Potbellied pigs. Miniature porcine pets

Comparative analysis of ECG records depending on body position in domestic swine (Sus scrofa domestica)

Background

Electrocardiography is a method widely applied in diagnosing abnormalities in the functioning of the heart muscle in veterinary medicine. It is a non-invasive and easy to perform test helpful in the general examination and a widely used patient monitoring method during anesthesia. Since the 1980s, pigs have become more and more popular companion animals. Moreover, the pig is a widely used model animal in biomedical research. Therefore, there is need to provide them with higher-quality veterinary services, also in emergency situations. It creates new challenges for veterinarians and the need to expand their knowledge of pigs’ treatment as pets. The aim of the planned experiment was to compare the ECG recordings made with two different body positions and determine if any differences occurred. Standard ECG in swine is performed under general anesthesia in the lying position on the left side, for this position of the body have been developed and reported standards in the literature. However, some procedures performed on swine require a different body position, for which there is less data in the literature.

Methods

The study was carried out on 29 Polish landrace pigs weighing in the range of 33–44 kg. The tests were performed under general anesthesia with the same protocol for each animal, placing the animals first lying down on their right side, and then on their backs. The anesthesia protocol included medetomidine, midazolam, ketamine, and propofol. During the examination, ECG records were performed and analyzed in a 12-lead system with software support.

Results

The results show significant differences in electrocardiogram recordings depending on the animal's body position. Those differences mainly concern the amplitude of the P wave and R wave in the recordings and are even more visible comparing the electrocardiograms of the same specimen. There are also some significant differences in the duration of intervals. Based on the obtained results, reference ranges for the right lateral and dorsal positions were developed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the body position has a significant impact on the ECG recording in swine, therefore performing this examination, chosen normative value tables should be compatible with the position of the examined animal.

Präpubische Urethrostomie bei einem Wiesenauer Minischwein mit Urolithiasis

Ein 10-jähriges kastriertes, männliches Minischwein wurde aufgrund eines Tenesmus vesicae mit Anurie vorgestellt. Begleitsymptom war eine Tachypnoe. Röntgenologisch waren zahlreiche Harnsteine in Blase und Urethra nachweisbar. Über die Harnröhre konnte nicht katheterisiert werden, sodass eine Notfallzystostomie mit Einlegen eines Ballonkatheters durchgeführt wurde. Trotz Blasenspülung gelang es nicht die Harnröhrensteine so auszuspülen. Deswegen wurde ein präpubisches Urethrostoma angelegt. Das Tier erholte sich vollständig und setzt seither problemlos Urin über die urethrale Fistel ab. Prophylaktische Maßnahmen der Urolithiasis beinhalten unter anderem eine ausreichende Wasseraufnahme, eine ausgewogene Fütterung und balancierte Futterzusammensetzung sowie die Gewährleistung eines physiologischen Urin-pH-Werts.

Miniature Companion Pig Sedation and Anesthesia

With their increase in popularity in North America as pets, miniature companion pigs are in need of veterinary professionals familiar with sedation and anesthesia for the species. This article provides a review of the agents used for sedation, premedication, induction, and maintenance of anesthesia for miniature companion pigs. This review also covers species-specific anatomic and physiologic factors of miniature companion pigs with respect to administration of anesthetics, endotracheal intubation, anesthetic maintenance, and common complications so that the reader can make an informed anesthetic plan for the species.

Health status of free-ranging pure and cross-mixed miniature swine population from Northeast Spain

BACKGROUND

Miniature pigs have gained popularity as companion animals in the recent years in Spain. Due to the fact that their abandonment and crossing breeds with wild boars can cause severe problems, investigation about the health status is needed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine their health status according to the clinical findings during physical examination and the results of antibody serology tests against selected infectious diseases.

METHODS

Two-hundred and eleven miniature pigs (Sus scrofa) were included in the study. Their origin, age, sex, housing conditions and diet were recorded.

