Image courtesy of Kimberly Wozniak
Arthritis in Pigs
Arthritis is a disease, not a sign of age. It can affect all ages. Arthritis is a very non-specific term that denotes inflammation of the joint. However, obese pigs are obviously at a greater risk of developing this progressively debilitating disease.
Here is a clip from the show Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet who assesses a mini pig with debilitating arthritis. He explains how the weight distribution changes the joints and how that, over time, usually manifests into arthritis. (It is an excellent example of a younger pig that is NOT morbidly obese who is suffering from crippling arthritis)
https://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dr-jeff-rocky-mountain-vet/videos/trendy-teacup-pigs-are-not-what-you-think
Five major types are seen:
How Bad is the Arthritis?
Not wanting to use steps or walk on hard surfaces
Stays in bed a lot, only moving to eat/drink/use bathroom
may require help in rising
Messes his bed
Draws his lips back in a grimace (like a snarl)
May refuse food/water
When a pig reaches a severe stage he is in terrible pain. Do not try to move him, he has bone grinding on bone. Get the vet to give him an injection of strong pain reliever to relive the pain so you can transport him in to the clinic for injections in the joint and xrays. An injection in the joint will provide for short term relief while you start him on twice a week Adequan. He will need some time to be out of pain while the Adequan does its job. It cannot undo the effects of years of damage overnight. Certainly its best never to let it get this far. Start Adequan treatment early in the disease. Other mobility issues include neurological damage that would need to be diagnosed and treated by your vet.
Here is a clip from the show Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet who assesses a mini pig with debilitating arthritis. He explains how the weight distribution changes the joints and how that, over time, usually manifests into arthritis. (It is an excellent example of a younger pig that is NOT morbidly obese who is suffering from crippling arthritis)
https://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dr-jeff-rocky-mountain-vet/videos/trendy-teacup-pigs-are-not-what-you-think
Five major types are seen:
- Osteoarthritis. This is the most common and the one we usually refer to when talking about treatments and medications. It is caused by stress on the legs and back, genetics and may be influenced by diet. It is a chronic condition and responds well to treatment. Often the first sign is knee walking. This is a degenerative type of arthritis and progressively gets worse.
- Rheumatoid or immune mediated arthritis is not as common, and causes totally different mobility problems. Once established, the acute condition may return from time to time but show no symptoms between episodes. It is often brought on by stress from changes in weather, heat, cold or activities that frighten or push the pig's limits. It is treated with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
- Septic Arthritis from Strep Suis; appears like the rheumatoid type but from a specific origin, the Strep Suis microbe.
- Juvenile arthritis is rare and is treated as an acute condition with steroidal injections into the joint.
- Traumatic Arthritis includes traumatic synovitis and capsulitis, intra-articular chip fractures, ligamentous tears (sprains) involving periarticular and intra-articular ligaments, meniscal tears, and osteoarthritis.
How Bad is the Arthritis?
- Mild:
Not wanting to use steps or walk on hard surfaces
- Moderate
Stays in bed a lot, only moving to eat/drink/use bathroom
may require help in rising
- Severe:
Messes his bed
Draws his lips back in a grimace (like a snarl)
May refuse food/water
When a pig reaches a severe stage he is in terrible pain. Do not try to move him, he has bone grinding on bone. Get the vet to give him an injection of strong pain reliever to relive the pain so you can transport him in to the clinic for injections in the joint and xrays. An injection in the joint will provide for short term relief while you start him on twice a week Adequan. He will need some time to be out of pain while the Adequan does its job. It cannot undo the effects of years of damage overnight. Certainly its best never to let it get this far. Start Adequan treatment early in the disease. Other mobility issues include neurological damage that would need to be diagnosed and treated by your vet.
Pigs can get arthritis just like people. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and overweight pigs are at a higher risk for developing this debilitating condition. Also keep in mind, some illnesses cause arthritis in pigs like erysipelas. (click here to read more about erysipelas) Another illness that causes arthritis is Mycoplasma hyosynoviae. (click here to read more about this disease) Some pigs become so debilitated that they could benefit from a wheelchair type device for mobility. Pot-bellied pigs often live 15 years or longer. Arthritis is one of the more common problems of these senior pigs, often causing crippling leg lameness. Fortunately there is hope for these arthritic pigs with a multi-faceted veterinary care program.
