Micro pig case method: 50 questions

7 a.m. in November. A 3-year-old male micro pig, who normally comes running at the sound of the feed bag, will not come out of his bed. He feels very hot to the touch; rectal temperature is 40.8°C. Several reddish-purple spots are visible on the edges of the ears and on the belly. Yesterday his appetite was only slightly reduced. Wild boars have recently been sighted in the hills behind the house.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Give a human fever reducer and watch at home until the fever drops
2. Isolate him from other animals, keep him quiet in a cool place, and contact the vet and the Livestock Hygiene Service Center immediately
3. Take him out for a walk to cheer him up and see if his appetite returns
4. Photograph the spots and ask on social media whether anyone has seen similar cases

AnswerB. Isolate him from other animals, keep him quiet in a cool place, and contact the vet and the Livestock Hygiene Service Center immediately

ExplanationHigh fever, complete loss of appetite and purple blotches on the ears and belly are the classic signs of classical swine fever (CSF), a notifiable disease under the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control that must be reported immediately. The owner's job is to isolate the pig from other animals, keep it quiet, and contact the vet and the Livestock Hygiene Service Center at once. Human fever reducers have no known safe dose for pigs, can cause liver and kidney damage, and mask symptoms, delaying diagnosis. A walk is a burden on the pig and, if this is an infectious disease, spreads the pathogen. Asking on social media wastes time and does not fulfill the legal duty to report. The timing is "right now."

IssuesIn an area with wild boars, fence biosecurity was inadequate, and the previous day's reduced appetite was taken lightly without checking the temperature. The owner did not know that CSF is a notifiable disease or that the contact point is the Livestock Hygiene Service Center.

ImprovementInstall double fencing to keep boars out and a footbath for disinfecting shoes; keep separate shoes for outdoors and the pig area. Post the phone numbers of the Livestock Hygiene Service Center and a vet that accepts pigs on the refrigerator. Make it a habit to take the temperature the same day appetite drops, and consult the prefectural government about vaccination.

9 p.m. in February. Since the evening, a 4-year-old neutered male has been squatting and straining repeatedly on the litter, but almost no urine comes out. He paces restlessly between his bed and the toilet, and squeals when his belly is touched. He has no appetite. This morning his urine was less than usual and darker. The nearby animal hospital is already closed.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Give lots of water to push the urine out, and wait until morning to see the vet
2. Massage the belly to help him urinate, and once he goes, let him sleep
3. Male urinary obstruction is life-threatening, so find an after-hours hospital and get him seen within a few hours
4. Give a cranberry supplement found online and see how he is tomorrow

AnswerC. Male urinary obstruction is life-threatening, so find an after-hours hospital and get him seen within a few hours

ExplanationMale pigs have a long, narrow urethra, so a stone easily causes complete obstruction, leading to bladder rupture or acute kidney failure within hours to half a day. Straining with no urine is an emergency requiring a "right now" visit; call an emergency (after-hours) animal hospital or a facility that treats pigs and transport him. Giving water does not clear the obstruction; urine builds up in the bladder, increasing pain and the risk of rupture. Massaging the belly can rupture a distended bladder. Supplements are not treatment, and waiting until the next day is a fatal delay.

IssuesThe signs of reduced, dark urine that morning were missed, and symptoms that began in the evening were watched until night. The owner did not know that urinary stones in males are life-threatening and had not looked up a hospital that accepts pigs at night.

ImprovementFor males, record the number and volume of urinations daily and see the vet as soon as they decrease. Place several water bowls to ensure water intake, and avoid mineral-rich food and treats. Look up emergency (after-hours) animal hospitals that treat pigs in advance and keep the phone number and directions on hand.

An evening in August. A 2-year-old female has not passed stool since the day before yesterday. Today she vomited once at noon, and her belly is distended on both sides like a drum. She lies hunched in her bed and resists being made to stand. Three days ago relatives visited and gave her a lot of bread and rice crackers. She still goes to drink water.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. No stool, vomiting and abdominal distension are all present, so see the vet the same day
2. Give a large amount of vegetables to add fiber and encourage a bowel movement
3. Use a human enema at home to help her pass stool
4. Warm the belly and watch for a few days; see the vet if nothing comes out

AnswerA. No stool, vomiting and abdominal distension are all present, so see the vet the same day

ExplanationNo stool for 24 hours alone warrants caution, but with vomiting and abdominal distension added, intestinal obstruction or severe constipation/bloat is likely, and a same-day visit is needed. Withhold food until the visit and allow free access to water. Giving large amounts of vegetables adds more content to an obstructed gut and makes it worse. A human enema has no established dose or indication, can injure the bowel, and is contraindicated in obstruction. Watching for days leads to bowel necrosis or perforation. Pigs are prone to digestive trouble from sudden diet changes and hard-to-digest human food.

IssuesThe owner could not stop visitors from giving human food, and the sudden change in diet strained the digestive system. On the first day without stool, the owner did not withhold food and observe, and did not understand what abdominal distension and vomiting mean.

ImprovementTell visitors in advance which foods are allowed and forbid anything but feed. Record the number and shape of stools daily; if none for 24 hours, withhold food and provide water, and share with the family the rule that vomiting or distension means a same-day vet visit.

A December morning. A 5-year-old male weighing 55 kg. For about two weeks he has made several attempts to get up from his bed, and now walks a few steps on his front knees before standing. The hind-leg joints feel slightly warm to the touch. He often slips on the hardwood floor. He has an appetite and the energy to beg for treats. He resists walks and sits down partway.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Give a human painkiller every day so he does not have to endure pain
2. He is lively with a good appetite, so lengthen the walks to build muscle
3. Lay non-slip mats, keep him rested, and see the vet within a few days for a joint and weight assessment
4. The winter cold is the cause, so just warm the joints with a heat pack

AnswerC. Lay non-slip mats, keep him rested, and see the vet within a few days for a joint and weight assessment

ExplanationDifficulty standing, walking on the knees and warm joints are typical of arthritis, and a 55 kg body plus a slippery floor add to the strain. First change to non-slip flooring to reduce the load, then see the vet within a few days for joint assessment and weight-management advice. Switch to a same-day visit if he cannot bear weight at all or suddenly cannot stand. Human painkillers can cause stomach ulcers or kidney damage in pigs depending on the drug, and the dose is unknown, so never give them on your own judgment. Increasing walks while in pain worsens joint inflammation. Warming alone does not stop progression, and if obesity is the cause, it is not a real solution.

IssuesAbnormal rising was left for two weeks, and the pig was kept on hardwood flooring. Treats were given whenever he begged, and continued weight gain strained the joints. The lameness was dismissed as "because it's winter" without considering the cause.

ImprovementLay non-slip mats throughout the living space and replace steps with ramps. Weigh out feed by body weight and limit treats to 10% of the daily ration. Record weight and gait monthly, and see the vet as soon as rising starts to take longer.

A night in January. For a week, an 18-month-old female has been rubbing her body violently against the fence and walls, and is too itchy to sleep at night. Her back sheds large amounts of powdery dandruff, and black debris has built up inside the ears. Parts of the skin have scabbed, and blood seeps from cracked areas. The room is dry from the air-conditioner heating. The owner has also developed small itchy bumps on the arms.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Assume dryness is the cause, apply a thick layer of human moisturizer all over, and wait
2. Give a human anti-itch medicine to prevent scratching wounds
3. Mange is possible, so reduce contact and get a skin test at the vet within a few days
4. Shower her daily with hot water to wash away the dandruff

AnswerC. Mange is possible, so reduce contact and get a skin test at the vet within a few days

ExplanationIntense itching, heavy dandruff, black debris in the ears and scabs strongly suggest sarcoptic mange (scabies mites), and the owner's rash makes transmission to humans likely. The mites can be confirmed by a skin test, and treatment requires antiparasitic medication from the vet. See the vet within a few days; until then reduce contact and wash hands after handling. Assuming dryness and moisturizing does not reduce the parasites, and using human medicine on a pig is dangerous with unknown dose and safety. Hot showers destroy the skin barrier and worsen dryness and itching.

IssuesFor a week the owner self-diagnosed the itching as dryness and left symptoms severe enough to prevent sleep. Not knowing that mange is a zoonosis, the owner kept handling with bare hands and developed a rash too. Indoor humidity control was also inadequate.

ImprovementIn winter keep humidity at 50–60% with a humidifier and care for the skin a few times a week with an animal moisturizer. Check the skin while brushing, and get a skin test early if itching and dandruff appear together. Wear gloves during treatment, and wash and dry the bedding.

A May morning. A 6-year-old unspayed female has left a brownish, pus-like fluid on the towel in her bed. Her vulva is soiled and her belly looks slightly swollen. Since yesterday her appetite has dropped and she only drinks water. Her heat cycle has been irregular for the past few months. The owner thinks it is "just heat bleeding" and is about to wash it off.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Treat it as a form of heat, wash her clean, and wait until the next cycle
2. Uterine disease is likely, so have her examined at the vet the same day
3. Look for over-the-counter antibiotics and give them at home
4. Give extra soy products to balance her hormones

AnswerB. Uterine disease is likely, so have her examined at the vet the same day

ExplanationIn an unspayed female, pus from the vulva, abdominal swelling, poor appetite and excessive drinking together strongly suggest uterine disease such as pyometra, and a same-day visit is required. Once bacterial toxins spread through the body, sudden death from sepsis or kidney failure can occur, and surgery is usually needed. Assuming heat bleeding and just washing misses the progression. Over-the-counter antibiotics are inappropriate in both access and indication, and pus in the uterus is not expelled by drugs alone. Diet cannot regulate hormones and only wastes time. If fever or marked lethargy develops, switch to a "right now" visit.

