive muscles around the umbilical area.
The hernia always has three constituents present which include the hernial ring; the hernial sac which is com- posed of the peritoneum; and hernial con- tents which may include a loop of intes- tine or a portion of the uterus, stomach or omentum.
Many producers report that hernias are also associated with cryptorchidism, a condition occurring when one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Some research indicates that genotypes with a high incidence of cryptorchid offspring tend to produce a low incidence of offspring with scrotal hernia and vice versa indicating that there may be a connection between the inheritance of cryptorchidism and scrotal hernia.
Sources:
http://dr.iastate.edu/hernia/iowastate-veterinarian
https://www.pig333.com/hernias
Procedure to correct hernia can be seen by clicking here. Pictures below are first and last from the procedure link.
Umbilical hernias in pigs occur when abdominal connective tissue fails to close around the umbilical ring. The condition may be hereditary, although the majority of umbilical hernias are related to infection of the umbilical cord.
Inguinal and scrotal hernias are congenital (present at birth) and can be significantly affected by genetic and environmental factors.
There are three types of hernia – scrotal, inguinal and umbilical. Scrotal Hernia obviously occurs only in males while inguinal hernia may also occur rarely in females. Umbilical hernias are more common in males and occur due to weakened supportive muscles around the umbilical area.
The hernia always has three constituents present which include the hernial ring; the hernial sac which is com- posed of the peritoneum; and hernial con- tents which may include a loop of intes- tine or a portion of the uterus, stomach or omentum.
Many producers report that hernias are also associated with cryptorchidism, a condition occurring when one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Some research indicates that genotypes with a high incidence of cryptorchid offspring tend to produce a low incidence of offspring with scrotal hernia and vice versa indicating that there may be a connection between the inheritance of cryptorchidism and scrotal hernia.
Sources:
http://dr.iastate.edu/hernia/iowastate-veterinarian
https://www.pig333.com/hernias
Procedure to correct hernia can be seen by clicking here. Pictures below are first and last from the procedure link.
Intractable Penis
Some pigs are not able to retract their penis into the health where it belongs. Often times these pigs are unaltered and displaying their penis due to sexual arousal, but other times there is a medical cause for the penis to be dragging on the ground. Why is this really a problem? A penis being drug on the ground can get stepped on, ripped or injured in some other way. This defect must be corrected. Some vets prefer to suture it in place while others will have different methods to keep the penis in the sheath.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a condition that female pigs can get when left intact that have never been pregnant. It was once thought pyometra was just a uterine infection. But the condition is now recognized as a hormonal abnormality with or without the presence of a secondary bacterial infection. It can be life-threatening if it’s left untreated.
Pyometra is triggered by a heat cycle that doesn’t end in egg fertilization. Pigs typically start showing signs of the disease within two to four months after the heat cycle, not the first heat cycle, a heat cycle. This illness is seen most often in older pigs, over 5 years old, but it is possible in ANY pig with a uterus. Either an excessive amount of progesterone or hypersensitivity of the uterus to progesterone is what causes the condition. Cysts develop in the lining of the uterus and release large amounts of fluid into the uterus. The accumulated fluid can spark a secondary bacterial infection. The fluid accumulation in the uterus starts leaking out through the vagina. The pig’s natural response is to mask the symptoms of being sick since they are prey animals. Signs of weakness can get them killed in the wild, so often times, it is an advanced case when finally discovered or by the time your pig shows symptoms of being sick. Pigs aren't able to lick their back end as other animals would naturally do, but with infections, the part of the body with infection is usually itchy and she may rub her back end on surfaces introducing more infection/bacteria through the cervix and into the uterus.
There are two types of pyometra, open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix allows accumulated fluid and debris in the uterus to flow out of the body through the vagina. At some point, however, the cervix closes (closed pyometra), trapping all the excess fluid and white blood cells in the uterus. The flow of fluid into the uterus continues, causing the organ to enlarge. The uterus can eventually rupture and empty all its contents into the abdominal cavity, causing death within about 48 hours.