If you have a young pig, take steps now to reduce its risk of severe arthritis. Keep the hoofs trimmed and groomed, keep its weight within a healthy range, and exercise it regularly. Provide a balanced diet and make sure it's diet provides enough vitamin E, selenium, and glucosamine. Consider having it screened for mycoplasma, an infection that can cause arthritis to develop in multiple joints even in very young pigs, and treat it with appropriate antibiotics if needed.
If you have a pig that already has arthritis, have it examined by an experienced companion pig veterinarian. Radiographs, bloodwork, and other tests are often needed to better understand what will help your pig feel better. Appropriate hoof care, a proper diet and exercise are just as essential as for young pigs. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, the following therapies may be recommended:
If your pig is slowing down, limping, or just is acting like it used to, have it examined by a veterinarian. If arthritis is the cause, you may be amazed at how much better your pig will feel once its treatment starts.
A pig experiencing symptoms of arthritic pain would benefit from a primary pain medication like tramadol, in addition to the meloxicam. Also adequan - an injection that causes an increased production in joint fluid (which provides a better cushion in the joint). A good approach would be to do a joint tap and a culture and sensitivity to make sure that there is not a bacteria or fungus involved. There is also platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments which can help, and can be done at the same time as the joint tap. There are over the counter supplements that may help your pig by managing the symptoms of this crippling disease. One of these medications is called Dasuquin advanced. (this is a dog product, but recommended for pigs as well) it contains glucosamine, ASU, chondroitin, green tea extract, MSM, manganese, correct fatty acids and curcumin. It recommended because its highly effective, but it is on the expensive side. Check with your vet before giving your pig any medications, but ask about this one specifically. There is a comparable cheaper alternative called Cosequin DS. This medication contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and manganese.
Some pigs have generalized weakness that mimics arthritis. The term "leg weakness" is also used sometimes to describe poor leg conformation or describe a clinical condition associated with lameness and stiffness. It arises due to abnormal changes in the articular cartilage and the growth (epiphyseal) plates. These plates are responsible for the growth of bones both in length and diameter. Whilst the exact mechanisms that cause these changes are not fully understood they arise due to the pressure and shear stresses that are placed upon these rapidly growing tissues. This pressure reduces the oxygen supply, causing abnormal growth and consistency of the cartilage. Damage to the cartilage tends to be progressive and irreversible. The damaged cartilage is replaced by fibrous tissue. This cartilage damage in turn produces shortening and bending of the bones near the joints and at the extremities of the long bones. Weak epiphyseal plates also have a tendency to fracture and cartilage covering the joint surfaces splits and forms fissures. It is important to appreciate that such changes in the cartilage take place in most if not all modern pigs from as early as two months of age. In some cases many of these can only be detected under the microscope. It is interesting to note that such changes can not be detected in the wild boar which takes up to two years to reach maturity. OCD is therefore a fact of life in modern pig production but its severity and its effects depend largely on the environment. OCD results from the many years of selecting animals for rapid growth, large muscle mass, and efficient feed conversion and therefore much greater weight on the growth plates whilst they are still immature, together with the stresses of intensive methods of production. Conversion of cartilage to bone involves the deposition of calcium and phosphorous and while the process of breaking down and reforming bone goes on throughout life, bone growth ceases when the sow is approximately 14 to 16 months of age.
If you have a young pig, take steps now to reduce its risk of severe arthritis. Keep the hoofs trimmed and groomed, keep its weight within a healthy range, and exercise it regularly. Provide a balanced diet and make sure it's diet provides enough vitamin E, selenium, and glucosamine. Consider having it screened for mycoplasma, an infection that can cause arthritis to develop in multiple joints even in very young pigs, and treat it with appropriate antibiotics if needed.
