What are the most common procedures performed on pigs?
Veterinarians are obviously the "go to" person for advice regarding the care of your pig. According to the Disease's of Swine book, (10th edition) there is a list of common procedures done on "pet pigs". These are the most common things found…
1. Late-age castration-many pigs remain boars until behavioral issues occur or the foul musky odor is no longer bearable. Obviously, in any species, older equals a greater risk. The bigger a pig is, the more sedatives it takes to sedate them, the most adipose tissue there is to dissect in order to perform the requested procedure and therefore, the longer the surgery lasts. It is well known that boars are unpredictable and should be castrated as soon as possible.
2. Scrotal rupture repair.
3. Abdominal hernia repair- this may often also have abscess present.
4. Cryptochidectomies- may be requested once it is determined a pig is still a boar, usually when a pig still acts like a boar, this can be indicative of a retained testicle that needs to be removed. This is discussed in greater detail in the spay/neuter section of the website. Click here to read more about it.
5. Abscess removal- as a consequence of castration, due to wounds or at injection sites. Click here to read more about abscesses in pigs.
6. Scirrhous cord removal- due to castration site infection and scarring (most often seen in show pigs)
7. Preputial diverticulectomies- performed on boars or barrows to eliminate urine pooling, as many people prefer not to manually express the contents routinely; also performed on boars to eliminate masturbation into the diverticulum. This is an elective procedure and this gland doesn't usually fully develop if a pig is castrated early in life. Click here to read more about it.
8. Penis problems- examination and repair or a persistent frenulum or trauma.
9. Extra declaw amputation- this is an elective procedure and most often seen in the show pig world versus the pet pig world.
10. Rectal prolapse repair- often subsequent to cool environment condition and the piling of pigs, coughing, or diarrhea after a change in feed. Rectal prolapse can occur as a result of chronic constipation as well. Click here to read more about gastrointestinal issues you may come across with pigs.
11. Tusk/Hoof trims- basic necessity. Tusks that are not growing in a way that will pierce the cheek can continue to grow as long as 1. your pig isn't using them to hurt anyone 2. your pig is able to eat and drink without difficulty 3. there is just no reason to trim them. When tusks are trimmed, you open the door for potential tusk root infections. This can happen due to the tusk being cut below the pulp line, fractured tusks due to improper trimming or just because sometimes it happens. Click here to read more about tusk/dental care. Hooves need to be trimmed if they do not wear down naturally. This is like your toe nails growing past a point where you are comfortably able to walk, it is necessary to care for your pig if you decide to add one to the family.
12. Spaying procedure- this is something we recommend for ALL female pigs despite your desire to breed (which we do NOT endorse) Intact females are well known and it is well documented that there is a high likihood of females developing neoplasm's or uterine tumors when left intact. Pyometra is another common concern for intact pigs. Click here to read more about the spaying procedure.
Sources: Diseases of Swine, 10th edition; Wiley-Blackwell
Large animal clinical procedures, 2nd edition; Elsevier
Veterinary guide for animal owners, 1st edition; Spaulding-Clay
1. Late-age castration-many pigs remain boars until behavioral issues occur or the foul musky odor is no longer bearable. Obviously, in any species, older equals a greater risk. The bigger a pig is, the more sedatives it takes to sedate them, the most adipose tissue there is to dissect in order to perform the requested procedure and therefore, the longer the surgery lasts. It is well known that boars are unpredictable and should be castrated as soon as possible.
2. Scrotal rupture repair.
3. Abdominal hernia repair- this may often also have abscess present.
4. Cryptochidectomies- may be requested once it is determined a pig is still a boar, usually when a pig still acts like a boar, this can be indicative of a retained testicle that needs to be removed. This is discussed in greater detail in the spay/neuter section of the website. Click here to read more about it.
5. Abscess removal- as a consequence of castration, due to wounds or at injection sites. Click here to read more about abscesses in pigs.
6. Scirrhous cord removal- due to castration site infection and scarring (most often seen in show pigs)
7. Preputial diverticulectomies- performed on boars or barrows to eliminate urine pooling, as many people prefer not to manually express the contents routinely; also performed on boars to eliminate masturbation into the diverticulum. This is an elective procedure and this gland doesn't usually fully develop if a pig is castrated early in life. Click here to read more about it.
8. Penis problems- examination and repair or a persistent frenulum or trauma.
9. Extra declaw amputation- this is an elective procedure and most often seen in the show pig world versus the pet pig world.