IssuesThe irregular heat cycle, a sign present for months, was ignored, and spaying was never considered despite no plans to breed. The owner could not tell pus from blood and did not know that excessive drinking and abdominal swelling signal deterioration of the whole body.

ImprovementFor females not intended for breeding, discuss spaying at a young age with a vet experienced in pig surgery. Record the heat cycle and the condition of the vulva, and see the vet early if the cycle is irregular or there is abnormal discharge. Use light-colored bed towels so the color of any discharge is easy to see.

A night in March. A 2-year-old male has had a dry cough for three days, and today his nasal discharge turned yellow. Even lying in bed, his chest moves fast, about 35 breaths per minute. His appetite has dropped by about half. He is kept outdoors, and last week brought big temperature swings and continuous rain. His temperature is 39.8°C.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Coughs often clear on their own, so wait about a week
2. Give a small amount of human cold medicine and let him sleep in a warm shelter
3. Keep him warm and rested out of drafts, see the vet by the next day, and go immediately if he starts open-mouth breathing
4. Cool him down with a water bath to calm the cough

AnswerC. Keep him warm and rested out of drafts, see the vet by the next day, and go immediately if he starts open-mouth breathing

ExplanationThe normal respiratory rate is 15–25 per minute; 35 plus fever, yellow nasal discharge and reduced appetite suggest a bacterial respiratory infection or pneumonia. Pneumonia progresses quickly in pigs, so first ensure warmth and rest, and see the vet no later than the next day. Open-mouth breathing, inability to lie down or purple lips mean respiratory distress and a "right now" visit. Waiting a week lets pneumonia advance. Human cold medicines contain ingredients harmful to pigs with unknown doses. A water bath during fever drains strength and worsens respiratory symptoms. Outdoor housing with temperature swings and damp conditions is the background to this illness.

IssuesThe outdoor shelter did not adequately block rain and wind, and warmth was lacking during a period of large temperature swings. The cough was ignored for three days, and the owner did not know the normal respiratory rate, so the signs of deterioration were missed. Taking the temperature was also delayed.

ImprovementSeal drafts in the outdoor shelter and lay a thick bed of dry straw to buffer temperature swings. Memorize the normal respiratory rate (15–25) and record breathing rate and temperature on the day a cough starts. Set a rule to see the vet when a cough lasts two days or the nasal discharge turns colored.

Midday in September. A 4-year-old female whose weight has risen 15 kg in a year to 62 kg. Fat around the eyes keeps her eyelids almost closed, and her breathing becomes labored after walking only a few meters. The whole family gives her treats, and she eats a lot of fruit and bread every day. Her stride is short, and lately she resists walks. Her appetite is strong and she looks healthy.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. She has an appetite, so she is healthy. Keep the current diet and lengthen walks to lose weight
2. Switch to human diet foods to lose weight fast
3. Fast her for a day to burn fat
4. Have the vet check her health, then reduce weight gradually with weighed mini-pig feed and restricted treats

AnswerD. Have the vet check her health, then reduce weight gradually with weighed mini-pig feed and restricted treats

ExplanationEyes buried in fat, a short stride and labored breathing are signs of severe obesity, which leads to vision loss, arthritis and strain on the heart and lungs. Weight loss should follow a vet's assessment, with mini-pig feed weighed by body weight, treats limited to 10% of the daily ration, and a gradual pace. Having an appetite is not proof of health, and lengthening walks with painful joints worsens lameness. Human diet foods are nutritionally unsuited to pigs, and rapid weight loss or fasting causes metabolic problems and digestive trouble. A visit within a few days is fine, but open-mouth breathing or inability to lie down means a same-day visit.

IssuesFamily members gave treats individually and no one tracked the total. Expecting her to "stay small," they confused weight gain with growth and did not notice obesity until her vision was blocked. They did not recognize how high fruit and bread are in sugar and calories.

ImprovementDivide the daily treat ration into small bags and make it a family rule that treats come only from that bag. Weigh every feeding and record weight and body shape with photos monthly. Make leafy greens the main treat and provide satisfaction with food-seeking puzzle toys.

A July morning. An 8-month-old piglet has had watery diarrhea more than five times since last night. Yesterday the feed was switched to a new brand all at once. This morning he ate a little feed but went straight back to bed, and his eyes look slightly sunken. When the skin is pinched, it is slow to return. Room temperature is nearly 30°C.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Judge this dangerous due to dehydration and young age; provide water, cool the room, and see the vet the same day
2. Give a human anti-diarrheal and wait until he gets used to the new feed
3. Withhold both water and food for a full day to rest the gut
4. Give extra yogurt and fruit to regulate the gut

AnswerA. Judge this dangerous due to dehydration and young age; provide water, cool the room, and see the vet the same day

ExplanationYoung pigs have little fluid reserve, and continued watery diarrhea leads to dehydration within hours. Sunken eyes and slow skin return are signs that dehydration has already begun, so a same-day visit is needed. Until then give free access to fresh water and lower the room temperature from nearly 30°C to prevent exhaustion. The sudden feed change is the likely cause, but infection is possible, so testing is needed. Human anti-diarrheals can stop the shedding of pathogens in infectious diarrhea and make it worse. Withholding water makes dehydration fatal. Yogurt and fruit irritate the gut and worsen diarrhea.

IssuesSwitching feed all at once triggered the diarrhea; the owner did not know that sudden diet changes cause it. After more than five episodes overnight, the risk of dehydration was not considered and action was delayed until morning. The hot room also hastened exhaustion.

ImprovementTransition feed over a week or more by mixing small amounts into the old feed. For piglets, check hydration (eyes, skin, moisture in the mouth) after three episodes of diarrhea and decide on a vet visit even at night. In summer keep the room at or below 25°C and place several water bowls.

An evening in April. A 13-year-old male suddenly collapsed in the yard, legs stiffened, foaming at the mouth, and seized for about a minute. Afterward he is limp and responds sluggishly to his name. For the past few weeks his appetite has been poor and he has lost weight. The startled owner is about to put a hand in his mouth to hold down the tongue.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Put fingers in the mouth to hold the tongue so he does not bite it
2. Call his name loudly and shake him hard to bring him round
3. Move hazards away, keep things quiet, note the seizure duration, and call for an immediate vet visit
4. Give water to calm him and see the vet the next day

AnswerC. Move hazards away, keep things quiet, note the seizure duration, and call for an immediate vet visit

ExplanationSeizures and reduced consciousness are emergency signs requiring a "right now" visit. Putting a hand in the mouth during a seizure leads to severe bite wounds from the powerful jaws and obstructs the pig's breathing. Move surrounding objects away to prevent injury, record the length and appearance of the seizure, and once it stops, lay him quietly on his side, call a hospital that can take him, and transport. Shaking or shouting prolongs the seizure. Giving water to an animal that is not fully conscious causes aspiration. In an elderly pig with weight loss, brain or metabolic disease or a tumor is likely, and waiting until the next day is dangerous.

IssuesWeeks of reduced appetite and weight loss were attributed to old age without a vet visit. The owner did not know how to handle a seizure and nearly put a hand in the mouth, risking a bite. There was no habit of regular checkups for an elderly pig.

ImprovementAfter age 10, get a checkup and blood test every six months. Share the rule "do not touch, record, call" for seizures with the family and film the episode. Prepare a transport blanket and large crate, and decide the procedure for carrying with several people.

Midday in August. A 3-year-old male has learned to flip his lightweight water bowl with his snout, and for several days he has been without water for hours until the owner gets home. Lately his urine seems darker and less frequent. Today he strained a little when urinating, but urine is coming out. Appetite is normal.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Urine is coming out, so there is no problem. The water bowl is fine as is
2. Place heavy bowls in several spots to ensure water intake, observe urination daily, and consult the vet within a few days
3. Give a sports drink to replace fluids and minerals
4. Sprinkle salt on the feed to make him thirsty so he drinks

AnswerB. Place heavy bowls in several spots to ensure water intake, observe urination daily, and consult the vet within a few days

ExplanationIn male pigs, concentrated urine from insufficient water promotes stone formation, and straining is an early sign. Since urine is still passing, this is not "right now," but improve the drinking setup, record the number, volume and straining of urinations daily, and consult the vet within a few days. Switch to an immediate visit if straining produces no urine. "He is urinating, so it's fine" overlooks the stage before obstruction. Sports drinks are high in sugar and salt, and excess minerals promote stones. Adding salt does the same, harming both the kidneys and stone risk. Several heavy, untippable bowls are the most reliable prevention.

IssuesA lightweight, tippable bowl was kept in use, leaving the pig without water during the day. The owner did not know that insufficient water in male pigs leads to the life-threatening problem of stones and urinary obstruction, and did not record changes in urine color or frequency.

ImprovementUse heavy ceramic or fixed water bowls, and place three or more in summer. Know the daily water intake (several liters) and check the cause on days it drops. For males, note urination frequency and straining daily, and share with the family the criteria for a vet visit when anything changes.