If you have a pig that already has arthritis, have it examined by an experienced companion pig veterinarian. Radiographs, bloodwork, and other tests are often needed to better understand what will help your pig feel better. Appropriate hoof care, a proper diet and exercise are just as essential as for young pigs. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, the following therapies may be recommended:
- Hoof and foot care: proper trimming of the hooves, proper cleaning of dirty feet and treating any wounds or infections that have developed
- Proper diet and exercise: a weight loss program may be needed.
- Nutritional supplements: anti-oxidants such as vitamin E and Coenzyme Q may be helpful. Red palm oil helps reduce inflammation (pain and swelling). Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate help restore damaged cartilage. Hyaluronic acid may be given by injection or by mouth to improve the lubrication of the joint fluid.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Meloxicam, carprofen, and other medications will reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Pigs that are placed on these medications long-term will need bloodwork periodically to monitor how their livers and kidneys are functioning.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if your pig has laminitis (infection of the hoof), foot abscesses, or mycoplasma infections. It's important to give antibiotics as directed. Do not stop an antibiotic early just because your pig appears to be doing well.
- Physical therapy: many pigs will benefit from gentle range-of-motion exercises, swimming, and other exercises that are used on people and dogs.
- Complementary therapy: acupuncture (see video below of a veterinarian demonstrating acupuncture on a mini pig), cold laser treatments, massage, and other complimentary therapies may help improve the overall response to treatment.
- Surgical arthroscopy: a look inside certain joints allows removal of injured cartilage and can improve healing. This is quite expensive, as it requires an orthopedic veterinary surgeon willing to work with pigs and may not be available in all areas.
If your pig is slowing down, limping, or just is acting like it used to, have it examined by a veterinarian. If arthritis is the cause, you may be amazed at how much better your pig will feel once its treatment starts.
A pig experiencing symptoms of arthritic pain would benefit from a primary pain medication like tramadol, in addition to the meloxicam. Also adequan - an injection that causes an increased production in joint fluid (which provides a better cushion in the joint). A good approach would be to do a joint tap and a culture and sensitivity to make sure that there is not a bacteria or fungus involved. There is also platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments which can help, and can be done at the same time as the joint tap. There are over the counter supplements that may help your pig by managing the symptoms of this crippling disease. One of these medications is called Dasuquin advanced. (this is a dog product, but recommended for pigs as well) it contains glucosamine, ASU, chondroitin, green tea extract, MSM, manganese, correct fatty acids and curcumin. It recommended because its highly effective, but it is on the expensive side. Check with your vet before giving your pig any medications, but ask about this one specifically. There is a comparable cheaper alternative called Cosequin DS. This medication contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and manganese.
Some pigs have generalized weakness that mimics arthritis. The term "leg weakness" is also used sometimes to describe poor leg conformation or describe a clinical condition associated with lameness and stiffness. It arises due to abnormal changes in the articular cartilage and the growth (epiphyseal) plates. These plates are responsible for the growth of bones both in length and diameter. Whilst the exact mechanisms that cause these changes are not fully understood they arise due to the pressure and shear stresses that are placed upon these rapidly growing tissues. This pressure reduces the oxygen supply, causing abnormal growth and consistency of the cartilage. Damage to the cartilage tends to be progressive and irreversible. The damaged cartilage is replaced by fibrous tissue. This cartilage damage in turn produces shortening and bending of the bones near the joints and at the extremities of the long bones. Weak epiphyseal plates also have a tendency to fracture and cartilage covering the joint surfaces splits and forms fissures. It is important to appreciate that such changes in the cartilage take place in most if not all modern pigs from as early as two months of age. In some cases many of these can only be detected under the microscope. It is interesting to note that such changes can not be detected in the wild boar which takes up to two years to reach maturity. OCD is therefore a fact of life in modern pig production but its severity and its effects depend largely on the environment. OCD results from the many years of selecting animals for rapid growth, large muscle mass, and efficient feed conversion and therefore much greater weight on the growth plates whilst they are still immature, together with the stresses of intensive methods of production. Conversion of cartilage to bone involves the deposition of calcium and phosphorous and while the process of breaking down and reforming bone goes on throughout life, bone growth ceases when the sow is approximately 14 to 16 months of age.
