I knew after I hung up the phone this was not going to be an easy appointment. This three year old spayed pig was on the top of my “most difficult to examine” list. She was very attached to her owner and at times even challenged the owner’s husband. So…
This article could very well be titled: How to See More of Your Vet Than You Do Your Wife, Children and Friends. The veterinary care of pigs at a sanctuary is radically different in virtually every way from the care of the “pet pig”. Please note that I said “different”,…
What every pet owner hates and every pig and pig owner hates even more is going to the vet. First understand that I am not a veterinarian and I am writing this from the standpoint of a pig owner with a lot of experience with his own pigs and with…
Dr. Wilbers says knowing when to contact a vet for your pig is important. He has listed some things to consider when deciding whether or not to make that call. He warns, however, that time can be critical, so as a general rule, when in doubt, go ahead and telephone…
What can potbellied pig owner’s do to make their vet’s job easier when it comes to treating their pets? 1. Be observant. While Jenny’s point that owners may misinterpret their pig’s problem is occasionally true, we veterinarians also depend greatly on an owner’s description of a problem to get us…
There are a variety of things that any pet owner can do in order to make their veterinarian’s job a little easier. Remember, helping the veterinarian means helping you and your pet because that is what the vet’s goal is, “to help you and your pet.” Many veterinarians dislike seeing…
The following information is needed by the veterinarian when presented with an ill potbellied pig: 1) Signalment: Sex, intact/neutered, age, color, weight 2) History: Diet, appetite, thirst, and availability of water. Elimination – regularity and consistency of stools and urine appearance Vomiting Changes in routine that may have been stressful…
The scared helpless feeling we get when our pig is sick is a feeling not soon forgotten. If we have not developed a good working relationship with a veterinarian and our pig is ill, it’s even worse. Then we have a pig in a poke. Under the best of circumstances,…
The most difficult part of being a pig parent is when it is time to say goodbye. The loss subsequent to that is just as difficult and even more challenging. Whether your pig suffered a lingering illness or went suddenly is irrelevant to the final outcome, pain and grief you…
You, the owner, know your potbellied pig better than anyone. You, the owner, are in a unique position to observe your pig on a daily basis. It follows that maintaining your pig in a healthy state is going to be up to you. Consistent management practices will help you to…