An evening in October. A 7-year-old female started dragging her right front leg after a walk. On close inspection, the hoof is overgrown with the tip curling up, and the skin between the toes is red, swollen and warm. She pulls the foot away when touched. She has spent most of her time lately on soft indoor mats, and her hooves have not been trimmed for over a year. Her appetite is fine.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Cut the overgrown hoof short in one go with household nippers
2. She is lively with a good appetite, so wait a few weeks for it to heal on its own
3. Increase walks to wear the hoof down on concrete until the pain goes
4. Rest her and see the vet within a few days for hoof trimming and treatment of the inflammation between the toes

AnswerD. Rest her and see the vet within a few days for hoof trimming and treatment of the inflammation between the toes

ExplanationOvergrown hooves distort the gait and strain the joints, and red, warm, swollen skin between the toes is a sign of interdigital inflammation or infection. If she favors the foot or there is swelling, see the vet within a few days for hoof trimming and treatment under veterinary care. Cutting overgrown hooves short at home in one go injures the sensitive tissue, causes bleeding, and makes her resist trimming out of pain. Leaving it for weeks lets infection reach deeper tissue and the lameness become chronic. Walking on hard ground with a painful foot only worsens the inflammation. Hoof wear is a routine measure for healthy feet, not a substitute for treatment.

IssuesShe lived only on soft flooring with no opportunity for natural hoof wear. Hooves had not been trimmed for over a year, and there was no habit of routinely checking hoof length and the skin between the toes. Management was reactive, responding only after lameness appeared.

ImprovementWalk on hard surfaces such as concrete and photograph hoof length monthly. Trim hooves every few months and get her used to having her feet handled. If difficult at home, ask the vet. The day she favors a foot, check the hooves and the skin between the toes.

A night in June. A 2-year-old male weighing 35 kg tried to come down the stairs from the second floor and tumbled. After a scream, he cannot get up, his left hind leg is held stretched out, and he reacts violently when touched. The hip area is starting to swell. The owner is trying to lift him into a standing position. Only the couple is at home.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Do not force him to stand; lay him on his side, carry him on a blanket between the two of you, and see the vet the same day
2. Stand him up a few times to see whether he can walk, and watch if he can
3. Splint the leg, give a painkiller, and see the vet the next morning
4. He is in pain, so do not touch him; rest him in bed for a few days and let it heal

AnswerA. Do not force him to stand; lay him on his side, carry him on a blanket between the two of you, and see the vet the same day

ExplanationInability to stand after a fall, a leg held stretched out and swelling at the hip strongly suggest a fracture or dislocation. As the manual says, do not force him to stand; lay him on his side, use a blanket as a stretcher, carry him with several people, and see the vet the same day. Testing whether he can walk lets the fracture ends damage nearby vessels and nerves, and pain may make him bite. An amateur splint moves the fracture and makes it worse, and human painkillers are dangerous. Days of rest miss the window for setting the bone, leading to malunion and chronic lameness. Call a hospital that can take him before transport and give his weight so they can prepare.

IssuesHe was free to climb the stairs. The owner did not know that pigs have poor eyesight, struggle going down stairs, and often fracture bones in falls. The owner had not thought about how to transport him or how much weight two people can carry, and nearly caused pain by trying to lift him.

ImprovementInstall gates at the top and bottom of stairs and ramps on steps. Prepare a thick transport blanket or a large-dog crate, and check how many people are needed to carry him as his weight increases. Share with the family the rule that inability to stand after a fall means a same-day vet visit.

An April morning, on a walk in the park. A 1-year-old female was attacked by a large off-leash dog and bitten on the ear. Blood drips from the base of the ear, and there are tooth marks on her neck. The pig is agitated, squealing and trembling. The dog's owner apologized and took the dog home. Blood keeps flowing, and the owner is pressing a tissue against it.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Press with a tissue, go home once the bleeding stops, disinfect, and watch
2. Press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes to stop the bleeding, and because bite wounds are prone to infection, see the vet the same day even after it stops
3. Pour plenty of antiseptic on the wound, then lightly cover with gauze and wait for it to stop naturally
4. Take a video and prepare a compensation claim against the dog's owner before going home

AnswerB. Press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes to stop the bleeding, and because bite wounds are prone to infection, see the vet the same day even after it stops

ExplanationWith a bite wound, stopping the bleeding comes first: press the wound firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes. Even once the bleeding stops, a dog's teeth penetrate deeply and push bacteria in, so even a small-looking wound easily develops infection under the skin, and the pig needs cleaning and antibacterial treatment at the vet the same day. The tooth marks on the neck need checking too. Tissue leaves fibers in the wound and gives too little pressure to stop bleeding. Pouring antiseptic deep into the wound damages tissue, and light covering does not stop bleeding. Video and negotiation can come after hemostasis and the vet visit; records matter, but the priorities are reversed. If bleeding does not stop after 5 minutes of pressure, keep pressing while transporting.

IssuesThe owner did not know that dogs may see pigs as prey and attack, and did not keep distance from dogs on walks. No towel for stopping bleeding was carried. The owner did not know that bite wounds are deeper than they look and prone to infection, and tried to settle for stopping the bleeding.

ImprovementWalk at times and places with few dogs, and when you see a dog, keep your distance and change course. Keep a clean towel, gauze and the vet's contact details in the walking bag. Treat bite wounds as a same-day vet visit by default, and get the other party's contact details and the dog's vaccination history.

3 p.m. in July. A 3-year-old white-haired male has been out since morning in a yard with no shade. His back and ears are bright red, with blisters in places that hurt when touched. His breathing is also a little fast. There is no mud wallow and no sunshade. The owner is about to apply sunscreen.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Apply a thick layer of human sunscreen and let him keep playing in the yard
2. Move him to shade, cool with a cold towel, and see the vet because there are blisters
3. Press ice directly on his back to cool it fast
4. The redness is just sunburn, so leave it and moisturize once the skin peels

AnswerB. Move him to shade, cool with a cold towel, and see the vet because there are blisters

ExplanationPigs have sparse hair and cannot sweat, so direct sun burns the skin itself, and sunburn is the same skin damage as a burn. First move him to shade and cool with a cold towel; blisters mean the equivalent of a second-degree burn and a vet visit is needed. Fast breathing can also be early heatstroke, so fan him to lower body temperature and see the vet the same day. Applying sunscreen to already blistered skin is pointless, and sending him back to the yard makes it worse. Ice applied directly constricts the skin's blood vessels and causes frostbite-like damage. Left alone, blisters burst and become infected, and pain reduces appetite.

IssuesHe was left for hours at midday in midsummer in a yard with no shade or mud wallow. The owner did not understand that white-haired pigs burn especially easily, and that because they cannot sweat they also readily develop heatstroke. The decision to bring him inside when the skin reddened came too late.

ImprovementAlways provide shade and a mud wallow or water area outdoors, and keep him in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer. For white or pale pigs, ask the vet about animal-safe sun protection. When he is outside, check skin color and breathing every 30 minutes and bring him in immediately if redness appears.

An evening in November, after a walk. A 5-year-old female is favoring her right front foot, and the tip of the hoof is cracked and seeping blood. It seems to have chipped on the asphalt. The bleeding is not heavy, but she leaves spots of blood on the floor with every step. The owner is about to apply an adhesive bandage.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Apply pressure with a clean towel to stop the bleeding, and see the vet within a few days if she favors the foot or swelling appears
2. Apply a human adhesive bandage and continue walks as usual
3. File the cracked part flat and soak it in antiseptic
4. The bleeding is light, so do nothing and watch

AnswerA. Apply pressure with a clean towel to stop the bleeding, and see the vet within a few days if she favors the foot or swelling appears

ExplanationFor bleeding from a cracked hoof, first press with a clean towel to stop it. Even with light bleeding, a hoof crack widens with every step and easily becomes infected, so if she favors the foot, or it swells or feels warm, see the vet within a few days for hoof care. An adhesive bandage does not adhere to the hoof, traps dirt and promotes infection, and walks that widen the crack should be avoided. Filing at home irritates the sensitive tissue, increasing pain and bleeding, and soaking in antiseptic damages tissue. Doing nothing allows the crack to progress and infection between the toes.

IssuesThere was no habit of checking the hooves before walks, and the hooves may have become prone to cracking from dryness or overgrowth. The owner did not know that hoof cracks widen with walking and become infected, or that an adhesive bandage is not a treatment.

ImprovementBefore and after walks, check hoof length, cracks and dirt between the toes. In the dry winter, use an animal moisturizer on the hooves too, and keep them in shape with regular trimming. Keep a clean towel and gauze on hand for bleeding, and go over the pressure-hemostasis procedure as a family.

An October morning. Two intact males, 4 and 6 years old, are kept in the same yard. This morning a dominance fight broke out, and the younger one has a deep laceration about 10 cm long on his flank. Blood is seeping and the tissue under the skin is visible. The two agitated pigs are still facing off. The owner is about to step between them with bare hands.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Step between the two with bare hands to separate them and check the wound
2. Separate them with a board or cushion and isolate them in separate rooms, press the wound with a clean towel, and see the vet the same day
3. Flush the wound well with water, disinfect, and monitor at home
4. Keep your distance until the fight ends, then let him lick the wound and heal naturally

AnswerB. Separate them with a board or cushion and isolate them in separate rooms, press the wound with a clean towel, and see the vet the same day

ExplanationStepping between agitated males with bare hands risks serious injury from the tusks. First slide a board or cushion between them and use food to distract and separate them into different areas. Then press the wound with a clean towel to stop the bleeding; a deep laceration needs suturing and infection control, so see the vet the same day. Washing a wound with visible deep tissue at home and watching traps contaminated tissue and leads to abscess. Licking does not heal it and introduces bacteria. Fights between pigs repeat until the hierarchy is settled, so keep them separated and discuss castration or separate housing with the vet.

