They do NOT suck blood. A potbellied pigs hooves continue to grow throughout its life. Animals clinically affected should be treated without delay. Piglets who have not received colostrum by nursing from their mothers in the first hours of life are much more likely to die from this disease. Ivermectin or doramectin treatments will be needed to effectively rid your pig of those pesky mange mites. Because potbellied pigs can carry a small colony of mites without any signs, newly acquired pigs may be given a routine preventive injection of the medication during their first examination. Biotin and vitamin B supplements may help control dermatitis (Cameron, 1999). Parasite Control. Personal Fundraising Through Shopping | Great Deals. Speaking of vet care, youll want to nd a veterinarian whos experienced with potbellied pigs. Potbellied pigs are demanding and require special care that a typical person cannot provide for them. Less commonly, it may be caused by eating large amounts of high-salt foods. Urolithiasis is an emergency if calculi block the urinary tract, preventing the pig from urinating. Fungal infections like ringworm may result in patchy pig hair loss and scaly skin. I realize I have not seen every pig out there, but only after making every effort possible, will you truly be in a position to make a serious call like that. The following lists the most common skin disorders we encounter in swine medicine: Bacterial Greasy Pig Disease Porcine Cutaneous Spirochetosis Porcine necrotic ear syndrome Your veterinarian will use xrays or other diagnostic tests to locate the foreign object and will check for infection and other signs of distress. Click here to read about the treatment of greasy pig disease. Information on pot-bellied pigs as pets. Early treatment with antibiotics is recommended for acute cases. Erysipelas is an infectious disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and is one of the oldest known diseases that affect growing and adult swine. Put all the debris in a small, clear, plastic petri dish. Clinical signs include: diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, bloated or thin appearance, dehydration or rough hair coat. Antibiotic treatment may be effective if started early, but death may occur before there are any signs of infection. Can you help me with this? Skin conditions in pigs and how to treat them - Farmer's Weekly If the pig inhales the substance into its lungs, pneumonia can develop and can lead to death. It also contains an antibiotic that reduces inflammation of the sensitive ear tissue. I clean/wash all shelters and bedding areas thoroughly and then repeat the dosage in 14 days. You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Stripping natural moisture off of your pot-bellied pig's skin can also happen if you are using a harsh shampoo or bathing them too often. This burrowing mite is about 0.3-0.6mm in length and the entire lifecycle takes place on the pig, although mites have been shown to be capable of surviving off host for a few days. Pneumonia is a serious disease for potbellied pigs because they have a relatively small lung capacity. Due to the lack of humidity in the environment though, pot-bellied pigskin can suffer the consequences and dry out. But didn't know of anything else to do. He will occasionally rub against hard corners, etc. Annual vaccination is recommended to prevent this potentially fatal disease. Sarcoptic mange (sometimes called Scabies) is present in almost all countries in the world where swine are raised, and it is considered the most important ectoparasite of pigs (Desrosiers, 2011). Breaks in leg bones and back bones are common in potbellied pigs and require surgery. Secondary dermatitis may follow (www.thepigsite.com). This is frequently followed by a more serious infection with the bacteria Pasteurella multocida. o [pig guinea] For my pigs (againI am not a vet and always recommend speaking to your vet with any health concerns you have), I use Ivermectin for Cattle, Sheep and Swine. Cures dry skin from the inside out! Inactive pigs may not consume enough water to control salt concentrations in their bodies. For some cases of dry, flaky skin, your veterinarian may recommend supplementing the diet with fatty acids, but these need to be used sparingly because the extra calories may lead to obesity. 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. Reddening, thickening, peeling of most exposed skin, usually on back and ears. The skin becomes sensitized to the mite protein and a severe allergy may develop 3-8 weeks after infection with very tiny red pimples covering the whole of the skin causing intense irritation, head shaking, the appearance of bare patches and possibly bleeding, caused by rubbing. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Removing and destroying used and infected bedding and regularly cleaning arks and particularly farrowing huts between litters will reduce incidence and spread of infectious skin diseases, Stocking rates amongst litters and piglets should be managed to minimize aggressive behaviour and resulting abrasions on the skin of young stock, Where a closed herd policy cannot be practised, all purchased stock should come from mange- and lice-free holdings or should be treated for these conditions before inclusion into the main herd, Huts and other equipment should be carefully maintained, and sharp edges removed, Rodent populations should be controlled near the outdoor site, Livestock should be land-based and integrated with farm cropping enterprises, Animals should be provided with conditions that enable them to exhibit natural behaviors, Dependency on veterinary medicines should be reduced without jeopardizing the well-being of animals. The more severe the rhinitis, the more likely it is that the pigs nose or snout will be permanently distorted. Mechanism unknown but associated with post-viral (PCV2, PRRSV, CSF)* infection, perhaps an immune mediated disease. However, you should never force mineral oil or other drugs down the throat of a potbellied pig. o [ canine influenza] Most of the pigs I have rescued have come with varying stages of mangefrom mild to horrific. Colibacillosis can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Even with prompt treatment, recovered pigs usually have permanent tissue loss in the lungs and may have recurring respiratory problems. The disease is often caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, which damages the immune function of the lungs. Common Skin Diseases of Miniature Pigs | Arizona Exotics | Resources stock persons may be at risk of acquiring an infection by being in contact with affected pigs. All rights reserved. Continue to check ears frequently for any signs of re-infestation. Infections of the nervous system may be caused by several types of bacteria, including Streptococcus suis type 2, other Streptococcus species, Salmonella choleraesuis, Haemophilus parasuis, and Escherichia coli. You can buy Ivermectin (for cattle, sheep and swine) at any farm supply store or vet clinic. The information is supplied without obligation and on the understanding that any person who acts upon it, or otherwise changes his/her position in reliance thereon, does so entirely at his/her own risk. 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. There are routine vaccinations for potbellied pigs; your vet will know which ones your pigs require. In a young pig, they can be filed with an These itchy ectoparasites will cause rough, scaly skin and your pig will be very itchy. Do they make different kinds of Ivermectin? Signs of both conditions include frequent urination or straining to urinate, especially with vocalization. Ticks can be a significant problem in the U.S. Click here to read about the treatment of ticks in pigs. Contagious to humans. Enemas may be more effective for some pigs. A prompt veterinary examination can determine if your pig has either condition. Arthritis is one of the most common ailments in potbellied pigs. are something that can be passed from animal to animal/human. It is definitely worth a try.Good luck. Regular exercise is often helpful in preventing or treating constipation. Squirt warm solution directly into each ear. Animals tend to self-heal within three weeks of infection. I hope it is just an isolated blemish. Animals clinically affected with lice should be treated immediately. This section is still being prepared, with more information to follow, please check for updates. Some affected pigs may stop having seizures as they get older. Our little J.D. Treatment seldom is satisfactory. 515-294-1242Contact Us, Vet Med Academic and Student Affairs Pigs may drop to belly from pain on sunburned back. I have noticed on the top of her head in her mohawk area the hair has gotten very course since it has gotten colder out. For any questions, comments and feedback please click here. Pigs naturally have somewhat dry skin. Minor injuries, including muscle sprains and strained ligaments, are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Vesicular stomatitis (VS), Vesicular exanthema(VE). Click here to read about the treatment of mange in pigs. There is always itching with Sarcoptic mange, so in cases of dermatitis where there is no itch, Sarcoptic mange can be eliminated as a possibility (, https://www.farmhealthonline.com/wp-content/plugins/zotpress/, Farm Health Online - Animal Health and Welfare Knowledge Hub, Porcine Epidemic Abortion and Respiratory Syndrome, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Swine Infertility and Respiratory Syndrome, Greasy pig disease (Facial dermatitis/exudative epidermitis), Maintain high levels of hygiene at all times. Hair and Skin Conditioner. It is most often caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and/or Pasteurella multocida. NAPPA. Acquiring such a pet is similar to having a dog. The downside to sedating a pig for hoof and tusk . Skin Lesions and Diseases | Iowa State University All age groups susceptible. 