The body’s response to the secondary infection is to increase fluid production and white blood cells to the uterus, which continues to flow out of the vagina. This is called an open pyometra, because the cervix is open, allowing fluid and accumulated debris to be flushed from the body through the vagina.
At some point, the cervix closes and the fluid can no longer flow out of the uterus. Meanwhile, the body continues to produce more and more fluid and white blood cells. The result is an enlarged uterus. This condition is called closed pyometra, because the cervix does not allow the accumulated material to exit through the vagina.
In worst-case scenarios, the uterus can rupture and empty all of its contents into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, the animal usually dies of septic peritonitis and/or acute kidney failure from uremic poisoning within about 48 hours, even with very aggressive medical intervention.
Obviously, the goal is to catch this condition long before it becomes this serious. Catching symptoms early on is very important in treating pyometra successfully.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pyometra can include lethargy, depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, a distended abdomen (due to the enlarging uterus), vaginal discharge and excessive scratching at the area, as well as weakness in the rear limbs due to the enlarged uterus. With pigs, additional symptoms may be a change in behavior, lack of desire to eat and drink (A pig who isn't interested in eating and/or drinking is a sick pig)
Remember: These symptoms will be noted after a heat cycle.
Pyometra is triggered by a heat cycle that doesn’t end in egg fertilization. Pigs typically start showing signs of the disease within two to four months after the heat cycle, not the first heat cycle, a heat cycle. This illness is seen most often in older pigs, over 5 years old, but it is possible in ANY pig with a uterus. Either an excessive amount of progesterone or hypersensitivity of the uterus to progesterone is what causes the condition. Cysts develop in the lining of the uterus and release large amounts of fluid into the uterus. The accumulated fluid can spark a secondary bacterial infection. The fluid accumulation in the uterus starts leaking out through the vagina. The pig’s natural response is to mask the symptoms of being sick since they are prey animals. Signs of weakness can get them killed in the wild, so often times, it is an advanced case when finally discovered or by the time your pig shows symptoms of being sick. Pigs aren't able to lick their back end as other animals would naturally do, but with infections, the part of the body with infection is usually itchy and she may rub her back end on surfaces introducing more infection/bacteria through the cervix and into the uterus.
There are two types of pyometra, open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix allows accumulated fluid and debris in the uterus to flow out of the body through the vagina. At some point, however, the cervix closes (closed pyometra), trapping all the excess fluid and white blood cells in the uterus. The flow of fluid into the uterus continues, causing the organ to enlarge. The uterus can eventually rupture and empty all its contents into the abdominal cavity, causing death within about 48 hours.
The body’s response to the secondary infection is to increase fluid production and white blood cells to the uterus, which continues to flow out of the vagina. This is called an open pyometra, because the cervix is open, allowing fluid and accumulated debris to be flushed from the body through the vagina.
At some point, the cervix closes and the fluid can no longer flow out of the uterus. Meanwhile, the body continues to produce more and more fluid and white blood cells. The result is an enlarged uterus. This condition is called closed pyometra, because the cervix does not allow the accumulated material to exit through the vagina.
In worst-case scenarios, the uterus can rupture and empty all of its contents into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, the animal usually dies of septic peritonitis and/or acute kidney failure from uremic poisoning within about 48 hours, even with very aggressive medical intervention.
Obviously, the goal is to catch this condition long before it becomes this serious. Catching symptoms early on is very important in treating pyometra successfully.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pyometra can include lethargy, depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, a distended abdomen (due to the enlarging uterus), vaginal discharge and excessive scratching at the area, as well as weakness in the rear limbs due to the enlarged uterus. With pigs, additional symptoms may be a change in behavior, lack of desire to eat and drink (A pig who isn't interested in eating and/or drinking is a sick pig)
Remember: These symptoms will be noted after a heat cycle.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pyometra
Pyometra is diagnosed with an examination of the cervix and vaginal discharge, plus X-rays and/or an ultrasound to evaluate the size of the uterus and to rule out pregnancy.
