Potbelly Pig Health Tips Normal Body Stats Obesity Vaccinations Internal Parasites Hoof Care Arthritis Nutrition Mange Pig-A-Sus offers health and care classes for one or more and has a problem solving clinic. For more information contact us.

These are just a few tips for good Potbelly Pig health. For more information, please visit our resource page. If you have serious concerns about your pig's health consult a veterinarian immediately.

 

 

 

Potbelly Pig Normal Body Stats

Rectal Temperature	101-104 Degrees F
Pulse	70-110 per Minute
Respiration	20-30 per Minute
Puberty	2-4 Months
Estrus	19-25 Days
Gestation	106-113 Days
Average Litter Size	4-13 Piglets
Adult Size	60-175 Pounds
Full Growth	Never

Back to Top

 

 

Vaccinations

Atrophic Rhinitis	Annually
Erysipelas	Annually
Leptospirosis	Annually

We recommend these vaccinations yearly, whether you have 1 pig or a bunch. All vaccinations are given in 2cc dosage. We use the loose skin on the flank area. Sometimes a pea size lump will appear at the vaccination sight and remain for 2-3 weeks. This is normal.

Back to Top

 

 

Hoof Care

Potbellies need regular hoof pedicures. Some, more than others, depending on the type of surface they spend there time on. In most cases the front feet need more attention than the back. Be careful of the "quick". This can grow into an overgrown wall. If blood starts to ooze, stop immediately. Their foot trim is one of the most important parts of their health care, as proper hoof care will prevent most crippling as the pig ages.

Back to Top

 

 

Nutrition

Being involved in the rescue aspect of Potbelly Pigs, improper nutrition is one of the most common forms of abuse we see. Many people think pigs will eat anything and so they feed their pigs everything. Pigs should be fed Pig Food. A Potbelly Pig's weight should be monitored monthly. Their food should be rationed and the ration should be increased with age. Older Potbellies should be fed twice daily. Along with rationed food you may give your pig a children's chewable vitamin and a vitamin E.

Treats may be given in between meals but these should be limited to fruit such as raisins, grapes and bananas, or unsweetened cereal.

Overfeeding your Potbelly Pig is abuse! You know how your body reacts to excess weight; imagine theirs.

Back to Top

 

 

Obesity

Obesity may cause life threatening problems for your Potbelly Pig including eye problems, blindness, lameness, stress, heart problems, inability to exercise and an inability to escape physical danger.

Obese pigs need extra amounts of fluid, such as water or juice, to survive but avoid drinks with added sugar. Proper nutrition is the only way to prevent obesity.

Back to Top

 

 

Internal Parasites

Symptoms: hair loss, coughing, low grade fever or bloody diarrhea.
Most Potbellies are worm free. If you are concerned about parasites, collect a clean stool sample and have your vet check it out. Ivomec and AtGard are excellent de-wormers.

Back to Top

 

 

 

Arthritis

Arthritis is a very progressive ailment in older overweight Potbelly Pigs. Try giving 325 mg (a 5 grain) aspirin two times a day. Flavored baby aspirin may be a bit easier on your pig's stomach. One children's Baby aspirin is 81 mg so four baby aspirin equals 325 mg. Adjust According to Potbelly size.

Back to Top

 

 

Mange

Potbellies get two types of mange.

1. Demodectic-small nodules that look like small blisters or sores that may contain a creamy paste. This type does not infect other animals or humans.

2. Sarcoptic-caused by a mite, the symptom is severe itching. The pig may do more damage to himself by scratching than the mange itself. This type does infect humans and other animals.

Baths and some kind of lotion may be "an ounce of prevention".

Back to Top