10. Rectal prolapse repair- often subsequent to cool environment condition and the piling of pigs, coughing, or diarrhea after a change in feed. Rectal prolapse can occur as a result of chronic constipation as well. Click here to read more about gastrointestinal issues you may come across with pigs.
11. Tusk/Hoof trims- basic necessity. Tusks that are not growing in a way that will pierce the cheek can continue to grow as long as 1. your pig isn't using them to hurt anyone 2. your pig is able to eat and drink without difficulty 3. there is just no reason to trim them. When tusks are trimmed, you open the door for potential tusk root infections. This can happen due to the tusk being cut below the pulp line, fractured tusks due to improper trimming or just because sometimes it happens. Click here to read more about tusk/dental care. Hooves need to be trimmed if they do not wear down naturally. This is like your toe nails growing past a point where you are comfortably able to walk, it is necessary to care for your pig if you decide to add one to the family.
12. Spaying procedure- this is something we recommend for ALL female pigs despite your desire to breed (which we do NOT endorse) Intact females are well known and it is well documented that there is a high likihood of females developing neoplasm's or uterine tumors when left intact. Pyometra is another common concern for intact pigs. Click here to read more about the spaying procedure.
Sources: Diseases of Swine, 10th edition; Wiley-Blackwell
Large animal clinical procedures, 2nd edition; Elsevier
Veterinary guide for animal owners, 1st edition; Spaulding-Clay
What are the most common problems seen in the pet pig world?
This is a list of questions/problems we commonly address via private message, email, text or by phone. Our hopes are to add commonly asked questions and responses to this page so others can learn from each others experiences.
1. Obesity- This is a common problem in the pet pig due to lack of exercise and excessive/improper feeding. (You can learn more about nutrition and body scoring by clicking here) Many pig parents think obesity is normal; they are unaware of the numerous health problems associated with obesity in the pig. Obesity contributes to chronic lameness and blindness secondary to excessive fat accumulations around the eyes and places a strain on the heart and lungs. (You can read more about the heart effects by clicking here.) Pig parents must be instructed about the importance of feeding pigs a commercial diet made especially for miniature pigs. In addition, placing food in food dispensing toys (hollow balls or plastic jugs with holes cut in them) or simply scattering the feed over a clean, grassy area of the yard, requires the pig to expend more calories acquiring its food.
2. Arthritis- Mini pigs have been reported to live upwards of 20+ years. One of the more prevalent health problems associated with aging in the pig is OA. (Osteoarthritis) This is often secondary to chronic obesity and/or overgrown hooves. Ongoing lameness that eventually becomes non responsive to anti-inflammatories and pain killers is a common cause for euthanasia in the geriatric pig. Click here to read more about arthritis and pigs.
3. Dental disease- While pigs develop an impressive amount of dental tartar as they age, severe periodontal disease is uncommon. Regular teeth cleaning similar to that of a dog may be beneficial for some pigs. The most common dental problem seen in geriatric pigs is tusk root abscessation in males. This may present as chin or jaw abscesses that recur after initial treatment. Radiographs are diagnostic, often revealing extensive bone lysis. Successful treatment will require tusk removal and this treatment requires removing part of the jaw the tusk is deeply embedded into. It is now recommended that people not trim the tusks unless there are issues such as the tusk growing into the cheek or a pig that has injured someone with the tusk. Click here to learn more about dental care for pigs.
4. Uterine neoplasia- It has been suggested that 90% of intact female pigs develop these neoplasms, some of those are benign, but some are also cancerous. These masses can grow quite large in size putting unnecessary pressure on the heart and lungs further complicating the situation. The solution is removal of the mass. The prevention tip is to have ALL female pigs spayed. Intact pigs can also suffer from a pyometra, which is an infection in the uterus. Some of these infections burst through the uterine wall causing a systemic reaction and sepsis, often leading to death. Click here to read more about intact pig problems.
5. Dry skin- While this isn't a life or death type of problem, it is one that we hear quite often. "What can I do about my pigs dry skin?" Because of that, we dedicated a page to dry skin in mini pigs and things you can do or use to help alleviate it. Click here to go to that page.