IssuesTwo intact males were kept in the same space without anticipating how fierce dominance fights become. The owner did not know how to manage males with growing tusks or how to intervene safely in a fight, and nearly stepped in with bare hands.

ImprovementConsider castration for males, and with multiple pigs, separate the areas and feeding spots. Keep a board or cushion for intervention and food for distraction in the yard. Check tusk growth regularly and ask the vet about treatment if needed. Separate them early at the first sign of a fight.

A night in January. A 3-year-old female pressed herself against a kerosene heater for warmth, and by the time anyone noticed, the skin on her flank had turned dark red with raw patches. She shows little sign of pain and is trying to go back to bed. The skin is hot to the touch. The owner is about to apply an over-the-counter ointment.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. She is not in pain, so judge it a minor burn, apply ointment, and watch
2. Cool thoroughly with running water or a wet towel, and because the skin is raw, see the vet the same day
3. Apply aloe or oil and wait for the skin to peel naturally
4. Apply ice directly to cool it, and see the vet the next day if she is in pain

AnswerB. Cool thoroughly with running water or a wet towel, and because the skin is raw, see the vet the same day

ExplanationEven a low-temperature heater causes a deep burn with prolonged contact; dark red discoloration and raw skin may be a severe burn in which nerve damage dulls the pain. First cool thoroughly with running water or a wet towel, and if the skin is raw, see the vet the same day for wound management. Lack of pain is not evidence of a minor injury, and ointment obscures assessment of burn depth and traps infection. Aloe and oil are ineffective and a source of contamination. Ice applied directly adds frostbite and deepens the damage. Pig skin has sparse hair and no protection, so contact accidents with heating appliances are common.

IssuesThe heater was used without a guard, where the pig could touch it directly. The owner did not know that pigs press themselves against heat sources for warmth and burn easily because their skin is thin and unprotected. Nighttime cold protection was inadequate, leaving her to rely on the heater.

ImprovementSurround heating appliances with a guard and keep them out of the pig's reach. In winter, warm the bed with thick blankets and a safe animal heater, keeping the room at 18°C or above. Check the skin for discoloration or raw patches during daily brushing, and share burn first aid (cool, then see the vet) with the family.

Midday in August, at the mud wallow in the yard. An 11-year-old female weighing 50 kg slipped in the mud, fell on her side, and is struggling to get up. She will not put her left hind leg on the ground and reacts strongly when the hip area is touched. It is 32°C in strong sun, and her breathing in the mud is getting faster. The owner is alone and about to drag her to the shade.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Drag her to the shade alone by the legs
2. Make shade on the spot and hose her down to prevent heatstroke, call for help, carry her on a blanket, and see the vet the same day
3. Leave her in the mud until she can get up, and watch once it cools down
4. Give her water and keep moving her legs while encouraging her to stand

AnswerB. Make shade on the spot and hose her down to prevent heatstroke, call for help, carry her on a blanket, and see the vet the same day

ExplanationAn elderly pig that cannot bear weight on a leg after a fall may have a fracture or hip dislocation and must not be forced to move. But leaving her in the blazing sun risks heatstroke in a pig that cannot sweat, so first make shade on the spot and cool her with water while asking family or neighbors for help, then carry her on a blanket with several people and see the vet the same day. Dragging her by the legs worsens the fracture and risks a bite from the pain. Left in the mud, heatstroke progresses within tens of minutes. Moving the leg to make her stand spreads the damage.

IssuesThere was poor footing around the mud wallow, with little consideration for an elderly pig with weak joints. The owner had not anticipated being unable to move a 50 kg pig alone, and had no plan for help or transport.

ImprovementBuild non-slip footing at the entrance to the mud wallow and let the elderly pig use it only while supervised. Decide in advance on a transport blanket and stretcher and contacts who can help. Keep a hose or fan permanently in the yard for heatstroke, and share the procedure "cool her while waiting" for falls.

4 p.m. in July. A 2-year-old male was walked for 30 minutes on an asphalt road. After returning home, the skin between the toes on all four feet is red, in places peeling, and he lifts his feet with every step. The asphalt was hot to the touch. The owner is about to put socks on him and watch.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Put socks on for protection and walk at the same time tomorrow
2. Cool the feet under running water, see the vet because the skin is peeling, and move walks to cooler hours
3. Pour antiseptic between the toes and put him back to bed
4. Apply oil between the toes and skip walks until next week while the pain subsides

AnswerB. Cool the feet under running water, see the vet because the skin is peeling, and move walks to cooler hours

ExplanationMidsummer asphalt reaches nearly 60°C, and the soft skin between the toes gets burned. First cool thoroughly under running water; if the skin is peeling, treat it as a burn and see the vet the same day for infection prevention. Socks do not heal the damage, and walking at the same hour causes it again. Antiseptic irritates damaged skin, and oil traps heat and becomes a source of contamination. Because pigs cannot sweat, the risk of heatstroke is high along with burned feet; move walks to the cool early morning or after sunset, and check the ground temperature by hand before going out.

IssuesThe owner walked the pig on a midsummer afternoon without checking the heat of the asphalt. The basic rule in the manual, "check asphalt heat and hoof wear," was not followed, and the owner did not know that a pig's feet are less protected than a human's.

ImprovementIn summer, walk early in the morning or after sunset, and before setting out, hold your palm on the ground for 5 seconds; if it is hot, cancel. Check between the toes after every walk. Make "cool, then see the vet" the rule for burns, and keep clean gauze for first aid when the skin peels.

A September evening. A 4-year-old male kept outdoors came back from behind the shelter with his snout smeared in blood. There is a deep cut on the tip of the snout, and blood keeps dripping to the ground. Behind the shelter, old wire mesh was broken and sticking out. The pig is in pain, will not let anyone touch the snout, and is agitated and restless.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. The snout just bleeds easily, so leave it until it stops on its own
2. Pack the wound with tissue to absorb the blood and check in the morning
3. Speak calmly, press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes, and if it does not stop, keep pressing while transporting
4. Pour water on him to calm him down and flush the wound hard with the hose

AnswerC. Speak calmly, press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes, and if it does not stop, keep pressing while transporting

ExplanationThe snout tip is richly supplied with blood and bleeds easily, and a deep cut requires pressure to stop it. An agitated pig may bite, so speak in a low, calm voice and press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes. If it does not stop, keep pressing while transporting; a deep wound needs suturing and infection prevention, so see the vet the same day. Leaving it leads to blood loss and infection. Packing with tissue leaves fibers in the wound, causing infection and rebleeding when removed. Flushing hard with a hose prevents clotting and increases agitation. Pigs explore their environment with the snout, and snout injuries affect eating and behavior, so early treatment matters.

IssuesThe broken old wire mesh around the shelter was not inspected and was left in place. Safety checks did not account for a pig that pokes everything with its snout. No towel for stopping bleeding or means of transport was kept at the outdoor enclosure.

ImprovementOnce a month, inspect fences, mesh and the shelter for protrusions and damage at snout height, and cover sharp parts. Keep a clean towel, gloves and the vet's contact details at the outdoor enclosure. Go over as a family how to approach an agitated pig safely (low voice, keep distance with a board or cushion).

A December morning. A 5-month-old piglet was running on the hardwood floor when his hind legs slid apart sideways, and he is stuck in that position. He squeals and tries to move with his front legs only. He resists having his hind legs touched, and the groin area looks swollen. The owner is pushing his legs to close them.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Push the legs closed, stand him up, and see whether he can walk
2. He is growing, so assume it will heal on its own and rest him in bed for a week
3. Do not force the legs; carry him on a blanket and see the vet the same day
4. Apply a human medicated patch to the groin and watch until the pain eases

AnswerC. Do not force the legs; carry him on a blanket and see the vet the same day

ExplanationInability to stand with the hind legs splayed is an emergency suggesting hip dislocation or injury to growing bones or ligaments. A piglet's bones are soft, and forcing the legs closed or standing him up spreads the damage. As the manual says, do not force movement; lay him on his side, carry him on a blanket, and see the vet the same day. A week of rest fixes a growth-phase deformity in place and affects his gait for life. Human medicated patches may contain ingredients harmful to pigs and can cause poisoning if licked. Hardwood is the classic floor for slipping and splay accidents, and non-slip flooring is needed from piglethood.

IssuesA 5-month-old piglet was allowed to run freely on hardwood. The owner did not know that pig hooves slip easily and that splay accidents during growth affect joint development. When he could not move, the owner nearly pushed the legs, spreading the damage.

ImprovementCover the entire living floor with non-slip mats, especially thick where he runs. Piglets have soft bones, so eliminate steps and slippery spots. Make "do not move him, carry him, same-day vet" the rule when he cannot stand, and prepare a transport blanket.

