Vaginal prolapse in mini pig
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