6. Aggression- In pig world, what one person considers aggression, another sees that as normal pig behavior. A pig that is charging and biting is showing some aggression and that behavior should not be tolerated or ignored. The sooner you intervene and correct this, the happier you and your pig will be. If your pig is showing signs of aggression and you would like to learn more about it, click here to read one pigs journey from an aggressive jerk to a great pet. Please realize that there is no "one solution fits all". You may get several different ideas tossed in your direction and what works for one pig may not work for another. You may have to take a little from each method and create your own tailored to your pigs needs. Most often, the aggression stems from a pig being intact. Spay and/or neuter your pigs to eliminate the possibility of aggression due to being intact.
7. So many opinions- You may be wondering why that is listed on this page...the reason is because whenever someone has an issue with their pig, people respond and those responses will normally vary from simple suggestions to demands all the way to you shouldn't have a pig. This is extremely discouraging to some people who have reached out for assistance. Some people have listened to not so great advice and their pigs have suffered the consequences. If you don't know the answer to someones question, don't pretend you do, its perfectly acceptable to say, "I do not know". Direct that person to someone with more experience or knowledgable than yourself, but do not make irresponsible suggestions to someone who thinks you know what you're talking about.
8. Teacup/Micro pig references- We all know this is a problem and I believe, for the most part, that people who are active in pig world do try and educate others about pigs and that teacup or micro pigs (or any other adjective eluding to a small pig) do NOT exist. They are made up names to increase the desire for someone who wants a small pig. PIGS GROW! I think that statement is probably written somewhere on every page we have written because it is that important to us to get the message across to someone. Click here to read more about teacup/mico/micro mini/pocket/nano/dandie and "super small" pigs.
9. Zoning issues- At least once a week someone is sharing a petition or story about the city telling them they have (insert days here, usually 10 or 30) to find a new home for their pig(s). You HAVE to be sure you are able to house a pig within city, town, county or HOA (home owners association) ordinances otherwise, you are setting yourself, your family and most importantly, your pig for failure. Get everything in writing. Click here to learn how you can possibly change outdated zoning ordinances in your area.
10. Unwanted pigs- This is a HUGE issue in pig world. Everyone tries to let others know that pigs are not the easiest animal to care for, but some people will keep asking different people until they get the answer they want to hear. "You have 500.00, so come pick up your micro mini, teacup, dandie, apartment sized, designer pig that will not be more than the size of a chihuahua and 15-20 pounds when your pig is fully grown." SMH
So many pigs need homes right now, piglets, grown pigs, special need pigs, elderly pigs, sick pigs, small pigs, big pigs....the US is overrun with homeless and abandoned pigs. Don't spend thousands of dollars to get the same pig you can get from a pig rescue. Some of these rescues have pigs from those same breeders that misrepresented and lied to people about size expectations.
11. Lack of veterinary care for mini pigs. Most vets who see cats and dogs are not willing to see pigs. Often times, in emergencies, a vet with no pig experience "will" see a pig, but that is not ideal. If misdiagnosed, a pig can die from lack of proper treatment. It is always recommended that you have a pig vet see your pig. Click here to start your vet search. We have a long list of vets who are agreeable to seeing pigs.
1. Obesity- This is a common problem in the pet pig due to lack of exercise and excessive/improper feeding. (You can learn more about nutrition and body scoring by clicking here) Many pig parents think obesity is normal; they are unaware of the numerous health problems associated with obesity in the pig. Obesity contributes to chronic lameness and blindness secondary to excessive fat accumulations around the eyes and places a strain on the heart and lungs. (You can read more about the heart effects by clicking here.) Pig parents must be instructed about the importance of feeding pigs a commercial diet made especially for miniature pigs. In addition, placing food in food dispensing toys (hollow balls or plastic jugs with holes cut in them) or simply scattering the feed over a clean, grassy area of the yard, requires the pig to expend more calories acquiring its food.
2. Arthritis- Mini pigs have been reported to live upwards of 20+ years. One of the more prevalent health problems associated with aging in the pig is OA. (Osteoarthritis) This is often secondary to chronic obesity and/or overgrown hooves. Ongoing lameness that eventually becomes non responsive to anti-inflammatories and pain killers is a common cause for euthanasia in the geriatric pig. Click here to read more about arthritis and pigs.