An afternoon in March. A 2-year-old female was trying to open the kitchen door with her snout when the wind blew it shut, catching the tip of her snout. She screamed and fled; the side of the snout is split and bleeding. She rubs her snout on the floor in pain and bares her teeth when the owner approaches. No doorstop was in use.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Do not force her down to look at the wound; calm her first, then press with a clean towel, and see the vet the same day for the laceration
2. She is in pain, so stay away, leave it until the bleeding stops, and check the next day
3. Spray antiseptic on the wound and feed her as usual
4. Cool the snout with ice to reduce swelling and watch for a few days

AnswerA. Do not force her down to look at the wound; calm her first, then press with a clean towel, and see the vet the same day for the laceration

ExplanationForcing contact with a pig made aggressive by pain gets you bitten. First speak in a low, calm voice, and once she settles, press with a clean towel to stop the bleeding. Snout lacerations bleed easily and are prone to infection, so see the vet the same day for suturing and infection prevention. Leaving it until the next day contaminates the wound and impairs healing. Antiseptic applied directly to a laceration damages tissue, and the pain makes her thrash again. Ice applied directly risks frostbite, and the wound festers while you watch for days. That pigs open doors with their snouts, and that doors must be secured, are basics in the manual.

IssuesThe owner knew the pig opens doors with her snout but did not secure the door with a doorstop. The manual's warning that doors easily pinch snouts and fingers was not put into practice. The family had not agreed on how to approach an animal in pain safely.

ImprovementSecure doors in the living space with doorstops or use gates the snout cannot fit into. Mind open windows so the wind cannot move doors. Share the rule of not forcing contact and waiting for her to calm when in pain, and keep a clean towel and the vet's contact details near every room.

A May morning, before heading to the vet. A 3-year-old male weighing 40 kg jumped down from the back seat of the car, landed badly, and fell forward onto his front legs. He holds his right front leg up and cannot stand, and the shoulder area is swelling. There was no ramp; it started when the owner tried to lift him down and he struggled. Only one family member is present today.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Stand him up and walk him on the spot; if he is not in pain, go to the vet as planned
2. Do not force movement; lay him on his side, call the hospital to explain, get help, and load him into the car on a blanket for transport
3. Rest him in the parking lot for an hour until the pain eases, then see
4. Lift him back into the car and drive while holding him so he does not jump out

AnswerB. Do not force movement; lay him on his side, call the hospital to explain, get help, and load him into the car on a blanket for transport

ExplanationInability to bear weight and swelling after a fall suggest a fracture or dislocation; as the manual says, do not force him to stand, and lay him on his side. Safely moving a 40 kg pig alone is difficult, so call the hospital to explain the situation, get help, and load him into the car on a blanket with several people for transport. Standing and walking him worsens the injury. An hour's rest only delays fracture treatment. Lifting him alone risks the owner's back and a second fall if he struggles, and restraining him while driving leads to accidents. From now on, always use a ramp.

IssuesNo ramp was used for getting in and out of the car, and the owner tried to lift a 40 kg pig down alone. The owner did not consider that pigs fracture easily when jumping down and judge steps poorly because of weak eyesight. No backup was arranged for transport.

ImprovementGet a car ramp and a large-dog crate, and always use the ramp with two or more people when loading or unloading. Practice getting in and out regularly so he is used to the ramp. On vet days, arrange help, and keep a transport blanket in the car. Confirm the procedure of not moving him and calling for help after a fall.

An October evening. A 3-year-old female kept outdoors lifted the bottom of the fence with her snout and escaped; she has not been seen for an hour. The neighborhood is fields and woods, and wild boars have been sighted in the area. The owner is about to head alone deep into the woods, calling her name. About an hour until sunset.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Go alone deep into the woods before dark and keep searching until she is found
2. Assume she will come home on her own and wait until morning
3. Lure her nearby with the sound of the feed bag, report to the municipal office and police, and ask neighbors for help
4. Post a photo on social media and just wait at home for replies

AnswerC. Lure her nearby with the sound of the feed bag, report to the municipal office and police, and ask neighbors for help

ExplanationAn escaped pig responds strongly to food, so luring her from nearby with the sound of the feed bag or favorite foods is most effective. At the same time, because she is a registered animal under the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control and contact with wild boars can lead to infections such as CSF, report to the municipal office and police and ask neighbors for help. Going alone into the woods before sunset risks the owner getting lost or injured, and encountering a boar. Waiting until morning raises the chance of a traffic accident at night or contact with wildlife. Social media is fine as a supplement, but reporting and luring on site must not be put off.

IssuesThe bottom of the fence was not anchored, so the pig could lift it with her snout and escape. The owner had not considered that an escape in boar country is an infection risk, and had not checked in advance where to report. No luring food or capture procedure had been prepared.

ImprovementAnchor the bottom of the fence to the ground and prevent lifting with double fencing or a buried base. Keep the contacts for escapes (municipal office, police, Livestock Hygiene Service Center) and train her daily to respond to the sound of feed. Have a photo, description and registration number ready to produce, and let neighbors know you keep a pig.

Midday in June. A 5-year-old male weighing 45 kg charged a second-grader holding a treat and knocked the child over, then, carried by his momentum, hit the corner of a piece of furniture and fell himself. The child hit their head and is crying. The pig got up but is dragging his left hind leg, and, still agitated, is about to go for the child again. The only adult is the mother.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. The pig's leg is worrying, so first carry the pig to another room and check the leg
2. Hit the pig to scold him and drive him away from the child
3. Get the child away from the pig first to ensure safety, lure the pig to another room with food, then check both of them
4. Leave the child as is and take a video to record the behavior

AnswerC. Get the child away from the pig first to ensure safety, lure the pig to another room with food, then check both of them

ExplanationPeople being knocked over by a pig is not unusual, and the first priority is the person, especially a child who has hit their head. After moving the child away, distract the agitated pig with food and lure him to another room, then check his leg once he has calmed. If he is dragging a leg, see the vet the same day, and have the child checked at a clinic for a head injury. Carrying an agitated 45 kg pig alone is dangerous and leaves the child unprotected. Hitting increases fear and aggression and intensifies the dominance struggle. Video can wait until safety is secured.

IssuesA situation was created where only a child, holding a treat, was in contact with the pig. Despite knowing that pigs react strongly to food and knock people over out of dominance, no rules for contact with children were set. Furniture corners were not padded and there was no procedure for luring the pig when agitated.

ImprovementAn adult must always be present when children interact with the pig, and adults manage treats; never let children hold them. Enforce the family rule of stopping still when the pig comes to your feet. Pad furniture corners, and keep food and a gate ready for luring the pig to another room when agitated.

A night in February. A 1-year-old male chewed the extension cord for the heater, suddenly screamed, and fell on his side. The corner of his mouth is charred black and he is foaming at the mouth. His body is rigid, and the cord is still near his mouth. The panicked owner is about to pull him away by the body.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Grab the pig's body directly and pull him away from the cord
2. Pour water on him to bring him round
3. Open his mouth to check the burn inside
4. Cut the breaker before touching him, then check breathing and heartbeat and call for an immediate vet visit

AnswerD. Cut the breaker before touching him, then check breathing and heartbeat and call for an immediate vet visit

ExplanationTouching an animal that is being electrocuted with bare hands electrocutes the owner too. First cut the power at the breaker or unplug the cord, then touch him. Next check breathing by chest movement and the heartbeat with a hand on the left chest; if absent, start CPR while calling a hospital that can take him immediately. Electric shock causes not only mouth burns but can bring on pulmonary edema or arrhythmia hours later, so even if he regains consciousness, see the vet "right now." Pouring water widens the area carrying current. Forcing the mouth open gets you bitten, and if the power is live, electrocuted. Pigs explore everything with snout and mouth, making cords the most dangerous thing they chew.

IssuesThe heater was used with the extension cord exposed where the pig could reach it. The owner did not know that pigs put everything in their mouths, or the basic rule of cutting the power first in an electric shock. In the panic, the owner nearly grabbed the body, a dangerous secondary accident.

ImprovementPut all cords in covers or run them outside the fence. Keep the heater's power connections in an area the pig cannot enter. Share the order "cut power, check breathing and heartbeat, call" for electric shock with the family, and make sure everyone knows where the breaker is.

An April evening. A 2-year-old female fell into the deep garden pond and, unable to climb out, is struggling with only her snout above water. The owner pulled her out after a few minutes, but she is limp, vomiting water, and her breathing is shallow and weak. Her body is cold and shivering. The air temperature is 15°C. The owner is about to start by toweling her dry and warming her.

Immediately after pulling her out, what is the most appropriate first action?

1. Check breathing and heartbeat; if weak, lay her on her side, open the airway, and call a hospital that can take her immediately
2. Hold her upside down to drain the water
3. If she seems fine, warm her in bed and see how she is in the morning
4. Pour hot water over her to warm her up fast

AnswerA. Check breathing and heartbeat; if weak, lay her on her side, open the airway, and call a hospital that can take her immediately

ExplanationAfter near-drowning, checking breathing comes first. Check chest movement and the heartbeat on the left chest; if breathing is weak, lay her on her side with the neck extended to open the airway, start rescue breathing and chest compressions if needed, and call the hospital immediately. At the same time, wrap her in a blanket to prevent hypothermia. Even when she seems to recover, drowning can cause delayed respiratory failure hours later as fluid collects in the lungs, so a "right now" visit is required and waiting until morning is dangerous. Holding a heavy pig upside down is nearly impossible and wastes time. Hot water suddenly dilates peripheral vessels, causing shock, and also burns the skin.

