For louse infestation, only mechanical cleaning of stable units (vs. additional use of disinfection methods) and pasturing of gilts and dry sows were identified as risk factors for louse infection in pigs (Damriyasa et al., 2004). Animals with frequent seizures may be placed on medication to control the episodes. It is also a good idea to put a blanket inside the crate to help the pig feel secure. Treatment with antibiotics such as penicillin is usually effective. I want to give thanks to you. This skin disease is caused by mites, which are small parasites that live in the skin. Minor injuries, including muscle sprains and strained ligaments, are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate a pig is ill or in pain: Pigs can have a variety of health issues, ranging from simple ear infections to a complicated disease like cancer. Animals tend to self-heal within three weeks of infection. Increasing the humidity in the environment in which your pig lives is a simple solution to battle dry skin as well. Begin ear treatment as previously described simultaneously with the injection. If you find he is getting more of them, I would get him to a vet for tests. A poor diet can also contribute to dry skin on your pig. I called her vet and he said it's mange which I know it's not. Lesions often are more serious than realized. Carry on the good work.Smithfield Foods, Thank you so much, that is always a nice thing to hear! He does have dry skin pretty badly, but it's not terrible just yet. The disease is often caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, which damages the immune function of the lungs. Tail or flank biting; savaging of moribund swine. Signs include stiffness of the legs, muscle spasms, and muscle contractions. Overheated pigs may be depressed, inactive, and unresponsive. Any ideas? So ix-nay on the acon-bay, am-hay, and ork-pay (Pig Latin for bacon, ham, and pork) while little piggy is around. Potbellied pigs are omnivorous and, like small children, prone to swallowing anything they can get in their mouths. Click here to read about the treatment ofswine poxin pigs. In these cases, normal pigmentation usually returns, and affected pigs usually live normal life spans. As the scabs and exudate acquire dirt, the lesions gradually become black in colour. Pigs are the fourth smartest animal group on the planet, following only humans, apes and chimps, whales and dolphins. This is frequently followed by a more serious infection with the bacteria Pasteurella multocida. In severe cases, brain damage may result in permanent blindness and a vegetative state. Teeth Try to clean their teeth once a week with a wet brush or washcloth. 515-294-5337. Chronic kidney failure is a common cause of death in older potbellied pigs. Other medications may be necessary if anti-inflammatory drugs do not control the signs. Skin lesions can be the result of parasitic disease, infectious agents, physical damage by the environment or other pigs, and developmental causes. Personal Fundraising Through Shopping | Great Deals. Bleeding from the nose, with or without a crooked snout, is a common sign of the disease. Treating the signs (for example, by administering fluids) may temporarily help pigs with less severe disease. A second injection a few weeks later is often required to completely rid your pig of mites. I would love to hear more about what this is if you wouldn't mind updating me with any news. Any ideas? There are no topical or parenteral treatments licensed for use in the UK. Fever, lethargy or weakness, and a bluish or purplish discoloration of the legs, ears, and jowls may also occur. Antitoxin and antibiotics following surgical or dental procedures may be used in unvaccinated animals. Do you think this is possibly a case of mange?! This is a painful condition in which one or more layers of the rectum protrude through the anus. Information on pot-bellied pigs as pets. The skin thickens over twelve hours, and begins weeping. commonly affect pigs, resulting in rubbing, scratching, alopecia, bleeding and excoriations, as well as raisedwheals and edema associated with urticaria. Therefore, your veterinarian may need to sedate your pig while determining the cause of the lameness. It is caused by a Dermatophyte fungus causing gradually increasing circular areas of light to dark brown discoloration behind the ears and on the back and flanks. Sincerely concerned momma. Fresh oat straw has been incriminated because it can inflict superficial skin abrasions. Furnishing adequate housing, a good diet, and routine preventive care will minimize disease in potbellied pigs, as with any other animal. Adrienne Kruzer, BS, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Mechanism unknown but associated with post-viral (PCV2, PRRSV, CSF)* infection, perhaps an immune mediated disease. Triggering factors are poorly understood. Swine Ectoparasite Control. Mississippi State University. Suis or Demodex phylloides. It's important if treating more than one pig at a time this way that you be sure they eat only their own food so they are getting the proper amount. Unusual but in feeding/finishing and mature swine, the lesions are raised, red and rhomboid. Pigs can be infected at any age, but are usually infected after weaning. Has she had a sunburn recently? Pot Bellied Pigs Carl Palazzolo 2015-07-01T19:19:39-07:00 This page has an alphabetical list of all the diseases and treatments on our web site in pot bellied pigs. This may be related to normal curiosity, boredom, or a seemingly insatiable appetite. More precisely, not enough zinc and essential fatty acids. I've been treating them with peroxide & Neosporin but, no change. 