3. Dental disease- While pigs develop an impressive amount of dental tartar as they age, severe periodontal disease is uncommon. Regular teeth cleaning similar to that of a dog may be beneficial for some pigs. The most common dental problem seen in geriatric pigs is tusk root abscessation in males. This may present as chin or jaw abscesses that recur after initial treatment. Radiographs are diagnostic, often revealing extensive bone lysis. Successful treatment will require tusk removal and this treatment requires removing part of the jaw the tusk is deeply embedded into. It is now recommended that people not trim the tusks unless there are issues such as the tusk growing into the cheek or a pig that has injured someone with the tusk. Click here to learn more about dental care for pigs.
4. Uterine neoplasia- It has been suggested that 90% of intact female pigs develop these neoplasms, some of those are benign, but some are also cancerous. These masses can grow quite large in size putting unnecessary pressure on the heart and lungs further complicating the situation. The solution is removal of the mass. The prevention tip is to have ALL female pigs spayed. Intact pigs can also suffer from a pyometra, which is an infection in the uterus. Some of these infections burst through the uterine wall causing a systemic reaction and sepsis, often leading to death. Click here to read more about intact pig problems.
5. Dry skin- While this isn't a life or death type of problem, it is one that we hear quite often. "What can I do about my pigs dry skin?" Because of that, we dedicated a page to dry skin in mini pigs and things you can do or use to help alleviate it. Click here to go to that page.
6. Aggression- In pig world, what one person considers aggression, another sees that as normal pig behavior. A pig that is charging and biting is showing some aggression and that behavior should not be tolerated or ignored. The sooner you intervene and correct this, the happier you and your pig will be. If your pig is showing signs of aggression and you would like to learn more about it, click here to read one pigs journey from an aggressive jerk to a great pet. Please realize that there is no "one solution fits all". You may get several different ideas tossed in your direction and what works for one pig may not work for another. You may have to take a little from each method and create your own tailored to your pigs needs. Most often, the aggression stems from a pig being intact. Spay and/or neuter your pigs to eliminate the possibility of aggression due to being intact.
7. So many opinions- You may be wondering why that is listed on this page...the reason is because whenever someone has an issue with their pig, people respond and those responses will normally vary from simple suggestions to demands all the way to you shouldn't have a pig. This is extremely discouraging to some people who have reached out for assistance. Some people have listened to not so great advice and their pigs have suffered the consequences. If you don't know the answer to someones question, don't pretend you do, its perfectly acceptable to say, "I do not know". Direct that person to someone with more experience or knowledgable than yourself, but do not make irresponsible suggestions to someone who thinks you know what you're talking about.
8. Teacup/Micro pig references- We all know this is a problem and I believe, for the most part, that people who are active in pig world do try and educate others about pigs and that teacup or micro pigs (or any other adjective eluding to a small pig) do NOT exist. They are made up names to increase the desire for someone who wants a small pig. PIGS GROW! I think that statement is probably written somewhere on every page we have written because it is that important to us to get the message across to someone. Click here to read more about teacup/mico/micro mini/pocket/nano/dandie and "super small" pigs.
9. Zoning issues- At least once a week someone is sharing a petition or story about the city telling them they have (insert days here, usually 10 or 30) to find a new home for their pig(s). You HAVE to be sure you are able to house a pig within city, town, county or HOA (home owners association) ordinances otherwise, you are setting yourself, your family and most importantly, your pig for failure. Get everything in writing. Click here to learn how you can possibly change outdated zoning ordinances in your area.
10. Unwanted pigs- This is a HUGE issue in pig world. Everyone tries to let others know that pigs are not the easiest animal to care for, but some people will keep asking different people until they get the answer they want to hear. "You have 500.00, so come pick up your micro mini, teacup, dandie, apartment sized, designer pig that will not be more than the size of a chihuahua and 15-20 pounds when your pig is fully grown." SMH
So many pigs need homes right now, piglets, grown pigs, special need pigs, elderly pigs, sick pigs, small pigs, big pigs....the US is overrun with homeless and abandoned pigs. Don't spend thousands of dollars to get the same pig you can get from a pig rescue. Some of these rescues have pigs from those same breeders that misrepresented and lied to people about size expectations.
11. Lack of veterinary care for mini pigs. Most vets who see cats and dogs are not willing to see pigs. Often times, in emergencies, a vet with no pig experience "will" see a pig, but that is not ideal. If misdiagnosed, a pig can die from lack of proper treatment. It is always recommended that you have a pig vet see your pig. Click here to start your vet search. We have a long list of vets who are agreeable to seeing pigs.
MORE TO COME!!