IssuesA pond deep enough for the pig to fall into had no fence, leaving a dangerous water hazard within her snout-exploring range. The owner did not know that drowning causes delayed lung injury or that breathing and heartbeat must be checked first, and nearly settled for warming her.

ImprovementFence ponds and water features, or make them shallow and easy to climb out of. Share the drowning procedure "check breathing and heartbeat, open the airway, keep warm, see the vet immediately" with the family, and prepare a blanket and transport. Keep outdoor time within sight, especially in a yard with water.

A September morning. A 4-year-old male pushed his head through a gap in the fence gate up to the neck and cannot pull it out. Panicking, he pulls backward and thrashes, and the skin on his neck is rubbed red and swelling. His breathing looks labored and his squeals are hoarse. The owner is pulling on his hind legs to get him out.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Grab the hind legs and pull with all your strength
2. Calm him with a steady voice, then unscrew or spread the fence with tools to free him without pressing on the neck
3. Put food in front of his head and wait until he gets out on his own
4. Smear oil on his head and slide him out

AnswerB. Calm him with a steady voice, then unscrew or spread the fence with tools to free him without pressing on the neck

ExplanationPulling by force with the head stuck compresses the neck and airway, risking cervical spine injury or suffocation. First calm him with a low, steady voice to reduce thrashing, then use a screwdriver or pliers to remove or spread the fence and free him without pressing on the neck. Afterward check his breathing and neck swelling; if breathing stays labored or the hoarseness persists, see the vet the same day. Food will not help him when his head cannot come out, and thrashing makes it worse. Oiling and pulling keeps compressing the neck and increases skin damage. The manual's instruction that gates must not admit the snout or head was not followed.

IssuesThe gate gap was wide enough for the pig's head, failing the basic requirement that the snout or head cannot fit through. The owner nearly pulled him out, which injures the neck, and did not have tools ready or know how to calm him.

ImprovementMake fence and gate gaps too narrow for the snout, and cover any opening a head can enter with mesh. Keep tools (screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters) near the enclosure. Share "don't pull, calm, then free" for entrapment with the family and check breathing after release.

A November evening, on a walk. A 3-year-old female collided with a bicycle on the sidewalk and was knocked onto her side. She got up and walked right away, but seems to have hit her belly and hunches her back with every step. There are no visible wounds, and the owner thinks "she can walk, so she's fine" and is about to continue the walk. After returning home she has no appetite and her gums look pale.

What is the most appropriate response once home?

1. There are no wounds and she can walk, so rest her in bed for a few days
2. She has no appetite, so offer a treat; if she eats, let her sleep without worry
3. Give a painkiller and wait until morning
4. Internal bleeding is suspected and pale gums are a danger sign, so see the vet immediately

AnswerD. Internal bleeding is suspected and pale gums are a danger sign, so see the vet immediately

ExplanationAfter a hard blow to the abdomen, hunching the back, loss of appetite and pale gums suggest the early stage of shock from organ damage or intra-abdominal bleeding. Even with no wounds and the ability to walk, internal bleeding progresses over time, so a "right now" visit is required. Watching for days risks sudden collapse from blood loss. Eating a treat does not rule out internal bleeding, and with possible surgery ahead it is better not to feed her. Human painkillers are dangerous and mask pain, hiding deterioration. Continuing the walk right after the collision was also wrong; after an accident, do not walk her, go home and observe.

IssuesThe leash length was not well controlled on the sidewalk, and the collision with the bicycle could not be prevented. The owner judged "she can walk, so she's fine," not knowing the risk of internal bleeding from a blow to the abdomen or that gum color is a sign of shock.

ImprovementChoose low-traffic routes, hold the leash short, and keep her on the inside of the sidewalk. After an accident, do not walk her; go home and check gum color, breathing and appetite every few hours. Share with the family the rule that pale gums, rapid breathing or a hunched back means an immediate vet visit.

The night of February 14. A 2-year-old male weighing 30 kg ate two chocolate bars that were on the table, wrappers included. He was caught right after eating and is still calm. The owner has seen a method online, "give salt water to make him vomit," and is about to try it. It is 10 p.m. and the regular vet is closed.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Confirm what and how much he ate, do not induce vomiting, and call an after-hours hospital for instructions
2. Give salt water to make him vomit at home
3. He is big, so two bars are no problem; watch until morning
4. Give a large amount of milk to dilute the poison

AnswerA. Confirm what and how much he ate, do not induce vomiting, and call an after-hours hospital for instructions

ExplanationThe theobromine in chocolate poisons pigs too, and the plastic wrapper can cause intestinal obstruction. As the manual says, do not induce vomiting; confirm what, how much and when he ate, call an emergency (after-hours) animal hospital, and follow its instructions to be seen. Inducing vomiting with salt water causes salt poisoning; pigs are especially sensitive to salt and develop neurological signs, so it is extremely dangerous. Even at his weight, two bars are not a negligible amount, and symptoms often appear hours later, so waiting until morning is too late. Milk does not dilute the toxin and its fat may even promote absorption. Treatment is done under a vet's care.

IssuesIn a home with a pig whose keen nose seeks out food, chocolate was left on the table. The basic rule of locked storage was not followed, and the owner did not know the principle "do not induce vomiting; see the vet" for ingestion. No after-hours hospital had been looked up.

ImprovementKeep all food in a locked cupboard or on a high shelf, and enforce the rule of nothing left on the table. Write the ingestion procedure "do not induce vomiting, confirm what and how much, call immediately" on paper and post it. Look up after-hours hospitals that accept pigs in advance and keep the contact details.

An August morning. A 4-year-old female chewed open a packet of the owner's blood-pressure medication that had fallen under a shelf, and tablets are scattered around. It is unclear how many she ate, and there is powder from the tablets around her mouth. No symptoms yet. The owner is counting the remaining tablets and thinking "a little should be fine."

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Wait for symptoms to appear, then see the vet
2. Check the drug name and remaining count to estimate the shortfall, and go to the vet immediately with the packet
3. Give lots of water to dilute the medicine and watch
4. Put a finger down her throat to make her vomit, then let her sleep

AnswerB. Check the drug name and remaining count to estimate the shortfall, and go to the vet immediately with the packet

ExplanationHuman medicines, especially blood-pressure drugs, greatly alter a pig's blood pressure and heart rate even in small amounts, and treatment is difficult once symptoms appear. Estimate the amount eaten from the drug name and remaining count, and go to the vet "right now" with the packet or leaflet. Waiting for symptoms allows absorption to progress and reduces the effect of treatment. Water does not dilute the drug and may speed absorption. Putting a finger down the throat carries a high risk of being bitten, and pigs are difficult animals to make vomit; the manual also says do not induce vomiting, see the vet. Decisions on treatment (inducing vomiting, adsorbents, etc.) are for the vet.

IssuesMedicine dropped on the floor went unnoticed, within the pig's reach. The owner did not know how strongly human medicines affect pigs and nearly delayed the visit on the judgment that "a little is fine." No set place for storing medicine had been decided.

ImprovementAlways keep medicine in a locked drawer or on a high shelf, and take it in a closed room such as the bathroom so nothing drops. Share the rule of going to the vet immediately with the packet after ingestion. Keep a list of medicines so the exact drug name can be given to the regular vet or after-hours hospital.

A July evening. A 3-year-old male tore open the kitchen trash bag and ate leftover stir-fry containing onion, chicken bones and avocado peel. An hour later he is drooling more and seems slightly off. The owner has decided to watch because "it wasn't rotten." Room temperature is 29°C.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. It was not rotten, so there is no problem; watch until tomorrow
2. Onion, avocado and bones are all dangerous, so confirm what he ate and see the vet the same day
3. Give milk to protect the stomach and wait until morning
4. Exercise him to speed digestion and wait for it to pass in the stool

AnswerB. Onion, avocado and bones are all dangerous, so confirm what he ate and see the vet the same day

ExplanationOnion destroys red blood cells and causes anemia, and avocado is toxic to pigs too. Chicken bones can injure or obstruct the digestive tract. Furthermore, feeding insufficiently cooked food waste is prohibited by law. With drooling and lethargy already present, see the vet the same day to check for progressing anemia and digestive injury. Waiting until tomorrow lets onion-induced anemia advance to bloody urine and collapse. Milk neither protects nor slows absorption. Exercise increases the risk of bones injuring the gut, and at 29°C heatstroke is added. Follow the principle of not inducing vomiting and seeing the vet.

IssuesKitchen waste was left within the pig's reach in an unlocked bin or loose bag. No storage measures addressed the pig's habit of opening cupboards and trash cans in search of food, and the owner did not know that onion and avocado are toxic to pigs.

ImprovementKeep kitchen waste in a locked or heavy-lidded container and install a gate to keep the pig out of the kitchen. Post the list of forbidden foods (onions/leeks, chocolate, avocado, raw potato, meat, leftovers) on the refrigerator. Share the rule that after ingestion you confirm what was eaten and see the vet without inducing vomiting.

