Pigs

Question 1

Anatomical features of the Pig that are important in Vet Med?

(8)

Answer 1

• Large Abdominal Fat Deposits
• Thin Abdominal Muscles
• GIT
• Small Heart
• Laryngeal diverticulum
• Limited sub-cuticular space
• Guarded venous system
• Few Sweat Glands

Question 2

What is the Anesthetic protocol for Pigs?

TQ

Answer 2

• Anesthesize pigs early morning & discharge in late afternoon
• Monitor temps beware of Malignant hyperthermia

Question 3

When/How should you neuter a pig?

Answer 3

• 8-12 weeks
• Must close external inguinal canal to prevent herniation
• Do NOT do a farm castration

Question 4

When/How should you spay a pig?

Answer 4

• 8-12 weeks ideal
• Flank Spay technique
  
  • Overohysterectomy in yong sows
  • Overoectomy in older sows

Question 5

Why should you not chase or stress out a pig?

Answer 5

Their hearts are very small in relation to their body size–>cardiac arrest risk

Question 6

What makes ET intubation in pigs difficult?

TQ

Answer 6

• Laryngeal diverticulum
• Prone to laryngeal spasm & pharyngeal edema

Question 7

What does a limited subcuticular space mean for vets?

Answer 7

• Almost impossible to give SQ fluids
  
  • Give IM & 10% extra to compensate for leakage

Question 8

Is venous access readily available in pigs?

Answer 8

• No venous access is guarded
• Best place for IVC & blood draw is ear veins

Question 9

Why are pigs prone to over heating & heat stress?

Answer 9

Few Sweat glands = No sweating

Use water/mud to cool down

Question 10

Should you sedate to trim hooves and tusks?

Answer 10

YES!

Question 11

What do you have to be careful about when you trim tusks?

Answer 11

Do not cut tusk at gum line

b/c suceptible to tooth root abscesses, nerve endings present right at gum line.

Question 12

What is a common ailment of old pigs?

Answer 12

Osteoarthritis