Christmas Tree Allergy

[Aelizl]

Hey all,

This is my first post, but I thought I'd share my latest issue because there doesn't seem to be a lot of info about it out there.

So, my pig started developing some respiratory symptoms about a week ago. I brought him to the vet and they ruled out a URI. He was sneezing and coughing and doing this alarming grunting to try to clear his sinuses, but his eyes and nose were clear and his appetite was normal. The vet said his lungs and heart sounded good, and sent us home.

Symptoms didn't improve, though. I spent so much time on Google until it dawned on me that his symptoms started just after we brought in our live Christmas tree. I know they don't suggest using pine bedding because the oils are too strong, so I thought maybe he's allergic to the tree. I moved him to a bedroom, and 24 hours later he's completely back to normal.

I just hope this helps anyone with a healthy pig acting sick. Of course, always check with the vet first.

 

[helen105281]

Glad he is doing better now he is away from the tree. Thank you for the warning.

 

[flowerfairy]

Good warning.

 

[Claire W]

Thank you for the warning

I have a pig who is allergic to dust (my vet ruled out a uti) but since changing his bedding, he has had no problems x

 

[Adelle]

Thanks for sharing, something most of us wouldn't even have thought about!

 

[Freela]

Interesting! I suppose they can have allergies just as much as people can, and pine oils are a known respiratory irritant! Good on you for figuring it out for him!