Midday in May. A 2-year-old female knocked over a pot of dieffenbachia in the garden and ate the leaves and stems, roots and all. Thirty minutes later she is working her mouth, drooling heavily, and the area around her mouth is swelling. She seems to have trouble swallowing and will not drink water. The owner does not know the plant's name and has started an image search online.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Keep searching until the plant is identified, and see the vet once its toxicity is known
2. Rinse the mouth with water and then make her vomit
3. Mouth swelling and difficulty swallowing are present, so go to the vet immediately with a piece of the plant
4. Many plants are edible for animals too, so watch until tomorrow

AnswerC. Mouth swelling and difficulty swallowing are present, so go to the vet immediately with a piece of the plant

ExplanationDieffenbachia and other arum-family plants contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth pain, swelling and heavy drooling, and if the swelling reaches the throat, difficulty breathing. Swelling around the mouth and trouble swallowing are already a dangerous stage; go to the vet "right now" with a piece of the plant. Time spent identifying it only lets symptoms progress; bring the plant itself and the vet can judge. Inducing vomiting makes the crystals damage the mouth and esophagus again. Rinsing the mouth is fine as preparation for the visit, but do not make her vomit. The assumption that "most plants are edible" misses poisoning.

IssuesA toxic houseplant was placed within the pig's reach in the garden, without regard for her habit of digging up roots. The owner did not know the early signs of plant poisoning or the criteria for an immediate visit, and nearly delayed by insisting on identifying the name.

ImprovementCheck every plant in the garden and house, and remove toxic ones or move them outside the fence. Label plants by name, and after ingestion go to the vet immediately with the plant. Share with the family that mouth swelling, drooling and changes in breathing are signs for a "right now" visit.

A March morning. Three days ago the owner saw a 3-year-old male tear open an empty feed bag and eat part of the plastic. At the time the owner thought "it will pass in the stool." Today there is no stool, he vomited what he ate this morning, and he resists having his belly touched. He is listless and will not leave his bed. The owner is considering a laxative.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Give a human laxative and wait for a bowel movement
2. Give a large amount of vegetables to pass the plastic with the stool
3. Watch for a few more days until the plastic comes out on its own
4. A foreign-body obstruction is suspected, so withhold food, provide water, and see the vet the same day

AnswerD. A foreign-body obstruction is suspected, so withhold food, provide water, and see the vet the same day

ExplanationForeign bodies such as plastic lodge in the intestine and cause obstruction, and no stool, vomiting and abdominal pain are the classic signs. As the manual says, withhold food, allow free access to water, and see the vet the same day for imaging to check for obstruction. Using a laxative with an obstructed bowel increases intestinal motility and risks perforation. Large amounts of vegetables add more content at the blockage and make it worse. Waiting more days leads to bowel necrosis and peritonitis, which are life-threatening. The owner should have consulted the vet when the ingestion was seen; the judgment "it will pass" caused a three-day delay.

IssuesDespite seeing him eat the plastic, the owner did not consult the vet, thinking "it will pass." The feed bag was left where he could tear it open, with inadequate measures for an animal that eats anything. The owner did not know that no stool and vomiting are signs of obstruction.

ImprovementDo not leave feed in its bag; transfer it to a sturdy lidded container stored in a locked place. After any foreign-body ingestion, consult the regular vet the same day and observe stools daily. Share the rule that any of no stool, vomiting or abdominal pain means withholding food and a same-day vet visit.

2 p.m. in August. Outside it is 36°C. The air conditioner has broken and the room has risen to 33°C. A 4-year-old male weighing 45 kg is lying down, breathing fast with his mouth open. His body is very hot and he is drooling heavily. He responds to his name but will not try to stand. The owner is about to press ice against his body.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Press ice directly on his body to cool him fast
2. Move him somewhere cool, pour room-temperature water over him, fan him, and call the hospital immediately while cooling
3. Make him drink a large amount of cold water to cool from inside
4. Fill the bathtub with cold water and submerge him completely

AnswerB. Move him somewhere cool, pour room-temperature water over him, fan him, and call the hospital immediately while cooling

ExplanationPigs have almost no sweat glands, and open-mouth breathing with a high body temperature indicates severe heatstroke. As the manual says, move him to shade or a cool place, pour room-temperature water over his body and fan him, cooling by evaporation. Ice applied directly constricts blood vessels so heat cannot escape, and damages the skin. Making a pig that is not fully alert drink a lot causes aspiration. Submerging the whole body in cold water risks sudden vasoconstriction and shock, and getting a 45 kg pig into a bathtub is impractical. While cooling, call a hospital that can take him; organ damage can appear later even if he seems to recover, so see the vet the same day.

IssuesThe home relied on a single air conditioner with no backup cooling (fan, water, cooling mat) for a breakdown. There was no room-temperature monitoring based on the fact that pigs are in danger above 28°C, and no way to notice a problem while away.

ImprovementIn summer use a thermometer and alarm to detect temperatures above 28°C, and keep a fan, cooling mat and a children's pool filled with water on hand. Decide an evacuation spot for when the air conditioner fails (a cool room, a car with air conditioning, etc.). Share the heatstroke steps "cool place, water, fan, call" with the family.

Late at night in January. Heavy snow has caused a blackout and the electric heater in the outdoor shelter has stopped. Outside it is minus 4°C. A 6-year-old female kept outdoors is shivering in a corner of the shelter, and her ears and feet are cold. The straw is thin and damp. The owner, checking with a flashlight, is wondering whether to "make her tough it out until morning."

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Pigs are livestock and tolerate cold, so watch until morning
2. Pour hot water over her body to warm her
3. Move her indoors, or pile dry straw and blankets thick, place a cloth-wrapped hot-water bottle, and monitor her temperature
4. Burn charcoal inside the shelter to warm it

AnswerC. Move her indoors, or pile dry straw and blankets thick, place a cloth-wrapped hot-water bottle, and monitor her temperature

ExplanationPigs have subcutaneous fat but sparse hair, and exposure to sub-zero temperatures on damp straw causes hypothermia. Shivering and cold ears and feet are early signs; move her indoors if possible, and if not, pile dry straw and blankets thick and warm her gradually with a cloth-wrapped hot-water bottle. Take her temperature, and see the vet if it stays below 38°C, or if shivering stops and she becomes unresponsive. "Livestock are tough" is wrong; micro pigs tolerate cold less than farm pigs. Hot water causes sudden vasodilation, shock and burns. Burning charcoal in the shelter kills both pig and people by carbon monoxide poisoning.

IssuesOutdoor housing relied on the heater alone, with no backup warmth for a blackout. The straw was thin and damp and provided no insulation; winter bedding management was inadequate. The owner did not know the signs of hypothermia or how to rewarm gradually.

ImprovementIn winter lay dry straw thick and replace it twice a week so it never gets damp. Stock a hot-water bottle, blankets and disposable heat packs (wrapped in cloth) for blackouts, and secure a route to bring her indoors in an emergency. Keep a thermometer and make it a habit to check her temperature when she shivers or her ears are cold.

An evening in September, an earthquake of seismic intensity 5-upper. The indoor fence has toppled, and a 3-year-old male is panicking and running around, crashing into furniture. Glass from a fallen shelf is scattered across the floor, and aftershocks continue. The owner is chasing him, trying to catch him with bare hands. An evacuation order to a shelter may be issued.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Chase the running pig and catch him with bare hands
2. Secure your own safety, then speak calmly and lure him with food into a safe area, and afterward check the glass and any injuries
3. Let him out to calm down in the yard and leave him outdoors
4. Take a video to record the damage before responding

AnswerB. Secure your own safety, then speak calmly and lure him with food into a safe area, and afterward check the glass and any injuries

ExplanationIn a disaster, first secure your own safety, then calm the pig. Chasing a panicking pig increases his agitation, and a body of nearly 45 kg will knock you over. Speak in a low, calm voice, get his attention with the sound of feed or food, and lure him into a safe area free of glass. Once he is calm, check his feet and body for cuts and apply pressure to any bleeding. Letting him outside risks escape when aftershocks break the fence, with more risk from wildlife and traffic. Video can wait until safety is secured. If evacuation is possible, prepare a harness, feed, water, registration papers and medicine, and confirm a shelter that can take him.

IssuesThe fence was not anchored and could topple in an earthquake, and glassware was kept on a high shelf. The owner nearly chased him, which increases agitation, and had not prepared a disaster luring procedure or an evacuation kit.

ImprovementAnchor fences and furniture, and move glassware to low or closed-door shelves. Assemble a disaster kit with a week of feed, water, harness, blanket, copies of registration papers and medicine, and get him used to a large crate. Consult the municipal office in advance about shelters or boarding that can accept a pig.

The June rainy season. Continuous rain has pushed humidity in the outdoor shelter above 85%, and the straw has grown mold and smells. A 5-year-old female has had a mild cough for several days, and moist red rashes have appeared on her skin. Her appetite is fine. The owner thinks "it's the rainy season, nothing to be done" and is putting off the straw change until the weekend.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. The rainy season cannot be helped, so leave it until the weekend
2. Replace the moldy straw today and ventilate, and see the vet within a few days if the cough and rash persist
3. Spray large amounts of deodorizer in the shelter to remove the smell
4. Run a fan on high inside the shelter all night to dry it out

AnswerB. Replace the moldy straw today and ventilate, and see the vet within a few days if the cough and rash persist

ExplanationMoldy bedding irritates the respiratory tract and skin and causes coughing and moist rashes. Replace the moldy straw today and improve ventilation to lower the humidity. If the cough or rash continues for days, the breathing rate rises or fever develops, see the vet within a few days. Leaving it until the weekend lets bacterial or fungal infection progress. Deodorizer does not remove the cause, and its chemicals irritate the pig's airways. A fan on high all night chills her and does not solve the humidity. The proper humidity is 50–60%, and keeping bedding dry is especially important in the rainy season.

