Furnishing adequate housing, a good diet, and routine preventive care will minimize disease in potbellied pigs, as with any other animal.
Digestive Disorders
Digestive disorders in potbellied pigs may be caused by organisms such as bacteria or by problems caused by swallowing foreign objects or eating toxic substances.
Gastritis and Foreign Objects in the Digestive System
Although some basic information on breeding and reproduction is included here, breeding of potbellied pigs is not encouraged for the amateur owner. In addition, it is strongly recommended that male potbellied pigs be neutered early (at 2 to 3 months of age) to minimize the development of aggressive behavior. Males that have not been neutered do not make suitable pets.
Females
Female potbellied pigs are no
Locating a veterinarian with experience in caring for potbellied pigs may be difficult. Few small animal veterinarians have thorough training in this area. Similarly, livestock veterinarians may not be trained in potbellied pigs and may not be conveniently located. However, it is important to find professional medical care for your pig before an emergency occurs. Research the veterinarians listed in your phone directory or on the internet. A good
Before purchasing a potbellied pig, examine the location where the pig is being kept. Look for a clean, well-maintained environment and the presence of clean water and food along with a rooting area, “toilet” area, and shelter. If these conditions are not present, it is very likely the pig may have health problems caused by a poor environment.
Look for signs that the pig is healthy. It should be active and alert; free of any discharge from the nose, eyes, or
Potbellied pigs are very sensitive to extremes of heat and cold and should be provided a clean, dry, draft-free environment. Adults are usually comfortable in a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Because pigs do not sweat, temperatures above 85°F (29.5°C) are stressful for adults. Extended exposure to high temperatures combined with high humidity may be fatal. Potbellied pigs are more susceptible to disease when kept in stressful environmental conditio
Potbellied pigs have a short to medium wrinkled snout, small erect ears, large jowls in proportion to the head, a short neck, a pronounced potbelly, a swayed back, and a straight tail with a switch at the end. Most are black with occasional white on the snout, head, feet, or tail, but some are gray or completely white. Adult potbellied pigs should not exceed 18 inches at the shoulder. Newborns typically weigh from several ounces to a pound or more, and mature animals in trim condition c
Potbellied pigs are members of the Suidae family of animals. They are relatives of the pigs grown commercially for pork. The breed originated in Southeast Asia and was introduced to the United States in the mid-1980s; since then, they have become popular as pets.
Diseases and disorders commonly seen in pet mice include infectious diseases, injuries due to trauma, and problems related to nutrition and aging. Although the treatment of disorders in rodents is becoming more sophisticated, prevention of disease (by providing an appropriate diet and practicing good management and hygiene) is usually more successful than treatment.
Digestive Disorders
A number of disorde