coughing pig

[miron28]

i have a Yorkshire piglet that is coughing he is about 15 weeks old anybody have a idea why and what do i need to give him thanks

 

[jhm47]

Pigs often cough. They usually are eating feed that is quite dusty, and I think that's why. They also root around in straw and dirt, and probably inhale some small particles. This would make any animal cough a bit. Another possibility is that it has a case of roundworms.

Roundworms (Ascarids) lay thousands of eggs each day. These eggs are infective for several years, and when an animal ingests them, the eggs hatch in the intestinal tract. The resulting larva migrate througn the liver and eventually into the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed. They then re-enter the intestinal tract, where they mature, and begin to lay thousands of eggs each day. There are many treatments for roundworms that work well. In my experience, one of the safest and most effective is Ivomec. Ivomec is effective on many internal as well as external parasites. Many pigs have a subclinical case of mange, and the Ivomec will do a great job of eliminating that.

 

[miron28]

how do i give them the ivomec and how often do i need to give it to them? where is a good place to get this stuff thanks

 

[jhm47]

Veterinarians or farm supply stores usually handle it. It comes in many forms, but the injectable form is usually used in pigs. Inject it right behind the ear. If I remember correctly, it takes 1cc (ml) per 50 lbs, but you should read the directions to make sure. A little overdose will not harm them. I think it's quite inexpensive. I used to buy a bottle for around $40. Might be even cheaper now, since the patent has expired.

 

[bullcreek]

I have a spotted pig that is coughing and I came across this web site and topic through Google. Her coughing seems to be worse at night and while laying down. My husband feels that it is her heart because she is fat for her age (just turned 6 months old today) and she weighs around 75 pounds. I've raised Baby since she was two hours old (momma rejected her), so she has eaten better and more than her litter mates.

After reading your post, I believe (and pray) it is roundworms and not her heart. We purchased two 6-week old Yorkshire piglets two months ago and the three of them just started coughing last week. We gave them (and the pigs penned up) a dose of Wazine last week. I haven't heard the Young 'Uns cough any more and Baby had a couple of good days but then the coughing came back (and with a vengence, it seems.)

I purchased the Ivomec from TSC today and gave her an injection tonight (1 cc per 75#) - how long does this stuff take to work? I understand I won't see results overnight (wish, wish) but, if it is roundworms, when should the coughing ease or cease? I really feel bad that she is in such discomfort and want to make her confortable.

This is a great site and I am really glad that I came across it -- it's on my Favorites Toolbar now! (Is there a section for chickens???)

Thanks for the great information!

 

[freemotion]

This is a great site and I am really glad that I came across it -- it's on my Favorites Toolbar now! (Is there a section for chickens???)

Don't know the answer to your pig question but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you'll see a link for backyardchickens. All about poultry! And a forum on gardening, and one for those who want to be a bit more self-sufficient.

 

[Terri280]

I am new to this so I am not sure exactly how it works and I have a question. I have a 1 year old pot belly pig, he lives in the house mostly but goes out in a pen during the day. Lately he has been coughing a little and making a sort of gasping noise but he is breathing fine, eating fine, his nose is moist and feels normal and has a normal temperature (that was fun). Does anyone have any ideas? I am going to try worming him with the ivermectin mentioned earlier.
Thank you.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

If I remember correctly, it takes 1cc (ml) per 50 lbs, but you should read the directions to make sure.

It could be 75lbs so yes please check the instructions. We use Dectomax injectible here which is 1ml per 75lbs for swine & yes posters are right in saying that coughing can be a symptom of worms so if the pigs have never been wormed then it is essential that they be so. We routinely worm at 8 weeks old when we wean but rarely, rarely ever worm after that.

As to Terris' question:

I have a 1 year old pot belly pig, he lives in the house mostly but goes out in a pen during the day. Lately he has been coughing a little and making a sort of gasping noise but he is breathing fine, eating fine, his nose is moist and feels normal and has a normal temperature (that was fun). Does anyone have any ideas?

Hard to tell without more details. Is he overweight? Yet again if he has not been wormed then do try that. As disgusting as it seems you should see the worms expelled in 2-3 days if he has them. Sometimes in our piglets we will see worms & other times we will see none expelled which is of course always nice! Be watchful so you know if he had them.

Liz

 

[Terri280]

Thanks Liz we are worming him. He is not overweight and also snuck in the barn and ate some hay off the floor that was dusty.
We will watch the piggy poop over the next few days.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

also snuck in the barn and ate some hay off the floor that was dusty.

When we were in the drought this past summer & dust was everywhere several of our pigs were coughing. We were worried at first but now the ground is moist we are not seeing it anymore.

Liz