Winnipig
New Born Pup
Hey everyone! I wanted to document my pig's, Winnie, illness and treatment over the past few weeks as a future reference for those who may experience something similar in the future, and just a way for me to discuss her progress with fellow piggie parents! Looking online, I couldn't find many similar stories so I hope this may be useful. All of this has happened within the month, and this is currently a situation in progress.
Background
Winnie is 3.5 year old Abyssinian who lives outdoors with two other piggies, Ginger (Rex) and Nutmeg (American Crested). When healthy, Winnie on average weighs between 780 - 790g. While I understand this is on the small side for a Pig (in comparison, my other two piggies weigh 995g and 987g respectively), she has always stayed consistent with the weight and has maintained a good appetite and spunky, adventurous attitude; so it's never been an issue. The week before her illness, she weighed in at 768g. Although I was a little alarmed, as it is in the allowed fluctuating boundaries so I didn't think too much of it.
Discovery
Five days later when I went to feed the girls their daily veggies, Winnie came running up to eat first as per normal and as she did I was shocked. It's hard to describe, but when I saw her she didn't look right at all - it was like she'd been shrunken in the wash overnight. I immediately went to pick her up and she was all bone. I've read that pigs can lose weight fast but it's extremely distressing in person, so I went to set up my emergency indoor cage that I have on standby and separated her from the others. Upon weighing, she had dramatically gone down to 645g. I did a thorough health check before I put her in the new cage; eyes were bright, the vent was clean and clear, the nose was clean, gums were salmon pink and there was no excessive dribbling or inflammation that would indicate overgrown teeth. I monitored her stool - which was a decent size, solid and a healthy colour - and her peeing, which was clear and clean. Winnie had a very good appetite and went straight for the pellets and veggies; she was drinking well but not excessively so. She was as friendly and inquisitive as ever if just a little subdued and sleepier than normal. She had a few patches of missing fur, but the skin surrounding the areas it was not sore, crusty, dry or inflamed. She was still happy to be picked up and didn't seem sore or distressed when being checked over but I booked a local vet appointment ASAP. In the meantime, I ordered Critical Care and fresh alfalfa hay and kept her warm and comfortable.
For extra measure, I also gave Ginger and Nutmeg health checks too but they were within their averages and with nothing obviously amiss, but I would continue to keep a close eye on them.
First vet visits
When weighed at the local Vets, Winnie's weight had gone down to 590g. The vet did a full inspection, but could only find that Winnie's left kidney felt inflamed. Then, the vet discussed exploratory surgery to find the cause of the issue but was reluctant to do so because of Winnie's weight and age. They also suggested steroids for possible thyroid issues but again they seemed reluctant to prescribe any kind of medication or intervention. As Winnie's appetite and activity had not decreased, we mutually decided to get an x-ray to see if a tumour, growth, blockage or Renal failure was a possible cause. As it would be scheduled a few days later, I continued with the Critical care, fresh hay and veggies. Throughout, Winnie had no change in attitude, demeanour or eagerness - admittedly it was very inspiring and comforting!
On the day of the x-ray, Winnie had once more gone down to 550g. Sadly, the x-ray was inconclusive and didn't provide any clear evidence of what could be the problem. At this point, the vet admitted they didn't think that there was much they could do as they were again reluctant to go any further and were at amiss. They seemed that they wanted me to consider euthanasia, but I felt Winnie was still full of life and love and at her prime with many more years ahead of her. I didn't want to consider euthanasia until I had at least some idea of what was causing Winnie's illness, as she was still so curious. And so, I was able to get an emergency referral at an exotic vet specialist in London.
Background
Winnie is 3.5 year old Abyssinian who lives outdoors with two other piggies, Ginger (Rex) and Nutmeg (American Crested). When healthy, Winnie on average weighs between 780 - 790g. While I understand this is on the small side for a Pig (in comparison, my other two piggies weigh 995g and 987g respectively), she has always stayed consistent with the weight and has maintained a good appetite and spunky, adventurous attitude; so it's never been an issue. The week before her illness, she weighed in at 768g. Although I was a little alarmed, as it is in the allowed fluctuating boundaries so I didn't think too much of it.
Discovery
Five days later when I went to feed the girls their daily veggies, Winnie came running up to eat first as per normal and as she did I was shocked. It's hard to describe, but when I saw her she didn't look right at all - it was like she'd been shrunken in the wash overnight. I immediately went to pick her up and she was all bone. I've read that pigs can lose weight fast but it's extremely distressing in person, so I went to set up my emergency indoor cage that I have on standby and separated her from the others. Upon weighing, she had dramatically gone down to 645g. I did a thorough health check before I put her in the new cage; eyes were bright, the vent was clean and clear, the nose was clean, gums were salmon pink and there was no excessive dribbling or inflammation that would indicate overgrown teeth. I monitored her stool - which was a decent size, solid and a healthy colour - and her peeing, which was clear and clean. Winnie had a very good appetite and went straight for the pellets and veggies; she was drinking well but not excessively so. She was as friendly and inquisitive as ever if just a little subdued and sleepier than normal. She had a few patches of missing fur, but the skin surrounding the areas it was not sore, crusty, dry or inflamed. She was still happy to be picked up and didn't seem sore or distressed when being checked over but I booked a local vet appointment ASAP. In the meantime, I ordered Critical Care and fresh alfalfa hay and kept her warm and comfortable.
For extra measure, I also gave Ginger and Nutmeg health checks too but they were within their averages and with nothing obviously amiss, but I would continue to keep a close eye on them.
First vet visits
When weighed at the local Vets, Winnie's weight had gone down to 590g. The vet did a full inspection, but could only find that Winnie's left kidney felt inflamed. Then, the vet discussed exploratory surgery to find the cause of the issue but was reluctant to do so because of Winnie's weight and age. They also suggested steroids for possible thyroid issues but again they seemed reluctant to prescribe any kind of medication or intervention. As Winnie's appetite and activity had not decreased, we mutually decided to get an x-ray to see if a tumour, growth, blockage or Renal failure was a possible cause. As it would be scheduled a few days later, I continued with the Critical care, fresh hay and veggies. Throughout, Winnie had no change in attitude, demeanour or eagerness - admittedly it was very inspiring and comforting!
On the day of the x-ray, Winnie had once more gone down to 550g. Sadly, the x-ray was inconclusive and didn't provide any clear evidence of what could be the problem. At this point, the vet admitted they didn't think that there was much they could do as they were again reluctant to go any further and were at amiss. They seemed that they wanted me to consider euthanasia, but I felt Winnie was still full of life and love and at her prime with many more years ahead of her. I didn't want to consider euthanasia until I had at least some idea of what was causing Winnie's illness, as she was still so curious. And so, I was able to get an emergency referral at an exotic vet specialist in London.
