Talk to your vet

Take your pig to a vet who sees potbellied pigs regularly. Ask questions

Talk to your vet about the following questions

1. How long has vet treated potbelly pigs?

2.Does the Vet make house calls?

3.How much is the fee for the house call?

4. Does vet trim hooves or file tusk?

5. Does the vet spay and neuter or any surgery? or just basic care?

6. Does the vet address your concerns? or avoid topic?

7. How would vet react to animal biting him at the office?

8. Is your vet nearing retirement? Or not taking pigs anymore?

9. Does your vet have a recommendation of another one close?

10. Does he know feed requirements for potbelly vs farm pigs

The following will make your pig more relaxed if he/she is able to do the list before seeing a vet or going on a car ride

1. Harness train

2. Train your pig to use a ramp into your vehicle (if crated add also)

3 Get your pig used to being touched. Example ears, hooves, tail and tummy. If pig will allow his mouth also.

If pig needs to stay at vet

1. If you bring pig on road trips always have extra blankets and bags in case of an accident (if pig cannot hold it during the ride)

2.If staying at vet or hospital- bring one of his own blankets, one of your clothing items with scent and favorite toy

3.Check the area where piggy will be kept (Is it too hot? Is it too cold? Is there straw? Can you bring some?

SIGNS TO CONTACT A VET

If pig stops eating, drinking, peeing or pooping (nothing in 48hrs even with help)

Normal routine is off

Shaking or noises when pig breathes

Head leaning

Loss of balance (not the imbalance of pig with dippity pig)

CONTACT VET ASAP

Some items to have handy in case piggy is sick and needs to see a vet.

Low sodium broth

Fresh veggies placed in blender with spoonful of applesauce

Pumpkin

Unsweet applesauce

Quick oats

If pig is vomiting avoid foods and follow vets’ advice

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED Thermometer, towels, fan, radio (Take pig base temp when he feels better)

Normal range is 99-102

No one knows your pig like you do. When your pig is off and hasn’t acted this way before go to vet asap.

Prilosec/Pepcid /Pepto and Maalox are good to have on hand for acid relief/upset tummy

If any of these listed occur get to vet asap

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chronic coughing
  • Gagging/choking
  • Prolonged vomiting/diarrhea
  • Straining or unable to urinate or defecate
  • Has had multiple seizures in 15 minutes
  • Fell from a high place
  • Hit by a car
  • Bleeding from ears, nose, and/or mouth
  • Blood in stool/vomit
  • Has had no food or water in over 24 hours
  • Cries out in pain when touched
  • Can’t stand or walk
  • Abdomen appears bloated and feels hard when touched
  • Possibly has broken bones
  • Injury to one or both eyes
  • Was attacked by another pet or a wild animal
  • Ingested something poisonous