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
Mice reach sexual maturity at about 6 to 8 weeks of age. From this age onward, females and males should be housed separately.
If you are planning to breed your mice, you should provide nesting material (tissue paper works well) in one corner of the cage. Females can have up to 15 litters a year and can become pregnant within 24 hours after giving birth. The average gestation time for mice is 19 to 21 days. Baby mice are called pups and are born d
Mice are resilient animals and rarely get sick. Furnishing appropriate housing, a nutritious diet, good hygiene, and considerate care will minimize disease. Signs of illness in mice include a ruffled coat, depressed attitude, lethargy, closed or squinted eyes, reluctance to move even when handled, and a loss of appetite. Changes in the color, consistency, smell, or amount of urine or feces may also indicate that your mouse is sick. Any of these signs are a good indic
Your mice will be healthier and live longer if you provide them with appropriate, well-ventilated housing, a nutritionally sound diet, and opportunity to exercise and explore their environment. Good sanitation is the key to preventing many types of disease.
Housing
Various cages are available to keep mice. In general, a cage should have good ventilation, be easy to clean, and be escape-proof. The cage flo