The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: danconfessed on April 24, 2014, 09:07:35 am

Title: Swollen piglet
Post by: danconfessed on April 24, 2014, 09:07:35 am
Morning,

I have a piglet with a very swollen belly.  At first i thought it was where she had a full belly of milk but it never went down.  When i picked her up this morning it was very firm and bloated.  she was lying under the heat lamp with her ears back.  She is still feeding too

I have given her some liquid parrafin this morning incase its constipation but does anyone have an idea what else it could be?

Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: fsmnutter on April 24, 2014, 09:54:02 am
Has she passed any poop at all? Sometimes the rectum or anus is not formed, worth having a look to check. The vets may try to operate to correct this, or put her to sleep if its too bad to fix.
Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: danconfessed on April 24, 2014, 10:04:38 am
I had the same thought.  i checked her anus and it all looks intact but it was very clean so I dont think she has passed anything for a while
Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 24, 2014, 10:11:25 am
Can you take her to the vet?  This has to be extremely uncomfortable whatever the cause.
Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: danconfessed on April 24, 2014, 10:15:40 am
Im waiting for a call back now MF. I think its going to be a vet jobbie
Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: Ideation on April 24, 2014, 02:00:56 pm
We had a lamb the same this year - and have had it in the past. If it just doesn't have a vent, then they can slit a new one, if the pipes are not there - there isn't much hope really.
Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: danconfessed on April 24, 2014, 04:36:25 pm
ok - vet has been.  Temperature is fine, still spritely, feeding rigorously from mum.  Anus looks fine and intact.
Seems to think its a blockage and advised carrying on with liquid parrafin and to try a warm enema.

if it doesnt work and she becomes uncomfortable its euthanasia

Title: Re: Swollen piglet
Post by: Tamsaddle on April 26, 2014, 01:03:44 pm
What has happened with the swollen piglet?