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 Coconut oil can also be liquefied and applied to their skin. One of the most common ailments in potbellied pigs is mange, a skin condition caused by mites. Infection can cause red spots on the skin and the death of skin cells. Hi Lorrie!I have a 13 year old gal that gets clear colored random small blisters on her skin. Whilst these complementary therapies have been shown to be very effective, due to the fact that mange can become a major welfare issue if left unchecked, it is important to consult your veterinarian if an outbreak occurs. Disease may go unnoticed unless ventrum is examined. If shade is provided, pigs will not lay in the sun. The frequency of these seizures varies greatly. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Pot Belly Pigs | Best Friends Animal Society Lesions resolve within a few weeks without treatment. All ages of pig can be affected. Fever, lethargy or weakness, and a bluish or purplish discoloration of the legs, ears, and jowls may also occur. It is important to note that for any disease that creates vesicularlesions, particularly around the mouth, nose, tongue or coronary band, Hoofand Mouth should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis. As with other animals, potbellied pigs (sometimes called pot belly pigs) cant tell us when theyre sick, so its best to try and be aware of signs of pain or illness. Nutrition plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including natural skin moisture. Is she dewormed regularly to eliminate the possibility of mange or other parasites? Untreated pigs may die from the infection, so prompt veterinary treatment is important. The mite spreads either by close contact with skin or contaminated surfaces. Suis or Demodex phylloides. Coronary band lesion on one or more feet of neonate, which leads to hoof deformity. Moisturizing lotions (such as those containing aloe vera) may be applied. Non-pruritic. It is also a zoonosis, i.e. Just "squirt" on top of your pet pig chow. The signs include mild to severe diarrhea with mucus and blood in the feces. White areas of skin inflamed and pruritic. Pot-Bellied Pig Facts and Information - SeaWorld High humidity in buildings increases the risk ofdisease asS. hyicus proliferates on moist skin. Your veterinarian can provide further information. Mange can impact on production, with reduced growth rates and poor feeding efficiency, with reductions in growth rates of 4.5-12% possible in affected pigs (Zimmerman et al, 2012). Because S suis type 2 can also be passed to humans, care should be taken to avoid exposure when handling a potbellied pig with suspected nervous system disease. Trauma from many causes: bites, violent head shaking, commingling. 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. Your veterinarian can treat this condition surgically, and recovery is considered routine. An annual wellness check by a veterinarian who specializes in potbellied pigs is recommended. Antibiotics are the usual treatment for cystitis. With yours being in her mowhawk area thoughit doesn't sound like the same thing. Adrienne Kruzer, BS, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. A variety of diseases, parasites and disorders affect the skin of pigs, and can result in economic losses through sub-optimal growth rates (Cargill and Davies, 2001). I would love to hear more about what this is if you wouldn't mind updating me with any news. Boredom may lead to psychogenic water consumption. Get timely diagnosis by your veterinarian of the presence of mites. No treatment. Click here to read about the treatment ofswine poxin pigs. The skin in these areas will take on an orange color. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Why is My Pig Losing Hair? Identify, Diagnose, Treat Causes Disorders and Diseases of Potbellied Pigs - All Other Pets - Merck This requires good stockmanship, particularly in a situation where teeth clipping is not allowed. Unfortunately he's the only vet around that treats pot bellys. Fresh oat straw has been incriminated because it can inflict superficial skin abrasions. Early veterinary intervention and treatment is important because this infection can cause death. PDF THE BASICS OF POTBELLIED PIG CARE - users.fred.net I found them under her neck and stomach. Abrasions may also result from poorly maintained huts and arks, and sharp edges on all equipment should be avoided (Cameron, 1999). Pigs have very tough skin and some pig owners have accidentally broken a needle inside the pig. If you notice skin color changes or sores, you should have your veterinarian check your pig for erysipelas. