Walking in Circles Can Signal An Infectious Condition
It may look funny if you notice your pig walking in circles, but it is a serious condition.
Pigs walk in circles due to a middle ear infection, a brain stem infection, or a bacterial infection. If they are circling you, it may be a display of extreme aggression. Depending on the age of your pig, it’s one of three main infections: Listeriosis, Vestibular syndrome, or Actinobacillus.
Listeriosis affects mainly sows and can cause disorientation and stillbirths.
Vestibular syndrome, or an inner ear infection or brain stem infection, mainly affects young, growing pigs and causes a head tilt and circling.
Actinobaccillus usually affects preborn pigs and piglets, causing shaking, tremors, and sudden death.
All of the above diseases must be diagnosed as early as possible to administer the correct medication. Otherwise, death is prevalent as the diseases progress, often very quickly.
Steps to Take if Your Pig Walks in Circles:
If your pig appears to have developed listeriosis or actinobacillosis, you will need to take your pig to the vet as soon as possible.
First, the vet may inject your pig with penicillin and aminoglycosides. Next, identify what caused the infection and prevent it from spreading further. A blood smear test should help in this regard.
- The vet may inject your pig with penicillin and aminoglycosides.
- Identify what caused the infection and prevent it from spreading further. A blood smear test should help in this regard.
My Most Used Pig Supplies
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Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.
A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.
Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.
A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.
When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.
You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.
Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.