Pot Bellied Pigs with bad shoulders.

[Becky]

I stumbled across HandicapPets.com and was hoping they could help us with our two girls. They both are from the same litter and both have shoulder problems that is only going to get worse. I was just wondering if anyone had any good info that would help.
Thanks.......................................

[critters]

A wheelchair, perhaps, to get the weight off it?

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

What I know about pigs you could fit on the head of a pin, except I DO know they are highly intelligent, and they ARE clean
You'll want to watch the weight scrupulously, and the front end of an animal carries the majority of the body load (at least in dogs, I imagine in pigs as well).
Can you try supplements to enhance the connective tissue while relieving swelling and discomfort?
Do pigs swim?
Water therapy would give them good exercise to build strength while not being a load bearing situation.

[LisainCAN]

Hi Becky,

I also have two PBP, both females but non-related. I can understand why you are so concerned.

I am sure that you are already doing so but as someone mentioned their weight needs to be monitored. What type of feed are you giving them? I had to look far and wide to find a mini pig chow, but it exists. Purina makes it. My friend feeds her pig commercial hog ration and her piggy is a little on the porky side, all pun intended! My piggies are at an okay weight and I attribute it to diet and luck.

Are your pigs indoor or outdoor? Maybe if they are outdoor it is too damp in the barn and a heat lamp would help.

Do you have access to a livestock or regular vet with experience in PBP's? You can Google PBP's and find vets in your area or find a vet you could email. I would imagine than there would be an anti-inflamatory that could help. Pigs are so similar to humans that often the same medications can be used. Maybe you could even ask about glucosamine? I don't think a front-cart would work because of the way their bellies drag.

I know that the advice I've given is probably vague and not really helpful. You are doing a wonderful thing by trying to help your pigs. I am such a fan of PBP's.

Please let us know how things are going,
Lisa.

PS You should Google some of the pig sanctuaries in the States. I have and will send you some links. When Charlotte had hog louse, I emailed this woman and she gave me the correct dose of Ivomec for pigs. The people who run these mini pig sanctuaries have tons of experience with pigs and are often more knowledgeable than a livestock vet.

[Becky]

I wish they made a wheelchair that would work with a PBP's body. Thanks for the suggestion and maybe hubby and I can come up with something like a wheelchair for them.
Thanks,
Becky

[Becky]

I wish they made a wheelchair that would work with a PBP's body. Thanks for the suggestion and maybe hubby and I can come up with something like a wheelchair for them.
Thanks,
Becky

[Becky]

Water therapy would be wonderful but we have no way to set up something that would work as a pool for them. Besides one of the will not let us put her in a tub of water.

We have them on Osteo Bi-Flex, medication for pain they do get injections twice a month.

Weight is being watched real close actually they both have had weight taken off of them the past few months.

Thanks

[Becky]

Hi,
Weight is being watched and they have even lost weight. We are lucky that we can get pot bellied pig food. They get a salad a day with nothing but green vegtables mostly dark green.

I will say we have really wonderful vets that are caring for all of our pigs. They are inside pets but are able to go outside when ever they want to.

They are on suppliments, steriods, pain medication ( injection and oral), ground yucca, and we have gotten the ortho pet beds for them all. We have also gotten the heated pads that you microwave hoping it will help some.

Any where they walk we have rubber stall mats so they can get traction better.

I think what I was really wishing for was some kind of wheelchair that they could us. We have already been told in time they will walk around on their knees, they will feel safer doing this. Gweneen is starting to do it on her bad days and this is one of them. It has rained here today and I think this has done a lot to her not being able to walk very good.

Please everyone keep givng suggestion and I really do thank everyone for them.

Thanks

[LisainCAN]

You obviously love your pigs and they are getting awesome care!

I am sure you would be able to come up with a type of wheelchair. Someone like Critters or CarolC could probably help better. What about contacting one of the makers of the dog wheelchairs and seeing if they will customize it for your pig?

Please keep us posted.

Lisa.

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Did RichBergin make it over to the new board? That man is simply genius and could figure out a way to cart a pig.

[critters]

Have you seen the homemade page? I suspect a quad cart might be best, although I know only 1 PBP and am FAR from an expert. http://www.handicappedpets.com/HomemadeCarts.htm

[critters]

I just found this link in the other thread, in case you missed it.
http://www.livestocksling.com/1024/eng/ ... l_Products

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

From my friend at the Bluffton Blogs:


Submitted by wittyblonde on November 8, 2006 - 6:15am.

Pigs can swim, and you are totally correct--hydrotherapy is wonderful for muscular and joint injuries. Do you have a large (preferably steel for easy cleaning) tub? Fill it with some warm water, and attach a few of those spa attachments you can get for your bathtub that create jet/whirlpools and that pig will be in "Hog Heaven!"

Someone (lots of people, actually) have already built such hydrotherapy tubs for pigs. This site pretty much lays it out step by step:

http://www.pigasus.org/newtub.htm

It also has WONDERFUL info on pot bellied pig's health and home remedies for common ailments.

You can certainly cross-reference/post me!

When I worked for a vet here on HHI, I did hydrotherapy on several dogs. It worked wonders on a number of issues...arthritis, skin infections, etc. They loved the bubbles from the jets. They key is keeping the water warm and talking to them the whole time so they aren't scared. And having a nice, big towel ready for them when they are done.

Thank you for the advice on Rosey. I love her so much, and I can live with her "issues", I just know she is smart enough to go outside to potty. I just haven't been consistent enough in training, and that is 100% my fault, not hers. She's a hoot, though.

I will also register on the handicapped pets site, as I have some questions about her eyesight/missing eye.

Take care!

Kimberly

[CarolC]

I wish they made a wheelchair that would work with a PBP's body.

Doggon' Wheels does.

http://www.doggon.com/products/others.html

[Becky]

Thanks checked the site out and has given us some real good ideas.
Thanks so much.