Sore when touching his front legs?

[Lulie]

Hi all,

I have two boars, and the one in question is three years old in August. He was adopted from a lady who had too many animals and was trying to rehome some.

I have had him since November last year, but just recently have noticed he dislikes being touched on his front legs.

When touched here he actually bites pretty aggressively, so i think theres some kind of discomfort there.

As far as I can tell, there's nothing visually that seems to be the problem. No lumps or bumps etc.

I'm thinking a trip to the vets would be a good idea though, but does anyone know what could the problem? Could it be Arthritis?

Thanks all,

 

[alcesterpigs]

Check the soles of his feet for any swelling or redness, it could be the start of bumblefoot. Also look for any skin problems.

 

[Lulie]

I'll double check, thanks for this info.

They have been on fleece since I got them so could it still be bumblefoot? They have recently had Selamectin for mites,so no mites or other skin probs.

 

[Glynis]

Hi love is this something different you're doing also?
I know if i tried something a bit different it always took awhile for the boys to get used to it....
Check for sores on legs or anything wrong with the pads on his tootsies :{ He hasn't been leaping off his pigloo or a box or something? they can be quite adventurous.......and do damage to themselves.
Always make sure you clean up their living space often so they're not sitting in wee and poops i'm afraid they do tend to do 'it' and sit in 'it' rolleyes
Tho some are better and like to do 'it' in a corner or another place.......ahhh the joys of being a piggie mummy or granny x)x)

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Joint problems (arthritis, rheumatism) may be causing him discomfort, but skin problems also lead to this tenderness when touched. Bumblefoot can affect piggies on any type of bedding, even fleece; it usually develops when the pig is less active, so ensuring the cage is clean and trying to encourage plenty of movement each day will help reduce the chances of this.

Selamectin is okay for mites but really not the best. Ivermectin is the preferable drug, given in two or three doses 7-10 days apart, most commonly injected or applied topically. Fungal skin problems are another possiblity, which can cause discomfort; fungal infections can primarily live on the feet, though will spread if not treated.

Many pigs don't like their front feet being held - while clipping nails it makes my job difficult not being able to extend the foot very far out of a long-haired piggies coat! - but if the pig is biting when you touch the feet, it does sound like something is causing a bit of pain there.