Treatment
Treating arthritis medically is only part of the solution. The environment often needs significant changes for long-term care.
Older pigs should have well-cushioned heated beds. Be sure to pad his bed well. Pigs should never be on concrete. Arthritis is greatly aggravated by concrete, can actually be caused by a few months on concrete, so if that's all he has to sleep on put thick rubber mats over the concrete and under his bedding. Rubber stall mats are available at any horse supply store. Pet bed warmers are available from Kane Manufacturing, Nasco and many pet, farm and feed supply stores. Ask for the commercial, sealed bed warmers made by Kane or Stanfield. Always provide room for the pig to get off the warmer if it gets too hot. Better no warmer at all than one that gets hot so he sleeps outside his house in the snow and cold.
Pigs are very smart, and will not carelessly put them selves at risk. And their "footing" under them is very much an issue.. if the ground is soggy or steep or gravely, they will test each step to be sure its safe. When they become arthritic they know their mobility is compromised. They will refuse to go up or down a single step that they have been using for years. They will refuse to get out of their beds to walk across a tile floor that they have always walked across. Suddenly they seem cranky and they won't go out to use the bathroom. These are not signs of getting old.. they are survival instincts that tell them they are not able to negotiate the surfaces in front of them. Add to that the pain of arthritic joint and you have a sad situation of a pig who will stay in his bed the rest of his life. Many people euthanize their pets because they feel sorry for the suffering becasue they do not know arthritis is treatable by correcting the environment and getting the right medication.
Arthritic or otherwise crippled pigs have special needs:
Medications appropriate for treating arthritis in pig
Oral medications that repair joint and relieve pain. Oral medications that only relieve pain and do not repair the underlying condition: These are not good for long term use and must be accompanied by the use of an acid reducer such as Ranitidine,Famotidine, or Omeprazole . (Equate is the Walmart OTC brand and famotidine is our commonly used type)
The injectible solution IS the solution
For the few who show no improvement with Adequan, and are in increasing pain, there are shots given directly into the joint. These shots are depo-medrol and Sarapin. The pig must be sedated before injection into the joint, as it must be done with great precision to do the job. Age and condition will determine if he is a good candidate. We had one friends pig who got total relief from pain with one shot a year in a front leg.
Topical:
Where to buy these supplies?
Kane Heaters, feeders, waterers, and other pig friendly products
A one stop source for many products we use
Kane Mfg
www.kanemfg.com
Medical supplies, vaccines, antibiotics, Stanfield Heaters
A good source with quick shipping.
Jeffers Livestock
www.jefferslivestock.com
Derramaxx Pain relief/anti-inflammatory
as with any pain meds, give acid reducer along with pain med; prescription required. Better than any other oral pain reliever.
Heartland Vet Pharmacy
www.heartlandvetsupply.com
Adequan to solve most arthritis problems
Prescription; monthly Injectable, see your vet for purchasing. This is the ONLY product tested and proven to reverse the effects of arthritis
Heartland Vet Pharmacy
www.heartlandvetsupply.com
Treatment (Arthritis type specific)
Treatment of osteoarthritis is most commonly palliative and includes the use of NSAIDs, polysulfated intra-articular glycosaminoglycans, intra-articular corticosteroids, IV hyaluronic acid, and IM pentosan polysulfate. The use of intra-articular autologous conditioned serum has also been validated. Physical therapy regimens may prove useful. Arthroscopy is commonly performed to diagnose the extent of articular cartilage loss, as well as to treat primary conditions such as articular cartilage separation, meniscal tears, and ligamentous injury. In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, surgical fusion (arthrodesis) may be performed on selected joints. Surgical fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (pastern) or distal tarsal joints can effect athletic soundness. Fetlock arthrodesis is also done in valuable animals and makes them comfortable and capable of breeding. Treatment is usually unsuccessful in chronic cases in bulls and cows, but restricted exercise and careful feeding and nursing prolong the life of and can be worthwhile for valuable breeding animals.
