Is Bess on her period ?

[straw76berry]

Hi all, Do sows have periods like Humans ?:{

Bess is a bit not herself today...eating well but not as cuddly and i noticed a streak of blood on the fleece under her. I think it was coming from her bit's but not sure. If its her period what should I do and how long will it last? Bud seems very protective of her too. (he is fixed !)

Thanks xx inbreeding

 

[Laura-CCC4]

As a general rule, they don't bleed when in heat/oestrus. It's been noted a few times that sows may lose just a few drops of blood one day, and it doesn't happen again, but it's not a commonly reported occurance and most sows don't have anything up with them other than very hormonal behaviour when in heat!

If it hasn't cleared up within the next 12-24 hours, then pop along to the vets. If you can take a sample of Bess' urine with you it may assist a diagnosis. To get a urine sample, pop the pig into a plastic box until she pees, then syringe up the urine (with a sterile 1ml syringe) and store in the fridge until vet appointment.

The fact she's not quite herself would suggest to me she's potentially coming down with an illness, so first line of thought I would investigate is cystitis. In the meantime, keep a close eye on her, make sure she keeps eating and drinking, and look out for other symptoms/signs that she's not quite right.

 

[straw76berry]

Thanks so much for the information. p

I have kept an eye on her today and there has been no more blood xx>>>|) completely blood free fleece. Also took them out in the run for a couple hours and she was scampering about like her usual self and scoffing dandelion leaves like they were going out of fashion.
she was not grumbling when I picked her up either so it must have been a one off season thing.
I will keep monitoring her though.

Thanks again xx -c