What your pig's waste can be trying to say about your pig's health
Although this isn’t a “hot” topic, these are things any parent of a pig should know. Any living being that eats and drinks must excrete a waste product. Knowing the routine or habits can help you identify a problem early on and treat so it doesn’t turn into something tragic. The digestive tract contains more bacteria than any other part of the body, so its very important that the bowels and bladder function correctly. A change in bowel movements could due to a change in diet, but it could also mean the body is attempting to fight off an infection or dealing with another serious condition. Knowing what's normal and what's not can help you to notice the subtle signs/symptoms of an illness or disease before there is an emergency situation.
Pig Poop
The color & consistency of feces can tell you if your pig is hydrated enough or even if your pig has gotten into something he or she shouldn’t have, for example. Knowing that your pig needs to “poop” 3 times a day is valuable knowledge if you notice the waste piles aren’t as frequent as they usually are when cleaning up and can point to something going on internally that may need to be addressed. Lack of solid waste or straining to defecate can indicate a possible obstruction or twisted bowel. Color of feces can be indicative of many different things as well. If the color isn’t what you normally see, perhaps your pig ate something he or she shouldn’t have, maybe your pig got into something in the yard that isn’t allowing the body to absorb the nutrients it needs to thrive. Color should be a reflection of what’s been eaten. Stool color is often a reflection of what you eat. While various shades of brown are considered normal, some colors like black or yellow are not. Black stool could indicate bleeding in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, Iron supplements can darken the stool to more of a dark green, he added. Taking bismuth-containing medicines, such as Pepto-Bismol, or eating black licorice or blueberries also may cause black stools. Bright red stool usually suggests that blood is coming from the lower part of the digestive system, such as the large intestine, rectum or anus. Pale white or yellow stool also can mean a problem. The reason why stool is brown is because of our normal production of bile, if there's a problem with bile flow, that may mean a problem like cancer of the bile ducts or liver. The shape of the stool or consistency can indicate an obstruction as well. Pigs are known to put everything in their mouths, much like toddlers and can swallow small rocks or toys causing an obstruction. Carpet fibers from rooting have been known to cause obstructions in pigs, there are multiple things that “can” cause obstructions. Pencil thin feces could indicate an obstruction and only a small amount is able to pass by the blockage. Stools that are more of a liquid consistency is considered diarrhea and also could also indicate the presence of a blockage. If you notice subtle differences in your pigs’ elimination habits, you can always take a sample to the vet for testing. It can be something simple like parasites or it can be something much more serious that needs a veterinarians’ expertise. Constipation could be caused by a number of factors, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, lack of fluids or various bowel disorders. If your pig is straining to defecate, but there is waste being produced, you can try treating this at home. Increase water (feces can harden in the digestive tract without appropriate moisture), you can try giving pumpkin (which is commonly used an relief for constipation OR a binder) or even a tablespoon of mineral oil to help lubricate the gastrointestinal tract. (All recommended treatments OK’d by your vet first, of course) If your pig is straining to defecate and there are no results, this can be an emergency and needs to be treated as such. Your pig needs to be seen by a vet. Time is of the essence and this situation can be a matter of life or death in extreme cases.
Pig Poop
The color & consistency of feces can tell you if your pig is hydrated enough or even if your pig has gotten into something he or she shouldn’t have, for example. Knowing that your pig needs to “poop” 3 times a day is valuable knowledge if you notice the waste piles aren’t as frequent as they usually are when cleaning up and can point to something going on internally that may need to be addressed. Lack of solid waste or straining to defecate can indicate a possible obstruction or twisted bowel. Color of feces can be indicative of many different things as well. If the color isn’t what you normally see, perhaps your pig ate something he or she shouldn’t have, maybe your pig got into something in the yard that isn’t allowing the body to absorb the nutrients it needs to thrive. Color should be a reflection of what’s been eaten. Stool color is often a reflection of what you eat. While various shades of brown are considered normal, some colors like black or yellow are not. Black stool could indicate bleeding in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, Iron supplements can darken the stool to more of a dark green, he added. Taking bismuth-containing medicines, such as Pepto-Bismol, or eating black licorice or blueberries also may cause black stools. Bright red stool usually suggests that blood is coming from the lower part of the digestive system, such as the large intestine, rectum or anus. Pale white or yellow stool also can mean a problem. The reason why stool is brown is because of our normal production of bile, if there's a problem with bile flow, that may mean a problem like cancer of the bile ducts or liver. The shape of the stool or consistency can indicate an obstruction as well. Pigs are known to put everything in their mouths, much like toddlers and can swallow small rocks or toys causing an obstruction. Carpet fibers from rooting have been known to cause obstructions in pigs, there are multiple things that “can” cause obstructions. Pencil thin feces could indicate an obstruction and only a small amount is able to pass by the blockage. Stools that are more of a liquid consistency is considered diarrhea and also could also indicate the presence of a blockage. If you notice subtle differences in your pigs’ elimination habits, you can always take a sample to the vet for testing. It can be something simple like parasites or it can be something much more serious that needs a veterinarians’ expertise. Constipation could be caused by a number of factors, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, lack of fluids or various bowel disorders. If your pig is straining to defecate, but there is waste being produced, you can try treating this at home. Increase water (feces can harden in the digestive tract without appropriate moisture), you can try giving pumpkin (which is commonly used an relief for constipation OR a binder) or even a tablespoon of mineral oil to help lubricate the gastrointestinal tract. (All recommended treatments OK’d by your vet first, of course) If your pig is straining to defecate and there are no results, this can be an emergency and needs to be treated as such. Your pig needs to be seen by a vet. Time is of the essence and this situation can be a matter of life or death in extreme cases.