Septic arthritis requires prompt treatment to avoid irreparable damage. Systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated; the initial choice is based on the most likely pathogen but is subject to change based on culture and sensitivity tests. Systemic antibiotic treatment is often combined with intra-articular antibiotics (to achieve more effective sterilization of the joint) and other local therapy, including joint lavage (initially) and arthroscopic debridement and drainage. Adjunctive treatment with NSAIDs (eg, phenylbutazone) is also done. The effectiveness of treatment is monitored carefully with clinical signs and repeat synovial fluid analyses.
Treatment of acute traumatic synovitis and capsulitis (arthritis) include rest and physical therapy regimens such as cold water treatment, ice, passive flexion, and swimming. NSAIDs (usually phenylbutazone) are used routinely. In more severe cases, the joint is lavaged to remove inflammatory products produced by the synovial membrane, as well as articular cartilage debris that exacerbates the synovitis. Joint drainage alone, without lavage or injection of medication, provides only short-term relief.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is difficult. Once contracted, episodes are brought on by stress; sudden onset; arched back, tail raised, appears to have extreme pain in all four feet, lies down every few feet. Affected pigs may go months or years between episodes. Sudden death by heart attack is possible. Necropsy should look for fibrin to determine presence of Strep Suis infection. Rapid treatment is needed for acute episodes. Vaccine is available, but we have seen little positive protection from it.
Juvenile Arthritis is treated with injections and most have positive responses to treatment and lead happy, healthy lives.
Older pigs should have well-cushioned heated beds. Be sure to pad his bed well. Pigs should never be on concrete. Arthritis is greatly aggravated by concrete, can actually be caused by a few months on concrete, so if that's all he has to sleep on put thick rubber mats over the concrete and under his bedding. Rubber stall mats are available at any horse supply store. Pet bed warmers are available from Kane Manufacturing, Nasco and many pet, farm and feed supply stores. Ask for the commercial, sealed bed warmers made by Kane or Stanfield. Always provide room for the pig to get off the warmer if it gets too hot. Better no warmer at all than one that gets hot so he sleeps outside his house in the snow and cold.
Pigs are very smart, and will not carelessly put them selves at risk. And their "footing" under them is very much an issue.. if the ground is soggy or steep or gravely, they will test each step to be sure its safe. When they become arthritic they know their mobility is compromised. They will refuse to go up or down a single step that they have been using for years. They will refuse to get out of their beds to walk across a tile floor that they have always walked across. Suddenly they seem cranky and they won't go out to use the bathroom. These are not signs of getting old.. they are survival instincts that tell them they are not able to negotiate the surfaces in front of them. Add to that the pain of arthritic joint and you have a sad situation of a pig who will stay in his bed the rest of his life. Many people euthanize their pets because they feel sorry for the suffering becasue they do not know arthritis is treatable by correcting the environment and getting the right medication.
Arthritic or otherwise crippled pigs have special needs:
- Totally level walking surface
- Outdoor living with dirt, or much better, sand as the walking surface for their environment
- Sleeping area that does not require any step up (house with dirt floor is excellent in good weather)
- Heated bed
- Proper nutrition to include lots of daily greens and vegetables and a higher protein feed
- The company of another pig, a cat or a radio.. the days get long is you don't move around much. Depression will make his condition worse.
- Plenty of light in the building is essential. A dark cramped doghouse style living is no good for an arthritic pig. Good ventilation and available sunlight are needed to provide the synthesis of some needed nutrients.
- Ventilation should be both Low (bringing in cool air) and high to exhaust it. Excess heat is very hard on arthritics, just as excess cold is. Be sure he has lots of shade where his bed is. Don't expect him to get up and GO to shade. He may not.
Medications appropriate for treating arthritis in pig
Oral medications that repair joint and relieve pain. Oral medications that only relieve pain and do not repair the underlying condition: These are not good for long term use and must be accompanied by the use of an acid reducer such as Ranitidine,Famotidine, or Omeprazole . (Equate is the Walmart OTC brand and famotidine is our commonly used type)
- Glucosamine and Glucosamine with chondroitin, MSM and other products can be found in any horse supply outlet. They may offer some help in early stages but have never been proven to do so by any scientific studies. Ask your vet about dosing, typically recommendations are 1/2 the smallest horse dosage.
