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Bloat or just fat tummy?

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RiffnRaffsMummy

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Heya
I've been keeping a close eye on Raff today as his belly is looking rather large! He seems to be quite happy, eating hay and pooping well. He's had lots of fuss and been as chilled out as he normally is. It's just that his tummy is looks like he's pregnant. He's DEFINATELY a boar- he is 2 and he and his friend live separately because they don't get on! He was ill a couple of months ago- we think it was a intestinal blockage and he lost a fair bit of weight- perhaps he's just suddenly looking like he's put it back on? If he wasn;t eating or looking unhappy, I'd be straight to the vet, however he looks perfectly content, so I thought I'd ask here for a bit of advice. I don't think it is bloat because he feels nice and squishy and doesnt complain when i press his tummy.
Oh yes, I forgot, the boys did have an unusually large breakfast of Romaine lettuce and tomatoes this morning, so might that be sitting in his tummy a bit?
 
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My piggies have been out on grass today, quite long too, so they are all rather sluggish and looking a bit fat! Bless them, they rather piggied out! I feel guilty because I should have known they would just eat it all when available to them, but I am ok and not worried because I can hear their digestions working happily away.

If you carefully hold your piggy up to your shoulder and listen to their tummies you should hear the gurgles of the digestion working nicely. You could always put your head onto the table next to your piggie if it's easier.

If you do hear good digestion, noisy, regular bubbling etc, and your piggie is happy with you massaging their tummy (no pain) then this might just be a touch of wind brought on by overeating. Perhaps a bit less of whatever it was next time....

Hope this helps, Sarah
 
Well, I've had a good listen and can hear lots of random noises, not sure if it's all his belly! He's not incredibly happy with me prodding his belly but he's not making any major discomfort noises, more like an 'oi that's my tummy you're poking' kinda rumble! I think he's just getting very fat and has the unfortunate problem, like myself of carrying his weight on his belly! He's on the move and munching hay, so I'm not too worried. If he starts to look unhappy I'll whizz him straight to the vets. Thanks for the reassurance :D
 
Gripe water (for babies) is good to have in the cupboard, just in case!

Hope he's ok - sounds like he might just have overdone the rich grass!

Sophie
x
 
I agree with all the above. You would know if it was bloat - his tummy would be very tender and feel very tight, rather like a balloon.

Keep an eye on his weight - if you don't already, weekly weighing is a very useful habit to begin. Tracking the weight lets you know what is normal, so you could use their weight records to recognise what is not normal.
An notable weight gain could just be pigging out a bit too much, weight loss could indicate not eating much due to bloat. A pig with bloat is less inclined to eat much as there's gas taking up space that would normally be occupied with food!
 
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Thanks for the tips, it's nice to be reassured. The little chubster isn't looking as porky now, so we'll put it down to getting carried away! Although I swear, for a boy he has the hugest hips and butt! :(|)
 
awwwwwww sorry to hear about this 8...
I think its' essential to have a piggie first aid kit, and these colic drops are wonderful :)
Hope all is ok today xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
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