RESULTS

The housing of the animals ranged from wild animals to ones living in animal sanctuaries. The diet varied from a natural one in the wild to commercial and homemade food. Thirty animals out of two-hundred and eleven were hybrids between miniature pigs and wild boars according to morphological characteristics. Antibody serology techniques of Influenza A virus, Hepatitis E virus, brucellosis, tuberculosis, African swine fever, Classical swine fever and Aujeszky's disease was performed. The prevalence for Influenza A was 5.30%, for Hepatitis E was 5.35% and the rest tested negative. It is important to control and monitor these zoonotic infections to prevent Public Health problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained from this investigation demonstrated that the animals' health status in this study is optimal and the diseases prevalence is similar or minor when compared to previous studies. This study confirms the hybridization of miniature pig and wild boar in Catalonia.

Human proximity seeking in family pigs and dogs

Family dogs (Canis familiaris) seek human contact from an early age, can discriminate and prefer their caregivers over other humans. To investigate if being kept as a family animal is sufficient to induce similar early human proximity-seeking in another domestic mammal, here we directly compared such behaviours in dogs and similarly raised domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). We used a preference test to measure proximity-seeking behaviours of 4-month-old family pigs and dogs in the presence of their caregiver and either a stranger or a familiar object, in a novel environment. We found that both pigs and dogs preferred their caregivers over the familiar object but not over the stranger. However, when the caregiver and the stranger were present, only dogs showed an overall preference for human proximity, and pigs spent more time away from both humans. These results suggest that both dogs and pigs seek the proximity of their caregiver, but there is a difference in how each species generalizes their experience to other humans. Species-specific predispositions, including that dogs have a longer socialization period and that humans are more salient as a social stimulus for them, may be important for the early development of an overall preference for humans.

Overview of Drug Delivery Methods in Exotics, Including Their Anatomic and Physiologic Considerations

Drug delivery to exotic animals may be extrapolated from domestic animals, but some physiologic and anatomic differences complicate treatment administration. Knowing these differences enables one to choose optimal routes for drug delivery. This review provides practitioners with a detailed review of the currently reported methods used for drug delivery of various medications in the most common exotic animal species. Exotic animal peculiarities that are relevant for drug administration are discussed in the text and outlined in tables and boxes to help the reader easily find targeted information.

Evaluation of the reasons for and outcomes of gastrointestinal tract surgery in pet pigs: 11 cases (2004-2015)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reasons for and outcomes of gastrointestinal tract surgery in pet pigs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 11 pigs. PROCEDURES The medical record database of a teaching hospital was searched to identify pet pigs that underwent at least 1 celiotomy because of a possible gastrointestinal tract obstruction between 2004 and 2015. For each pig, information extracted from the medical record included history; signalment; clinical signs; physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and diagnostic test results; perioperative management; surgical diagnosis, duration, and procedures performed; postoperative complications; and outcome. Descriptive data were generated. RESULTS 11 pet pigs underwent 12 celiotomies during the study period. Five pigs with intestinal obstructions caused by foreign bodies survived to hospital discharge. Four pigs were euthanized during surgery: 2 because of extensive adhesions that prevented correction of an intestinal obstruction, 1 because of a perforated spiral colon, and 1 because of neoplasia. One pig with a fecal impaction in the spiral colon died during anesthetic recovery. A diagnosis was not achieved for 1 pig, which was euthanized after surgery because of a deteriorating clinical condition. For the pig that underwent 2 celiotomies, the first procedure was an enterotomy for removal of a foreign body, and the second was an intestinal bypass of a stricture caused by adhesions at the previous enterotomy site. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated prognosis was good for pet pigs following surgical removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies; however, the presence or development of intra-abdominal adhesions appeared to adversely affect prognosis.

Normal hematology and hematologic disorders in potbellied pigs

Potbellied pigs have become a notable portion of small animal and farm animal practitioners' caseload. Relatively little information is readily accessible for the veterinary practitioner in regard to normal hematologic values or alterations of the hemogram in response to disease, however. This article is a review of blood collection techniques in swine adaptable to potbellied pigs in addition to collection artifacts observed in the swine hemogram. Alterations of the hemogram in disease states that may be encountered in potbellied pig medicine are reviewed.