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics is required. Isolate pig(s) in question providing a clean, dry space either indoors or outdoors with fresh bedding. Red to purple, circular 1 cm lesions appear on perineal, ham, ventral regions that may enlarge and coalesce. All Rights Reserved Privacy | Terms & Conditions | bestfriends.org, Community Cats Program Handbook: Administration, Community Cats Program Handbook: Operations, Potbellied Pig Behavior and Relationships, Absence of or difficulty while urinating or defecating, Hemorrhage from the eyes, ears, nose, rectum or vulva, Elevated respiration or respiratory issues, Trouble walking, limping or difficulty getting traction as he starts walking. Abrasive lesions on knees, fetlocks, coronets, hocks, or elbows lead to septicemia; often high mortality. You can put some treats in the back of the kennel every now and then, leaving the door open, so the pig can come and go. The Swine Pox virus is widespread and infects swine through skin abrasions, causing circular red lesions on the flank, abdomen, face and head (Taylor, 1995). It also occurs in older age groups, particularlywhen pigs fight each other e.g. Hooves Hooves will grow like fingernails. Contains the four (4) long-chain fatty acids essential . Common Mini Pig Skin Concerns - Mini Pig Info Pot Belly Pig Diet | Best Friends Animal Society Surgery is usually required to remove a large or sharp foreign object. Signs include stiffness of the legs, muscle spasms, and muscle contractions. Older pigs develop resistance to colibacillosis. Lincomycin, the penicillins and cephalosporins are generally the most effective injectable treatments. Pigs have special needs. Hair and Skin Conditioner | Pet Pig Skin Care | Pigs4Ever Swine influenza causes viral pneumonia in pigs. Lesions can be very large. 2)Tiny bumps and/or scabs just below the surface of the skin, usually behind ears, under front legs and chest, between back legs down to the hoof. Maintaining animals in closed herds and flocks and at stocking rates that enables free-movement, reduces risks of disease spread and minimizes environmental damage. 3) Eyes develop an orange/brown crust in the corners and can begin to tear, leaving brown stains. Damage to the skin, through fighting or collision, can trigger the disease. Opportunities for spread in outdoor systems are likely to be reduced as sows are in less close contact than when in housed systems. However she is still mobile. Mange - North American Pet Pig Association These develop by spreading over a greater surface area, becoming darker in colour and releasing an exudate that gives the skin a greasy texture. If you want to bathe your pot-bellied pig on occasion, an oatmeal-based or coconut oil-based pet shampoo is safe to use and is non-drying. Skin complaints, while not always having major productivity implications, are the cause of significant discomfort amongst stock, and for that reason steps should be taken to prevent and control conditions. Good job! The skin will often become red, inflamed, and may even bleed if your pig scratches hard enough. Greasy Pig disease may be associated with mange, but also affects piglets with abrasions on the neck and cheeks due to fighting (Potter, 1998). It doesn't seem to hurt her but I'm just worried. Characteristic circular lesions indicate the presence of ringworm. Sudden death is possible. As the scabs and exudate acquire dirt, the lesions gradually become black in colour. Arthritis in multiple joints may result from bacterial infection of the navel after birth. Sarcoptic mange results in skin lesions and discomfort for the animal, particularly around the eyes, snout, ears and hocks (Taylor, 1995). Red macules expand, become papillomatous. Pig Care | Best Friends Animal Society This skin disease is caused by mites, which are small parasites that live in the skin. I strongly recommend talking to your vet about any concerns you have. commonly affect pigs, resulting in rubbing, scratching, alopecia, bleeding and excoriations, as well as raisedwheals and edema associated with urticaria. Of course, you can't imitate this diet for your pigs, but you can feed them a variety of healthy foods. Pigs can and do get parasites, including worms. Outdoor conditions are less conducive to transmission between animals than those in indoor units, but housing should be kept clean and dry, and periodically disinfected. HiI am sorry, I really can't give an experienced answer as I have never dealt with clear blisters with my pigs. A dilute antiseptic solution may be a useful skin treatment, killing bacteria and removing the greasy layer from skin. Pneumonia caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is very dangerous for potbellied pigs. Please let me know what you find out. First off, I am not a vet and always recommend that if you have any health concerns about your pig you talk to your vet so that you know exactly what you are dealing with. Most skin conditions can be avoided through goodhygiene and sanitation. It is common for potbellied pigs to have lower back, hindlimb, or forelimb weakness. Also see professional content regarding disorders and diseases of potbellied pigs Diseases of Miniature Pet Pigs Miniature pet pigs (MPPs) are subject to the same infectious diseases that occur in commercial swine. Roughly circular, expanding hairless areas that develop crested scabs. Every meal, our pigs receive fresh heads of romaine lettuce, fresh or frozen vegetables, and Mazuri Mini Pig pellets. For pigs in dry climates, increasing the humidity of the air can offer some relief. Common signs of infection include coughing, fever, and lethargy.