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Is It Bloat?

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Miss_piggie

Miss_piggie

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When I pick up my pggies, their tummies kinda of widen alot and feel very squishy in my hands. They also really don't like it when I go to pick them up. Is the early signs of bloat?
 
Me too. I just got them (looking after them for my sister) and I know theres all these different things that can harm them and cause discomfort, it's so hard for me because I'm constantly fretting about them and whether they are ok.
 
Hi Miss Piggie, I am not a good one to tell the signs, as I have never experienced this in a piggy, but if you ever suspect bloat the best thing to do it to take them straight to a vet, because if it is bloat, time is of the essence.
I have read the stomachs feel firm and when you tap them they sound hollow, when they have bloat. The piggies tend to not be so active (though in rare cases they are) and often look uncomfortable and puffed up. It doesn't sound like these have bloat, but I say this going only on what I have read, but as I say, if in doubt play it safe, as bloat can kill in just a few hours. Please don't think that just because I say it doesn't sound like it there's nothing wrong, as I would hate to put you off visiting a vet if the piggies are indeed ill!
I am tagging @helen105281 for help

In the mean-time, and to save time for our forum experts, is there any other information you can add please? Are they acting normally? Are they eating well? Do their poops look normal?

You are likely to be asked to update your details with your location, so that people can help you to locate a recommended vet if necessary. Advice on the best course of action can depend on the facilities in your area. Thank you
 
I can't really add anything to what Critter has said really. It doesn't sound like bloat to me but if you are worried you could get them checked for peace of mind. Like Critter has asked, are they eating and pooing ok? and running about ok?
 
They seem to be eating normally and their poohs are of normal shape, size and colour ranging from dark green to dark brown. I just thought they looked a bit odd around the middle section. They are active when i go near them and go to pick them up. But when I'm not too close they just move quietly about their hutch. I give them big bunches of green, leafy veges and as well as corn on the cub as treat, carrot, half tomato between the three every now and then sometimes snow peas, hay, capsicum, sometimes cucumber as a treat and one grape each as a really special treat like once a week. They drink water regularly I guess, never when I'm around but I do notice the water level going down throughout the day. Sometimes they just lie about and even stay still for a couple of seconds for a little pat then scamper away. I hope this helps.
 
Sounds like normal piggy behaviour :) Mine all have active times and not so active times, and when I approach the cage or rattle a food bag they get excited.
The only thing I suggest would be to cut down on the leafy veg, as this is one of the things most likely to cause bloat. A little is good, big bunches may cause a problem.
As for looking odd round the middle they do vary from cob-shaped to pair shaped, and I have one that permanently looks pregnant. She's rather rounded in the middle and she waddles when she walks. I am careful about what I feed her but she is just that shape. :)
It all sounds fine though :hug:
 
Sounds ok to me but with somthing as seriose as bloat , it is not worth taking chances on
Opinions from people who have not acutualy examined the pig . To my mind, the safest thing to do
would be to run this one past your vet
As l say it sounds ok, but at the end of the day it is not worth taking a chance :hug:
 
Agree with cutting down the greens. Are they having hay too?
 
Miss_piggie said:
Yep. But they don't seem to be too fussed on it.
Click to expand...
May I ask which hay you use please? It's unusual for pigs to not eat much hay, but they all have preferences, and if they are not keen on the particular hay that might be why they are not eating much of it. A good quality hay of mixed grasses including Timothy will often tempt them... :)
Edit: I'm not accusing you of not buying good quality hay! Just that the way it's been produced can have an affect on the taste and nutrition, and it varies between brands, even well-known brands :)
 
Hi , mine get mostly alf afa king thimathy hay , they love it. And it is always consistat in qualerty :tu:
 
I second @gizzy's post, mine have a base of mixed hay, and a 'side' of the very same Timothy hay. The base I use is Lunnun Dust Free Organic Meadow Hay Lunnun Dust Free Meadow Hay . It happens to be convenient for me as my local Pet Store sells it, and all the pigs I've had/have really like it.
Many members have had great success with hay from the following online stores, these come well recommended:
Hay for Pets supply best quality Hay - organically grown hay, and straw for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, chinchillas and other animals - Hay for Pets
Natural Hays Rabbit Supplies | The Hay Experts

I don't want to bamboozle you with choices, but there's a few to try from these places that might whet your pig's apatite for hay :)
 
I'm giving them peters pasture hay at the moment which is rye grass hay.
 
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