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…
Just recently the outdoor temperature has been very high indeed and this has resulted in almost unbearable indoor conditions also. This type of weather presents many difficulties for both black and white skinned pigs who do not have the opportunity to find shade or a wallow. The ideal living condition…
What is mange? Mange is a skin disease that is caused by mites, small insect-like parasites, almost invisible to the naked eye. Each species of domesticated animal has it’s own species of mange mites; and, with the exception of the sarcoptic mites, the mites from one species of animals cannot…
From the age of two weeks, Boris, my eldest potbelly resided in our house. Keeping a pig indoors isn’t the easiest thing to do, but I have to say apart from a minor problem where he ripped our kitchen carpet, he was perfectly well behaved. What I did notice though,…
It’s spring. I can tell because the calls about Dippity Pig are coming in. The medical term for Dippity is Erythema Multiforme. Literally translated it means: a superficial reddening of the skin, usually in patches, that takes many forms. Personally, I like “Dippity Pig” better! Symptoms While Dippity can vary…
Why go to the vet for yearly exams? General Exam: Just like us, pigs need a general check of their heart and lungs, and general condition. Vaccinations: With younger pigs, it is probably a good idea to give them annual vaccinations. There are pig diseases out there that could kill…
Many of you may have heard rumors of a new disease which has been seen in the UK particularly since the summer. The full name for this disease is Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome. The problem currently is mainly confined in Anglia and the Midlands, however, as the disease has no…
The mini pig has become an increasingly popular companion animal, largely because of its relative intelligence, strong human bonding characteristics, and trainability. Pig ownership has led to many problems, including legal battles, human-pig conflicts and the general lack of health care knowledge among owners and veterinarians alike. GOOD HEALTH Feeding:…
The subject of annual vaccinations in dogs and cats is currently being debated. Such a debate is not really pertinent to potbellied pigs (PBPs). For example, Texas State law requires an annual rabies vaccination in dogs and cats even though many rabies vaccines in these species are labeled for 3…
