Obstipation in pet pigs: 24 cases |
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| Authors: | Kallie J Hobbs SallyAnne L DeNotta Aitor Gallastegui George L Elane Luis A Rivero Pamela Adkins Diego E Gomez |
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| Institution: | University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA (Hobbs, DeNotta, Gallastegui, Elane); University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA (Rivero, Adkins); Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Gomez) |
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| Abstract: | Clinical features and patient outcomes for pet pigs with obstipation are poorly defined. This retrospective study reports the clinical findings from 24 pet (non-production) pigs with obstipation presented to 2 veterinary teaching hospitals. Clinical features of obstipated pet pigs included anorexia or hyporexia in 24 pigs (100%), pain on abdominal palpation in 22 (90%), lethargy in 21 (88%), tachypnea in 19 (79%), vomiting in 14 (58%), and tachycardia in 13 (54%). Frequently observed hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included leukopenia in 36% (8/22) of the pigs, lymphopenia in 75% (17/22), toxic changes in neutrophils in 63% (14/22), hypokalemia in 50% (9/18), and hypoglycemia in 28% (5/18). Diagnostic imaging via radiography and/or computed tomography frequently identified gastric distention and accumulation of ingesta and gas throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Medical treatments included fluid therapy, anti-emetics, oral administration of carbonated beverages, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and systemic antimicrobials. Surgical intervention was performed in 7/29% of pigs. In this study, obstipation in pet pigs carried a fair to favorable prognosis for survival, with 70% of patients surviving to discharge. |
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