GI[1]
Pigs are curious, intelligent, and have very strong noses, thus they tend to get into things they should not. Toxin ingestion should always be on the differential list of a sick pig. And while signs of toxin ingestion may not be related to the GI tract, this topic was introduced here as the signs of toxicity vary greatly based on the toxin in question.
Gastric foreign bodies are also a big concern due to pet pigs rooting and scavenging behaviors. These can be treated in a similar manner as in dogs.
Gastric ulceration is less common in pet pigs than commercial swine, but may occur secondarily when the pig is off feed or being treated with NSAIDs for another reason. Clinical signs include acute recumbency, pallor, cold extremities, weakness, depression, dark black vomit, and melena. Identifying ulcers early and treating with omeprazole (extra label use) is important to prevent mortality. Preventative therapy with gastric support medications should be considered in pigs at high risk of ulceration.
Dehydration is common in pet pigs but does not need to be. Free choice clean water at all times is important. Among other issues, dehydration can lead to colonic impactions. Do not use mineral oil in pigs, they are very prone to aspiration.
Neonatal diarrhea is not nearly as common in pet pigs as it is in commercial swine, mostly due to more sanitary living conditions. Common causes of neonatal diarrhea include rotavirus, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, and coccidiosis. Astrovirus is another common cause of diarrhea in piglets less than 1 month old. The main clinical sign is yellow stool. This is a very prevalent virus with very low fatality rate. There may be a link to poultry, as they also get astrovirus. Supportive care is all that is needed as the piglets usually do not get dehydrated or lose their appetite. Spontaneous recovery usually occurs within a month.
Clostridium perfringens Type C is common in pet pigs that are born/raised outdoors, especially if the soil was previously inhabited by pigs. The bacteria affects pigs that are less than 3 weeks old. The bacteria are heavily shed in the feces. Clinical signs include diarrhea +/- blood, sepsis, tachypnea, purplish discoloration of the extremities and dependent skin, weakness, lethargy, fever, tachycardia, and abdominal sensitivity and distension. If the infection occurs within the first 6-8 hours of life, mortality rate is near 100%. Diagnosis via ELISA testing for toxins in intestinal contents and post mortem identification of emphysematous necrotizing enteritis. Unfortunately these are post mortem tests. Stool samples are often negative even in truly positive animals. Prevention includes farrowing indoors and in a clean environment. If farrowing is to occur outdoors, a 7-way clostridial bacterin vaccine should be given to the sows, with a second dose 3 weeks prior to farrowing if the sow was not previously vaccinated. By the time clinical signs are present, antibiotic therapy is of minimal help.
Coccidiosis, like Clostridium, is common in pigs raised outdoors. If you pigs are raised inside in a clean environment, this is an unlikely disease. Clinical disease occurs in piglets from 3-14 days old. Coccidia in swine are host specific. Clinical signs include fibrinous diarrhea, dehydration, shivering, and potentially death due to hypoglycemia, dehydration, and chilling. Clinical course is approximately 1 week, the piglets get better or they die. Stool is described as gray to yellow, pasty, frothy, and foul smelling. Treatment is prevention and good hygiene. Other treatments sulfa drugs or amprolium. If pigs are to be raised outdoors, prophylactic treatment with amprolium to the sow 1 week prior to and following parturition can help.
Diarrhea in adult pet pigs is much less common than in commercial swine due to more sanitary living conditions, as previously mentioned. Common causes of diarrhea in adult commercial swine included Salmonella, Lawsonia, and Brachyspira. Giardia is also worth mentioning since it is a zoonotic pathogen. It causes transient diarrhea in neonatal pigs, while adults are usually asymptomatic. Swine acquire infections through contaminated water and soil. Treatment with fenbendazole is efficacious.