Toxicity can develop rapidly in a pig with pyometra, so prompt treatment is really a very important part of successful treatment, especially if the cervix has closed. The preferred traditional treatment for pyometra is spaying. IV fluids are usually administered for several days, along with antibiotics to treat the potentially life-threatening infection. The uterus and surrounding areas will be irrigated to flush away pus and fluids, and to speed healing.
In cases of open pyometra, prostaglandins are sometimes administered to control cell growth, regulate hormone production, and cause contraction of the uterus to help expel accumulated fluid.
Treatment of the condition includes spaying. By spaying a pig early on, you eliminate the possibility of this potentially deadly condition from ever occurring. Often times when the infection is found, it is too late and most pigs do not survive based on how long the infection has been present and other it is an open or closed infection. If you EVER notice discharge coming from your pigs hind end, notably the vulva, this is an emergency and your pig needs medical care ASAP/urgently!
Sources:
http://vet.sagepub.com/pyometra-study
http://healthypets.mercola.com/pyometra
Pyometra is diagnosed with an examination of the cervix and vaginal discharge, plus X-rays and/or an ultrasound to evaluate the size of the uterus and to rule out pregnancy.
Toxicity can develop rapidly in a pig with pyometra, so prompt treatment is really a very important part of successful treatment, especially if the cervix has closed. The preferred traditional treatment for pyometra is spaying. IV fluids are usually administered for several days, along with antibiotics to treat the potentially life-threatening infection. The uterus and surrounding areas will be irrigated to flush away pus and fluids, and to speed healing.
In cases of open pyometra, prostaglandins are sometimes administered to control cell growth, regulate hormone production, and cause contraction of the uterus to help expel accumulated fluid.
Treatment of the condition includes spaying. By spaying a pig early on, you eliminate the possibility of this potentially deadly condition from ever occurring. Often times when the infection is found, it is too late and most pigs do not survive based on how long the infection has been present and other it is an open or closed infection. If you EVER notice discharge coming from your pigs hind end, notably the vulva, this is an emergency and your pig needs medical care ASAP/urgently!
Sources:
http://vet.sagepub.com/pyometra-study
http://healthypets.mercola.com/pyometra
Vaginal Prolapse
This is a 6 month old FEMALE aka Gilt piggy. She presented with a VAGINAL PROLAPSE. This pig has never farrowed or been pregnant and the prolapse was due to constipation. Treatment would be to clean the area (sterile saline) is recommended. If no saline is available distilled water or even bottle water can be used in a pinch. Lube should be applied and an attempt to gently push her vagina back in can be made (if you are comfortable with this). Be mindful that you will have slight resistance but never "FORCE" anything back into the body as you could injure the bowels or even perforate the vaginal membrane or uterus. A trip to the vet is then immediately required. In the event of an after hours emergency please see ANY vet close to you. Often times surgery is required, in this case so seeking vet care is a must. Be aware that a vaginal prolapse can be a much more severe case than this and often times it is a hazard of catching on something (like a fence or something in the home) when attempting to transport the pig. Please use extreme caution. This is a life or death situation and can be extremely worse than is presented currently. DO NOT WAIT.
Prevention of constipation is key. Much like humans, a pig that has a less than desirable mobility also has less blood flow throughout their body and if the body is lazy, so are the bowels, all of which contribute to constipation. General rule of thumb for humans is that they need to take 10,000 steps a day to keep the gastrointestinal system functioning appropriately. Mobility and hydration along with a good diet is key! Keeping a nice green leafy diet in addition to plenty of fluids makes sure that the bowels have all the needed items to help avoid constipation. If you struggle with constipation with your pig, a small amount of pumpkin can be added to their diet or if you experience short term constipation 1/4 cup 3x day pumpkin puree (not pie mix) can be added to their food. Some vets will ask you to add mineral oil to the diet for a few day to produce results too. If constipation persists please see your vet, especially if your pig is straining to defecate.
