[Nomorerain]

Hello,

Looking for a bit of advice please. We are new to pig keeping, on our second lot. Two of the boys have got bad, projectile diarrhea which started on Tuesday night. They were still eating yesterday, although a bit quieter than normal. However this morning they turned their noses up and breakfast but are still foraging and drinking.

Having never had a poorly pig before any advice appreciated. At what point do I call the vet?
Edited to add that they are about 16 weeks old.

Thanks in advance

Worried!

[Eastling]

Have you change the area that you are keeping them in? more access to greenery? Have they been wormed? If you are concerned give your vet a ring, they may well suggest a probiotic. Make sure that they have plenty of clean water.

[Nomorerain]

Thanks Eastling.

Their area and diet hasn't changed? Yes making sure they have lots of water.

How long are they ok not eating for? They are strapping lads but definitely subdued.

[Bionic]

I'm a novice keeper too, although don't have any this year.
When I had problems last year and rang the vet the first thing she asked me was what was their temperature. So you might want to take that first.

[Berkshire Boy]

If it was me I would give them until next feed, if they don't eat that I would give the vet a ring. On the plus side they are still up and about and drinking so it may just be something they have eaten didn't agree.

[shygirl]

have you just bought them?
fluids is the most important thing to get into them so try giving them some apple juice in their water to drink.

[Button End Beasts]

We always give ours Lectade when they have the runs. I also tend to give them a few days to see if it clears up on its own. It's makes me anxious but so far never had to get the vet out. Do take their temperature and perhaps try them with some treats like apples or bananas.

[Fowgill Farm]

What colour is their poo?
If its grey they've defo picked up a bug and its temp taken and call to vets, possibly need Tylan in their water for enzootic pneumonia, however as they're still up and about & drinking is their poo dark green becoz if they're eating a lot of grass it gives them the runny bums and fills them up so they won't eat as much nuts, I have two 10wk old weaners who are like this, happy as larry but with mucky bums, they will eat nuts eventually when I leave them in the trough.
Make sure you change their water for fresh as often as you can, you could also give them some electrolytes(calf ones from the vet or ag merchant). Make sure you clear their dunging area regularly so they're not treading in the squirts and re-ingesting it, spread some old straw there to clean it up and keep on top of your housework!
Best thing though is to take their temp anything above 39, call the vet pronto.
hth
Mandy
ps temp taken up the bum!

[Nomorerain]

Thanks all for the moral and practical support.

I spoke to our vet who wasn't overly concerned and that was reassuring.

This morning I was greeted by much grunting and happier piggies. Thankfully they have dried up and are now back on their grub although I have reduced there feeds a bit just to let them recover.

Relieved!

[shygirl]

our weaners once got runny tummies after we bought them so we put it down to nerves/stress etc. though we did buy kaolin powder incase we needed it in the future. never have used it so far but it should bind them a bit it if its stress related. im not sure id use it if they were actually poorly as i see that as their body expelling germs quickly etc.

glad yours are feeling better 

[Eastling]

I was just thinking about them. Glad they are on the mend.