Examples of poop and potential meanings
Pig Urine
The color and overall flow of urine can also speak volumes about what may be going on inside your pigs bladder and kidneys. Any time there is straining to urinate, that is an emergency and needs to be treated as urgent and the phone call you need to make is directly to your vet. Urine gets its yellow color from a pigment called urochrome. That color normally varies from pale yellow to deep amber, depending on the concentration of the urine. Darker urine is usually a sign that you're not drinking enough fluid. If you notice a color change in urine, this can mean your pig needs to drink more because they’re not drinking enough and are on the way to being dehydrated. This can lead to more serious complications like salt toxicity where the sodium isn’t properly balanced within the body and can lead to death or serious neurological problems.
If your pig is not a big drinker, you can entice them to drink more by adding a small amount of juice or flavored water drops (meant for bottled water) to the water bowl or you can try a fountain type water dish that has a steady flow of water that can sometimes “remind” your pig that the water dish is there and they may drink more. (Once you start adding juice or flavored water drops to the water, be prepared to continue this forever) Urine can turn a rainbow of colors, and an unusual hue isn't necessarily cause for alarm. Certain medications can turn the urine fluorescent green or blue (if your pig is taking medications, ask the vet if you should expect any changes in the bowel or bladder so you can know what to expect), carrots can tint it orange; vitamins can give it a yellow hue. Seeing red in the urine can send you into panic mode. Remember, one drop of blood can look like a lot more when it’s diluted in a urine stream and pools on the ground. In people, one drop of blood can make a dramatic color change in the toilet bowl. The same applies for pale urine, this can mean you’re your pig is drinking too much. There is a disorder called psychogenic water consumption (or the medical term polydipsia) where a pig drink and drinks, typically because of boredom. Pigs with this condition consume far more water than is required for normal body maintenance. Boredom may lead to psychogenic water consumption. Other causes of increased water consumption, such as cystitis or other urinary tract diseases should also be checked. Obviously, drinking massive amounts of water will cause a pig to urinate more frequently, but drinking massive amounts of water can also disrupt the delicate balance of electrolytes within the body. If this is a new symptom, this is dangerous and can be the aftereffect of something potentially toxic having been ingested and you need to take your pig to the vet immediately. (I am referring to salt toxicity, and in these cases, if fresh water wasn’t available during the excessive sodium intake, they will frequently try to drink massive amounts when fresh water is available and this can cause serious neurological issues. Hydration needs to be done slowly in cases like that.) Some foods can also change urine odor. Asparagus is among the most notorious. What people are smelling when they eat asparagus is the breakdown of a sulfur compound called methyl mercaptan (the same compound found in garlic and skunk secretions).
The frequency in which your pig urinates can show you potential UTI (urinary tract infections) or bladder infections, especially if the urinating becomes more frequent or your pig doesn’t seem to be able to “hold it” as they normally can. Delaying urination can be problematic, and I like to compare the bladder to a Slinky: It stretches and then contracts repeatedly, but eventually it can stretch too much to bounce back. The bladder can develop a chronic overdistension -- a chronic emptying problem. In this case, medications are used to help the bladder empty. Once these medications have been started, they’re usually used for life. So, be sure you are allowing plenty of opportunities for your pig to relive itself by offering frequent potty time or a litterbox that’s available when you aren’t able to let your pig put to potty. If you feel like there may be something brewing or an issue with the bladder or kidneys, Again, you can collect a sample and take it to your vet for testing by holding a soup ladle under or behind your pig mid-stream and placing the sample in a clean container to take to your veterinarian’s office. Please see our page that discusses potential urinary issues in depth by clicking here.