Behavior of miniature pet pigs

Pigs are clean, intelligent, and entertaining animals. Because they are domesticated animals, they are not even as unusual a pet as a hedgehog or snake. The animal lover that buys a pig on impulse, however, is likely to have a disappointing experience. Those who acquire a pet pig with the most common preconceived but inaccurate notions are even more likely to be quickly disenchanted with their "exotic pet." Many pet owners will complain of the size that their pig attains; but if the pig were more manageable and better behaved, its ultimate size would probably be of less concern. Given the proper environment, diet and veterinary care, the miniature pig can be a terrific pet.

Miniature pigs

Miniature pigs have become popular pets in North America, and veterinarians of a variety of clinical specialties may be called on for their care. Successful collection of blood from these animals requires familiarity with the location of sites for venipuncture and knowledge of adequate methods of restraint. In this article, restraint and techniques for venipuncture are described, as well as techniques for cerebrospinal fluid collection, semen collection, and vaginal cytologic examination. Interpretation of hematologic, serum biochemical, and urinalysis data are also discussed. Methods for diagnosis of skin diseases, gastrointestinal parasitism, and enteric infectious diseases are included in order to provide the practitioner with the essential knowledge and skills for a variety of clinical pathologic studies of this unique pet.

Monitoring respiratory function and sleep in the obese Vietnamese pot-bellied pig

Development of drug treatments for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing has been impeded by the lack of animal models. The obese pig may be a suitable animal model, as it has been reported to experience sleep-disordered breathing resembling human obstructive sleep apnea. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail techniques for chronic instrumentation of the obese Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and to study respiratory function during sleep. Under general anesthesia, four obese pigs were instrumented for long-term recording of intrapleural and tracheal pressures, genioglossal EMG, and bioelectric signals related to sleep. A custom-fitted face mask was used to record respiratory variables including airflow, snoring, and expired CO(2). Most chronic instrumentation provided robust signals for up to 6 wk after installation. All pigs displayed sleep-disordered breathing characterized by increased resistance to airflow, snoring, inspiratory flow limitation, and possible sleep disruption. Apneas and hypopneas were not a feature of breathing during sleep in these animals. Nonetheless, this animal preparation may be useful for exploring possible drug treatments for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing.

Preventive health care for pet potbellied pigs

Many small and exotic animal practitioners decline to see potbellied pigs, possibly because of their challenging behavior and the perception that in order to treat them, one must be very knowledgeable about swine medicine. With some basic information about their unique behavior and their preventive health care needs, however, seeing potbellied pigs in practice is easy and provides a much-needed service in many communities. The behavior of the pig, recommended methods of restraint, physical examination, vaccinations, and parasite control are all discussed.

Potbellied pig husbandry and nutrition

Vietnamese potbellied pigs, when appropriately cared for, make excellent pets for some people. However, their proper housing, care, and training is more challenging to the average person than that required for most traditional pets, such as dogs and cats. Failure to feed and house the pet pig appropriately results in the most common health and behavior problems. The obese, intractable pet pig gives little pleasure to a pet owner and appears to lead a very poor-quality life, frequently leading to the pet pig being given away or worse. Preventing health and behavior problems is easy if pet owners are armed with correct information early, either before or immediately after their acquisition of a pet pig. A veterinarian prepared to share this information can save the lives of many pigs as well as keep clients happy and coming back.

Behavior problems of pet pigs

Pigs of all kinds can be enjoyable, charming pets, but the reduced size of the Vietnamese potbellied pig makes it an excellent choice for a porcine pet. Their curious, almost childlike behavior, as well as their adaptability and ease of learning, can make them a real pleasure and a great challenge to keep. The author fears that as many as 25% to 50% of potbellied pigs are no longer in their original homes by 1 year of age primarily because of a high incidence of behavior problems. These are, in reality, "people problems," not "pet problems." The environmental and training requirements of the potbellied pig are more complex and require more understanding than those of the average dog or cat. The author's belief is that the potbellied pig's strong drive to be dominant is a unique behavioral characteristic that more people should be made aware of before acquiring a pet pig. With knowledge of normal pig behavior, problems can be avoided through proper socialization and training. If pet owners consult a veterinarian knowledgeable about pig behavior at the first sign of a problem, treatment usually can be successful.