Feeding them up!

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sophiew (EAGPR)

sophiew (EAGPR)

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I've got an underweight pig who has been on antibiotics because she was poorly. She's a lot more perky now but still isn't putting on weight - although she isn't actually losing any more, just staying the same at about 650g. She's a Peruvian so she looks ok because of her coat - but under it there isn't much of her!

What can I feed her to put on some weight? She is eating her normal cereal and whatever greens etc. I give her - but these won't fatten her up. Is there anything I could give her that would build her up a bit?

Sophie
 
Give her time. You could fatten her up but it will be just that. Fat. Not healthy "condition". Some will advise you to stuff her with carbs like oats. Don't. If you're sure she's eating then give her a small amount extra of pellets, LOADS of hay and some extra veg. Weigh her daily. You could also syringe feed her some probiotics which will help kick start her tummy a bit.

If you're worried take her back to the vet and perhaps give her a syringe feed of Critical Care each day (only if you're not convinced she's eating properly).
 
Thank you. I think I need some decent digital scales! I've been trying *not* to weigh her every day, thinking it's a bit like people - it will swing up and down. But I will now and see what happens.

The vet didn't really know what was wrong with her, so the antibiotics were 'just in case'. If I take her back they will x-ray her, apparently - will they have to knock her out to do this?

She's only 6 months old.

Thank you for the advice - I'll keep at it!
:)
Sophie
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Oh, if she' s 6 months old I wouldn't really be worried at all. She still has another 6 months ahead of her of growing. Especially if she's been ill she may not grow for a short while then suddenly have a spurt of growth.

The vet shouldn't have to knock her out for an x-ray - my vet actually enjoys x-raying pigs because they're one of few animals who will sit still for them!
 
She's just noticeably lost weight over the past week or two - hence trip to vets! But she's feeling well enough to really object to being brushed now, which is great - she just sat still when she was ill!

The vet said it could be polycystic ovaries because they could feel something 'peanut' sized inside her - so could be a tumour. But seemed to be very unsure so I'm hoping it's not. Thanks for your help

Sophie
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sophiew said:
She's just noticeably lost weight over the past week or two - hence trip to vets! But she's feeling well enough to really object to being brushed now, which is great - she just sat still when she was ill!

The vet said it could be polycystic ovaries because they could feel something 'peanut' sized inside her - so could be a tumour. But seemed to be very unsure so I'm hoping it's not. Thanks for your help

Sophie
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While it can happen just bear in mind ovarian cysts are very rare for a piggy that young.
 
Yes it is young for ovarian cysts but they are also easily treatable. does she have any hairloss on her sides?
 
No hair loss - in fact she's got a great coat, shiny and long - she doesn't look ill from that point of view.

She was listless but is much more perky now but I'm still worried that she's not gaining any weight. She's definitely eating though.

Sophie
 
Give her some Probiotics to try and sort any gut probs first and go from there. Bio Lapis from Thistle Cavies and Avipro from SPH Supplies.
 
Just a quick update to say that Ginny pig is improving daily and has put on a little weight - not lots, but some. She's tucking into her food, still seems to be drinking quite a lot but generally seems perkier. Thank you for your help
 
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