Just remember, the fresher the sample, the more accurate the results will be. Keep a log of your pig’s potty habits and keep track of where they go and how often, knowing these things ahead of time can help you identify problems in the future. You will know your pig and your pigs habits better than anyone else and you will notice a change before anyone else does. Knowing what the habits are is ½ of the battle. Some things you can prevent, some illnesses happen and need to be treated and usually your pig will have a full recovery when identified and treated early. Ask you vet if there is anything they suggest to use to keep your pig regular or what they’d like you to do in an emergency. As we all know, these things don’t happen during normal business hours, it’s usually nights, weekends or holidays. Know what to do and who to call for emergencies like this.
By Brittany Sawyer 2015
The color and overall flow of urine can also speak volumes about what may be going on inside your pigs bladder and kidneys. Any time there is straining to urinate, that is an emergency and needs to be treated as urgent and the phone call you need to make is directly to your vet. Urine gets its yellow color from a pigment called urochrome. That color normally varies from pale yellow to deep amber, depending on the concentration of the urine. Darker urine is usually a sign that you're not drinking enough fluid. If you notice a color change in urine, this can mean your pig needs to drink more because they’re not drinking enough and are on the way to being dehydrated. This can lead to more serious complications like salt toxicity where the sodium isn’t properly balanced within the body and can lead to death or serious neurological problems.
If your pig is not a big drinker, you can entice them to drink more by adding a small amount of juice or flavored water drops (meant for bottled water) to the water bowl or you can try a fountain type water dish that has a steady flow of water that can sometimes “remind” your pig that the water dish is there and they may drink more. (Once you start adding juice or flavored water drops to the water, be prepared to continue this forever) Urine can turn a rainbow of colors, and an unusual hue isn't necessarily cause for alarm. Certain medications can turn the urine fluorescent green or blue (if your pig is taking medications, ask the vet if you should expect any changes in the bowel or bladder so you can know what to expect), carrots can tint it orange; vitamins can give it a yellow hue. Seeing red in the urine can send you into panic mode. Remember, one drop of blood can look like a lot more when it’s diluted in a urine stream and pools on the ground. In people, one drop of blood can make a dramatic color change in the toilet bowl. The same applies for pale urine, this can mean you’re your pig is drinking too much. There is a disorder called psychogenic water consumption (or the medical term polydipsia) where a pig drink and drinks, typically because of boredom. Pigs with this condition consume far more water than is required for normal body maintenance. Boredom may lead to psychogenic water consumption. Other causes of increased water consumption, such as cystitis or other urinary tract diseases should also be checked. Obviously, drinking massive amounts of water will cause a pig to urinate more frequently, but drinking massive amounts of water can also disrupt the delicate balance of electrolytes within the body. If this is a new symptom, this is dangerous and can be the aftereffect of something potentially toxic having been ingested and you need to take your pig to the vet immediately. (I am referring to salt toxicity, and in these cases, if fresh water wasn’t available during the excessive sodium intake, they will frequently try to drink massive amounts when fresh water is available and this can cause serious neurological issues. Hydration needs to be done slowly in cases like that.) Some foods can also change urine odor. Asparagus is among the most notorious. What people are smelling when they eat asparagus is the breakdown of a sulfur compound called methyl mercaptan (the same compound found in garlic and skunk secretions).
The frequency in which your pig urinates can show you potential UTI (urinary tract infections) or bladder infections, especially if the urinating becomes more frequent or your pig doesn’t seem to be able to “hold it” as they normally can. Delaying urination can be problematic, and I like to compare the bladder to a Slinky: It stretches and then contracts repeatedly, but eventually it can stretch too much to bounce back. The bladder can develop a chronic overdistension -- a chronic emptying problem. In this case, medications are used to help the bladder empty. Once these medications have been started, they’re usually used for life. So, be sure you are allowing plenty of opportunities for your pig to relive itself by offering frequent potty time or a litterbox that’s available when you aren’t able to let your pig put to potty. If you feel like there may be something brewing or an issue with the bladder or kidneys, Again, you can collect a sample and take it to your vet for testing by holding a soup ladle under or behind your pig mid-stream and placing the sample in a clean container to take to your veterinarian’s office. Please see our page that discusses potential urinary issues in depth by clicking here.
Just remember, the fresher the sample, the more accurate the results will be. Keep a log of your pig’s potty habits and keep track of where they go and how often, knowing these things ahead of time can help you identify problems in the future. You will know your pig and your pigs habits better than anyone else and you will notice a change before anyone else does. Knowing what the habits are is ½ of the battle. Some things you can prevent, some illnesses happen and need to be treated and usually your pig will have a full recovery when identified and treated early. Ask you vet if there is anything they suggest to use to keep your pig regular or what they’d like you to do in an emergency. As we all know, these things don’t happen during normal business hours, it’s usually nights, weekends or holidays. Know what to do and who to call for emergencies like this.
By Brittany Sawyer 2015