Porker Feeling Poorly

[that's*satyrical]

My male Tamworth has recently been less enthusiastic than usual about food & also somewhat lethargic. Should I be concerned? What could be wrong with him, if anything??

 

[SheepGirl]

Take his temperature and see if he has a fever.

 

[that's*satyrical]

Oh my, how would I do that?? He's a big boy & I don't think he would enjoy that much.

 

[SheepGirl]

Don't have hogs...but if I did, I would take an adjustable halter (like for goats/sheep), put it around his snout and have someone hold him securely while you stick a thermometer up his butt

 

[Year of the Rooster]

I also recommend taking his temperature. But you shouldn't have to restrain him to do it. The thermometer shouldn't go far enough in to cause discomfort, just enough to take his temp. And trust me if he's not feeling well enough to move around, then he won't mind a small poke up the butt If his temperature is above 103 then seek a vet immediately.

 

[that's*satyrical]

He seemed better this evening. Thanks for the advice. If he seems off again tomorrow I will attempt to get his temp. If it turns out normal is there anything else I should do?

 

[Year of the Rooster]

If it were me and his temp. was normal, I would just make sure he stays cool and is eating/drinking like he usually would. Is it possible he injured himself some how? or maybe ate something that caused some discomfort?

Just so you know, I am far from a swine expert, but I have had some experience with sick pigs. Both years that I took market hog projects for 4-H my pigs ended up catching Pneumonia at the fair. Needless to say, the experience was well worth the stress.

 

[that's*satyrical]

OK so he seems to be doing alright for the most part. Still a little slower than the girl. A new "symptom" he has 2 lumps on his forehead, one on his neck, and a few smaller ones on one of his legs. They look like mosquito bites, but big ones. Will try to get his temp soon I need to find my livestock thermometer then go in there & try to get it.

 

[Hillsvale]

Take his temperature and see if he has a fever.

@ sheep girl, I would want to see the video

No need IMO, if your pig is off his feed he is requiring attantion. Pigs don't have sweat glands, make sure he has shade and water and they like their wallows. Perhaps see if he will take some fruit, something with a high water content. If he isn't back up to snuff with extra water and shade/wallow I would consider giving him penicillian. For those here with boars that co-operate with a shot great... mind required trickery and finally one day of patience tricking him to eat food (while he was too sick to argue much) with the drugs in them and 5 days of tempting him with food enough for him to open his mouth to get the rehydrated powdered stuff syringed on the sly down his throat (this stuff was desperately smelly).

The bites may be horse flies, observe his pen to see what may be flying around!

 

[that's*satyrical]

So he is eating heartily again but now he is limping!!! I think the girl beat the crap outta him. He was kinda scared to come up by her & eat this morning. Maybe he tried to breed her before she was ready??....??? LOL