Pigs Flashcards
Anatomical features of the Pig that are important in Vet Med?
(8)
- Large Abdominal Fat Deposits
- Thin Abdominal Muscles
- GIT
- Small Heart
- Laryngeal diverticulum
- Limited sub-cuticular space
- Guarded venous system
- Few Sweat Glands
What is the Anesthetic protocol for Pigs?
TQ
- Anesthesize pigs early morning & discharge in late afternoon
- Monitor temps beware of Malignant hyperthermia
When/How should you neuter a pig?
- 8-12 weeks
- Must close external inguinal canal to prevent herniation
- Do NOT do a farm castration
When/How should you spay a pig?
- 8-12 weeks ideal
-
Flank Spay technique
- Overohysterectomy in yong sows
- Overoectomy in older sows
Why should you not chase or stress out a pig?
Their hearts are very small in relation to their body size–>cardiac arrest risk
What makes ET intubation in pigs difficult?
TQ
- Laryngeal diverticulum
- Prone to laryngeal spasm & pharyngeal edema
What does a limited subcuticular space mean for vets?
- Almost impossible to give SQ fluids
- Give IM & 10% extra to compensate for leakage
Is venous access readily available in pigs?
- No venous access is guarded
- Best place for IVC & blood draw is ear veins
Why are pigs prone to over heating & heat stress?
Few Sweat glands = No sweating
Use water/mud to cool down
Should you sedate to trim hooves and tusks?
YES!
What do you have to be careful about when you trim tusks?
Do not cut tusk at gum line
b/c suceptible to tooth root abscesses, nerve endings present right at gum line.
What is a common ailment of old pigs?
Osteoarthritis