3 Pigs get dry, scaly, and itchy skin when afflicted with mange. Greasy Pig disease is best controlled through identification of the causal factor excessive fighting in litters (Potter, 1998). If an overheated pig has a low rectal temperature (normal rectal temperature ranges from 99F to 102F) before any attempt has been made to cool the animal, there is little chance for survival. Kidney failure can be diagnosed with blood and urine tests. Ivermectin or doramectin treatments will be needed to effectively rid your pig of those pesky mange mites. However, we went in to the vet and they did a scrape test, everything was good no make, scabies, or parasites (fecal test). Your veterinarian can test for the presence of mites and inject medication to kill the mites. Skin lesions appear slightly after acute febrile stage of disease. In some cases, water is restricted and offered only with meals. Now she's started getting pimples in some of the hair follicles. Potbellied pigs have an average life expectancy of around 15 years, and are generally very healthy animals. Newborn pigs should have their 8 needle teeth trimmed to prevent injury to littermates and cuts on their mother's breasts and belly. 5) Excessive itching. Some people opt to treat at home by purchasing medication from a farm supply store or online while others prefer to have their exotics vets provide the treatments. Swine performance is influenced by internal parasites, most dramatically in the young, growing pig. Parasite Control. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap immediately after handling sick pigs, even if you were wearing disposable gloves while handling them. In the wild, potbellied pigs wallow in the mud to protect their skin. Sunburned pigs may be down in the back legs and can show weakness or minor paralysis in the hind limbs accompanied by squeals or other vocalizations. Round to oval vesicles on feet, in and around the mouth, on snout, in nostrils, occasionally elsewhere. The condition may recur in some animals. Take a fresh sample of feces to the appointment to make diagnosis easier. Clinical disease may be treated with antibiotics when severe. This comment has been removed by the author. Treatment is often very simple and recovery in such a sad pig is always such a joy to watch. (Blisters can be a symptom of hoof and mouth disease and are generally found around the mouth, snout and feet.) looks like the bottom of a dried river bed. Although severe lice and mange can lead to loss of condition in animals, signs are usually limited to itchy, sensitive patches on the skin, which cause animals to scratch and rub the affected area, take on a hairy appearance, and possibly then develop visible lesions, welts and scabs. Regular exercise is often helpful in preventing or treating constipation. 2019 Best Friends Animal Society. The symptoms of mange include 1)dry, scaly skin (with "dandruff") that often leaves a white track where the pig rubs against dark surfaces. Sarcoptic mange results in skin lesions and discomfort for the animal, particularly around the eyes, snout, ears and hocks (Taylor, 1995). Mange and lice may be prevented with careful sanitation in arks and huts, and regular removal and/or burning of bedding, especially where infestations have been found (Potter, 1998). It also contains an antibiotic that reduces inflammation of the sensitive ear tissue. I've seen a rash like you have described many times and it has always been relieved with the treatment I mentioned above. Does she have a fever? Pigs usually struggle against restraint and often need sedation for extended examinations, xray imaging, hoof trimming, dental work, and other procedures to prevent them from becoming injured. Learn More. Arthritis is one of the most common ailments in potbellied pigs. Pigs with this condition consume far more water than is required for normal body maintenance. Annual vaccination is recommended to prevent this potentially fatal disease. No treatment is available for swine pox, and its impact on the animal is limited (Taylor, 1995). Best Friends Animal Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals; provides adoption, spay/neuter, and educational programs. The virus can survive outside the pig for long periods of time and is resistant to environmental changes. A closed herd policy will help to keep mange off the farm, but as gilts and boars are likely to be bought into most pig enterprises, purchase from mange-free herds or careful checking and possible treatment against mange is recommended before inclusion of new animals into the main herd. He will occasionally rub against hard corners, etc. I treat her twice a yr( spring & fall) with Ivomec. Arthritis may be caused by bacterial infection (infectious arthritis) or by changes related to inflammation, joint stress, or aging (degenerative arthritis). Avoiding the use of mutilations as standard production practices. Secondary dermatitis may follow (www.thepigsite.com). An injectable Avermectin has proved highly effective as a single treatment (Taylor et al., 2007), however for pigs close to slaughter meat withdrawal needs to be considered. Potbellied pigs lack the fur that many of our other mammalian exotic pets have and are also prone to dry skin but not all products to combat dryness are safe to use on them. Are they for you? Young pigs are exposed to pneumonia-causing microorganisms from their mothers or littermates or from contact with other infected pigs. Arthritis in multiple joints may result from bacterial infection of the navel after birth. Your veterinarian should remove any suspected tumor and have it evaluated by a pathologist. Treatment seldom is satisfactory. Treat ears simultaneously with Tresaderm. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Biting flies, usually the Housefly (Musca domestica) and the Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), as well as screwworm flies (Callitroga spp.) Potbellied pigs are actually a sub-species of the farmyard pig and wild boar. Your veterinarian can provide further information. Acute skin lesions often resolve if animal recovers promptly. It is transmitted by mothers to their piglets or by exposure to other swine that have the disease. High humidity in buildings increases the risk ofdisease asS. hyicus proliferates on moist skin. Loss of appetite Change in mood Lethargy Coughing or nasal discharge Absence of or difficulty while urinating or defecating Very dark, concentrated urine Discolored vaginal discharge Hemorrhage from the eyes, ears, nose, rectum or vulva High temperature (103 or up) Elevated respiration or respiratory issues Constipation