- Cosequin. It too is an equine product, though it is released for dogs and cats and has been tested on humans with good result. The reports I have had from many people using this product on their animals, especially horses, speak very well of it. They are getting excellent results to long standing problems. This is the only oral product that has been tested and found effective. It is the only oral medication (of the type) listed in the Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Dasequin Advanced is a dog medication that has the right formulary to treat pigs with excellent results. This can be found in most pet stores. It is fairly expensive, but worth the money.
- Derramax (Best oral pain med)
- Prednisone (steroid)
The injectible solution IS the solution
- Adequan and other products with the basic ingredient, glycosaminoglycan of high molecular weight, are very effective at restoring the synovial fluids around the bad joints. Given weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly, these injections are very effective on most pigs with osteo arthritis, especially those in the legs, less so on pigs with arthritis in the back or neck. It works. We have seen remarkable results on our severe cases. The effectiveness does not diminish over time. And in many pigs much of the damage is actually reversed, and they keep getting better over time. It is a prescription drug under any name. Adequan holds the current patent and is available from any vet. Heartland Vet Supply carries a product called Chondroprotec which is essentially the same and considerably less expensive. Adequan costs about $25 to $35 per month. Discuss treatment with your vet when you get the prescription. This treatment is for life. It isn't a quick fix. But it will add many years of mobility and alleviated pain. Giving a shot every month will become an easy thing to do and your pig will get accustomed to it. Its a small dosage and easy to give.
For the few who show no improvement with Adequan, and are in increasing pain, there are shots given directly into the joint. These shots are depo-medrol and Sarapin. The pig must be sedated before injection into the joint, as it must be done with great precision to do the job. Age and condition will determine if he is a good candidate. We had one friends pig who got total relief from pain with one shot a year in a front leg.
Topical:
- DMSO.. Some pigs have shown good results from the application of medical grade DMSO gel. DMSO is NOT FDA approved for drug use. Discuss the possible side effects and appropriate use with your vet before using it. DMSO is exceedingly transdermal so wearing gloves is recommended.
Where to buy these supplies?
Kane Heaters, feeders, waterers, and other pig friendly products
A one stop source for many products we use
Kane Mfg
www.kanemfg.com
Medical supplies, vaccines, antibiotics, Stanfield Heaters
A good source with quick shipping.
Jeffers Livestock
www.jefferslivestock.com
Derramaxx Pain relief/anti-inflammatory
as with any pain meds, give acid reducer along with pain med; prescription required. Better than any other oral pain reliever.
Heartland Vet Pharmacy
www.heartlandvetsupply.com
Adequan to solve most arthritis problems
Prescription; monthly Injectable, see your vet for purchasing. This is the ONLY product tested and proven to reverse the effects of arthritis
Heartland Vet Pharmacy
www.heartlandvetsupply.com
Treatment (Arthritis type specific)
Treatment of osteoarthritis is most commonly palliative and includes the use of NSAIDs, polysulfated intra-articular glycosaminoglycans, intra-articular corticosteroids, IV hyaluronic acid, and IM pentosan polysulfate. The use of intra-articular autologous conditioned serum has also been validated. Physical therapy regimens may prove useful. Arthroscopy is commonly performed to diagnose the extent of articular cartilage loss, as well as to treat primary conditions such as articular cartilage separation, meniscal tears, and ligamentous injury. In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, surgical fusion (arthrodesis) may be performed on selected joints. Surgical fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (pastern) or distal tarsal joints can effect athletic soundness. Fetlock arthrodesis is also done in valuable animals and makes them comfortable and capable of breeding. Treatment is usually unsuccessful in chronic cases in bulls and cows, but restricted exercise and careful feeding and nursing prolong the life of and can be worthwhile for valuable breeding animals.