Essentially what is happening is that the uterus is trying to exit her body through the vulva. This can happen because of a number of reasons: damage to the suspensory ligaments and tissues due to giving birth (in the past), retained piglets, infection, tumors, hormonal imbalances, that kind of thing. Once it occurs, it will occur again and again until it is surgically corrected. It will not pull itself back in and it will not stay in once replaced. In general, surgery involves removing the uterus (from inside the abdomen) and pulling the prolapse forward during surgery, then tacking the tissue down. Removal of the ovaries and uterus usually makes the prolapse go away permanently, although, some have had to remove tissue from the vaginal side upon occasion (vaginoplasty). Without surgery, this will tear, bleed and become infected. Until you can get to your vet, there are a couple of things that you can try: keeping it clean with witch-hazel is a good idea (and th witch-hazel will help reduce its size). You can also apply a thick paste of powdered sugar to the prolapse, which may help shrink it down to a much smaller size - you may then be able to replace it inside (but it will reoccur in the future). Keeping it clean and lubricated with Ky or even vaseline can be beneficial. Also, this time of year, be aware that fly strike (maggots) can occur.
Written by Nicole Cox and Brittany Sawyer 2015
There are many possible causes of prolapses. Masses like tumors, parasites that can create hyper motility in the gut etc. So the immediate issue is to keep the area clean an moist so that the tissue does not dry out and therefore become damaged and get to the vet so they can determine the why. Just remember not to force it. You can push too hard and poke a hole. Clean with water, sugar also works to help with emergency situation like this because it is thought to draw out the fluid. Often there is swelling so sugar pulls fluid out of the tissue, swelling decreases and the tissue goes back in.
Kerri Bailey-Cooper, DVM
Prevention of constipation is key. Much like humans, a pig that has a less than desirable mobility also has less blood flow throughout their body and if the body is lazy, so are the bowels, all of which contribute to constipation. General rule of thumb for humans is that they need to take 10,000 steps a day to keep the gastrointestinal system functioning appropriately. Mobility and hydration along with a good diet is key! Keeping a nice green leafy diet in addition to plenty of fluids makes sure that the bowels have all the needed items to help avoid constipation. If you struggle with constipation with your pig, a small amount of pumpkin can be added to their diet or if you experience short term constipation 1/4 cup 3x day pumpkin puree (not pie mix) can be added to their food. Some vets will ask you to add mineral oil to the diet for a few day to produce results too. If constipation persists please see your vet, especially if your pig is straining to defecate.
Essentially what is happening is that the uterus is trying to exit her body through the vulva. This can happen because of a number of reasons: damage to the suspensory ligaments and tissues due to giving birth (in the past), retained piglets, infection, tumors, hormonal imbalances, that kind of thing. Once it occurs, it will occur again and again until it is surgically corrected. It will not pull itself back in and it will not stay in once replaced. In general, surgery involves removing the uterus (from inside the abdomen) and pulling the prolapse forward during surgery, then tacking the tissue down. Removal of the ovaries and uterus usually makes the prolapse go away permanently, although, some have had to remove tissue from the vaginal side upon occasion (vaginoplasty). Without surgery, this will tear, bleed and become infected. Until you can get to your vet, there are a couple of things that you can try: keeping it clean with witch-hazel is a good idea (and th witch-hazel will help reduce its size). You can also apply a thick paste of powdered sugar to the prolapse, which may help shrink it down to a much smaller size - you may then be able to replace it inside (but it will reoccur in the future). Keeping it clean and lubricated with Ky or even vaseline can be beneficial. Also, this time of year, be aware that fly strike (maggots) can occur.
Written by Nicole Cox and Brittany Sawyer 2015
There are many possible causes of prolapses. Masses like tumors, parasites that can create hyper motility in the gut etc. So the immediate issue is to keep the area clean an moist so that the tissue does not dry out and therefore become damaged and get to the vet so they can determine the why. Just remember not to force it. You can push too hard and poke a hole. Clean with water, sugar also works to help with emergency situation like this because it is thought to draw out the fluid. Often there is swelling so sugar pulls fluid out of the tissue, swelling decreases and the tissue goes back in.
Kerri Bailey-Cooper, DVM