Septic arthritis requires prompt treatment to avoid irreparable damage. Systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated; the initial choice is based on the most likely pathogen but is subject to change based on culture and sensitivity tests. Systemic antibiotic treatment is often combined with intra-articular antibiotics (to achieve more effective sterilization of the joint) and other local therapy, including joint lavage (initially) and arthroscopic debridement and drainage. Adjunctive treatment with NSAIDs (eg, phenylbutazone) is also done. The effectiveness of treatment is monitored carefully with clinical signs and repeat synovial fluid analyses.
Treatment of acute traumatic synovitis and capsulitis (arthritis) include rest and physical therapy regimens such as cold water treatment, ice, passive flexion, and swimming. NSAIDs (usually phenylbutazone) are used routinely. In more severe cases, the joint is lavaged to remove inflammatory products produced by the synovial membrane, as well as articular cartilage debris that exacerbates the synovitis. Joint drainage alone, without lavage or injection of medication, provides only short-term relief.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is difficult. Once contracted, episodes are brought on by stress; sudden onset; arched back, tail raised, appears to have extreme pain in all four feet, lies down every few feet. Affected pigs may go months or years between episodes. Sudden death by heart attack is possible. Necropsy should look for fibrin to determine presence of Strep Suis infection. Rapid treatment is needed for acute episodes. Vaccine is available, but we have seen little positive protection from it.
Juvenile Arthritis is treated with injections and most have positive responses to treatment and lead happy, healthy lives.
Mini pig acupuncture can be done as an alternative to medications or to compliment the effects of arthritis medications used to help with pain relief. Below is a video taken during a mini pig seminar where Dr. Kristie Mozzachio demonstrates acupuncture on an overweight/arthritic mini pig.
Arthritis: Arthritis is extremely common in potbellied pigs and may ultimately represent the number one reason for euthanasia in older, otherwise healthy pigs. As in other animals with arthritis, affected pigs have difficulty rising, lameness/limping, and reduced activity levels. Some walk on their “knees”, others sink onto the haunches, tucking the hind legs way underneath them and lifting the front legs almost off of the ground. (A pig in this stance looks like it is constipated and trying to defecate.) They may become “stuck” in this position and fall to the side.
Treatment includes regular hoof trims, providing non-slip surfaces, providing bedding to prevent pigs from lying on cold or damp surfaces that might aggravate arthritis, glucosamine supplements, and pain relievers as needed.
A variety of glucosamine supplements are available, but an oral product added to the food is suggested and suitable for pigs of all ages. Pain relievers include carprofen (Rimadyl), etodolac (Etogesic), or ibuprofen and should be used as needed, under the supervision of the veterinarian. Side effects are similar for all such drugs and include GI upset, vomiting, and the rare-but-potentially-fatal bleeding stomach ulcer. Arthritis tends to get worse in cold, wet weather. Stairs should be avoided, and the pig should not be allowed to jump onto furniture or beds.
A variety of glucosamine supplements are available, but an oral product added to the food is suggested and suitable for pigs of all ages. Pain relievers include carprofen (Rimadyl), etodolac (Etogesic), or ibuprofen and should be used as needed, under the supervision of the veterinarian. Side effects are similar for all such drugs and include GI upset, vomiting, and the rare-but-potentially-fatal bleeding stomach ulcer. Arthritis tends to get worse in cold, wet weather. Stairs should be avoided, and the pig should not be allowed to jump onto furniture or beds.
Sources:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/large_animals/arthritis_in_large_animals
http://azeah.com/pot-bellied-pigs/arthritis
http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth//leg-weakness-osteochondrosis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arthritispigs
http://www.9sites.org
Kelsey-Wood, Dennis: Potbellied Pigs in Your Home, 1994.
Peter GG Jackson: Pig Medicine, Saunders Publication
Dr. Kristie Mozzachio
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/large_animals/arthritis_in_large_animals
http://azeah.com/pot-bellied-pigs/arthritis
http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth//leg-weakness-osteochondrosis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arthritispigs
http://www.9sites.org
Kelsey-Wood, Dennis: Potbellied Pigs in Your Home, 1994.
Peter GG Jackson: Pig Medicine, Saunders Publication
Dr. Kristie Mozzachio