IssuesVentilation and bedding changes were not increased for the rainy-season humidity, and action was put off even after seeing mold. There was little awareness that humidity causes respiratory and skin disease and that moldy bedding harms health.

ImprovementIn the rainy season and summer, change the straw at least twice a week and replace it immediately when damp. Put a hygrometer in the shelter and open vents or dehumidify above 70%. Inspect the roof for leaks and the drainage, and raise the floor to keep out moisture. Link coughs and rashes to mold and see the vet early.

An October evening. With a large typhoon approaching, the city has issued an evacuation order. The house is by a river and at risk of flooding. The family keeps a 4-year-old male weighing 40 kg; whether the shelter accepts pigs is unknown. They have a car but have never trained the pig to get in. The family has three members. About three hours remain before the storm intensifies.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Leave the pig in the outdoor shelter, evacuate with the family only, and return after the typhoon
2. Fearing refusal at the shelter, the whole family stays home with the pig
3. Contact a receiving place now (relatives, the regular vet, a boarding facility), load him into the car with a large crate or ramp, and evacuate early with feed, water and registration papers
4. Tie the pig to a house pillar with a leash so he is not swept away if it floods

AnswerC. Contact a receiving place now (relatives, the regular vet, a boarding facility), load him into the car with a large crate or ramp, and evacuate early with feed, water and registration papers

ExplanationWhen an evacuation order is issued in an area at risk of flooding, leaving or tying the pig means drowning, and the family staying puts human lives at risk. In the three hours before the storm intensifies, contact relatives, the regular vet, a boarding facility or another receiving place, load him into the car with a large-dog crate or ramp, and evacuate early with feed, water, blankets, registration papers and medicine. Even without car training, luring with food and three people using a blanket will most likely get him in. Watch the temperature inside the car and ventilate if it is hot. As a registered animal, acceptance at municipal shelters must also be confirmed in advance.

IssuesThe family kept a pig in a flood-risk location without preparing an evacuation destination or transport. They had not trained him to get in and out of the car and had not shared how to move a 40 kg pig. They had not asked the municipal office about evacuating a registered animal.

ImprovementCheck the hazard map for the home's risk and decide on several evacuation destinations or boarding places that will take a pig. Practice getting into the car via a ramp once a month and get him used to a large crate. Assemble an evacuation kit (a week of feed, water, blanket, registration papers, medicine, photo) and agree as a family on the trigger for moving before an evacuation order.

A weekend in August. An elementary-school child has been given the job of cleaning up after a 3-year-old female. The child cleaned with bare hands and then ate a snack without washing. Two days later, the child has severe diarrhea and a fever of 39°C. The pig's stools have also been a little soft lately. The parent is about to give the child an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal and send them to school.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Give an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal and send the child to school the next day
2. Stop contact with the pig for now, have the child see a doctor and mention the pig contact, and get the pig's stool tested too
3. The pig looks healthy, so it is unrelated; assume the child's food is the cause
4. Get rid of the pig so the child cannot touch it

AnswerB. Stop contact with the pig for now, have the child see a doctor and mention the pig contact, and get the pig's stool tested too

ExplanationSalmonellosis transmitted via pig feces easily infects children through bare-handed cleaning and poor hand washing, and severe diarrhea with fever is typical. Have the child see a doctor and mention the contact with a pig; if the infection is bacterial, anti-diarrheals keep the pathogen in the body and make it worse, so do not use them. If the pig has soft stools, have the vet test its feces too. A pig can shed bacteria while looking healthy, so assuming it is "unrelated" is dangerous. Getting rid of the pig is unnecessary as an infection measure; proper hygiene prevents it. Inform the child's school, and have the whole family wash hands thoroughly.

IssuesCleaning up waste was delegated to a child without instruction on gloves or hand washing. The family lacked knowledge of zoonoses such as salmonella and did not know that a healthy-looking pig can shed bacteria. The pig's soft stools were left unaddressed.

ImprovementAdults handle waste wearing gloves, and children must always wash with soap after touching the pig. Collect feces daily, disinfect the floor, and make hand washing before meals a habit. If anyone in the family has diarrhea or fever, tell the doctor about animal contact. Have changes in the pig's stool tested early.

A May evening. The owner noticed several raised, diamond-shaped red patches on the back of a 4-year-old male. That day the owner, with a cut on a finger, touched the patches with bare hands to examine them. The pig is slightly listless with a temperature of 40.2°C. The next day, the cut on the owner's finger is red, swollen and painful.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Leave the pig's skin lesions alone; just disinfect the owner's finger and watch
2. Apply an over-the-counter skin cream to the patches; the owner puts on a bandage and goes to work
3. Take the pig to the vet the same day for the fever and skin lesions, and the owner sees a doctor for the swollen finger, mentioning the pig contact
4. Scrub the patches off and rinse the pig with water

AnswerC. Take the pig to the vet the same day for the fever and skin lesions, and the owner sees a doctor for the swollen finger, mentioning the pig contact

ExplanationRaised, diamond-shaped red skin lesions with fever are typical of swine erysipelas, which infects people through broken skin and causes erysipeloid. Because the pig has a fever, get diagnosis and treatment at the vet the same day, and the owner should see a doctor for the swollen finger and mention the pig contact and skin lesions. Left untreated, the human infection can reach the joints and heart, and the pig can progress to the septicemic form. Over-the-counter creams are not treatment and leave the fever unaddressed. Scrubbing the lesions spreads the pathogen, and rinsing does not prevent infection. The manual's basic rule of wearing gloves when you have a cut was not followed.

IssuesThe owner touched the pig's skin lesions with bare hands while having a cut. Not knowing that swine erysipelas is a zoonosis and that diamond-shaped lesions are its hallmark, the owner was late to check the temperature and see the vet. Vaccination had not been discussed with the vet either.

ImprovementAlways wear gloves when you have a cut on your hand, and wash with soap after handling. Check the pig's skin during daily brushing, and see the vet the same day if red patches or fever appear. Ask the regular vet about vaccines such as for swine erysipelas. If a family member develops skin swelling, tell the doctor about the pig contact.

A weekend in April. A 3-month-old piglet from a breeder was put in the same pen as the 5-year-old resident pig the same day it arrived. Three days later the piglet has started to have diarrhea and a runny nose, and the resident pig drinks from the same water bowl. The owner thinks "they'll get used to each other" and intends to let the resident pig look after the sick piglet.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Keeping them together helps them adjust, so continue housing them together
2. Isolate the piglet in a separate area, separate the bowls and the order of care, take the piglet to the vet, and observe the resident pig too
3. The resident pig is the stronger one, so leave the piglet's symptoms alone
4. Put the piglet outside and bring only the resident pig indoors

AnswerB. Isolate the piglet in a separate area, separate the bowls and the order of care, take the piglet to the vet, and observe the resident pig too

ExplanationA newly acquired animal may bring in infectious disease, and ideally a 2–3 week quarantine is observed to confirm health before introduction. Since symptoms have already appeared, isolate the piglet in a separate area, separate bowls, water and cleaning tools, care for the resident pig first, and wash hands and change clothes between them. Take the piglet to the vet the same day for the diarrhea and runny nose, and watch the resident pig's temperature and stools for several days. Continued cohabitation spreads infection, and dominance fights may injure the piglet. Doing nothing leads to dehydration in a young animal. Putting it outside is wrong on both infection and cold grounds.

IssuesThe new animal was housed with the resident pig with no quarantine period and no concept of isolation. Sharing bowls and water created an environment for infection to spread. The piglet's diarrhea and runny nose, signs that require a vet, were taken lightly. The risk of injury from dominance fights was not considered either.

ImprovementQuarantine new animals in a separate room for 2–3 weeks and have a health check and fecal test at the vet before introduction. Start introductions through the fence, and give each animal its own feeding spot and water bowl. Care for the healthy animal first and wash and disinfect thoroughly. File the registration as soon as the number of animals increases.

A November morning. Last week, wild boar tracks and droppings were found just outside the yard fence, and the 3-year-old male kept outdoors may have had contact through the fence. Today his appetite has dropped and his temperature is 40.5°C. The area around his eyes is red, and small reddish-purple spots have appeared on his belly. The owner thinks "probably a cold" and is about to watch with an over-the-counter supplement.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Treat it as a cold and watch for a few days with supplements and warmth
2. Ask nearby pig owners whether their pigs have the same symptoms before deciding
3. Give him a water bath to bring the fever down, and skip the vet if his appetite returns
4. Given the contact with wild boars plus high fever and purple spots, isolate him and contact the vet and the Livestock Hygiene Service Center immediately

AnswerD. Given the contact with wild boars plus high fever and purple spots, isolate him and contact the vet and the Livestock Hygiene Service Center immediately

ExplanationWild boars carry classical swine fever, and high fever, reduced appetite and reddish-purple skin spots in a pig with a history of contact strongly suggest CSF. CSF is a notifiable disease under the Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control, and the owner is obliged to isolate the pig from other animals, keep it quiet, and contact the vet and the Livestock Hygiene Service Center at once. Assuming a cold and watching with supplements invites spread to the surroundings and legal liability. Consulting nearby pig owners risks spreading the pathogen through contact and delays reporting. A water bath during fever drains strength. Follow the manual's principle that high fever with no appetite means immediate contact.

IssuesIn an area with wild boars, there was no double fencing or biosecurity to prevent contact through the fence, and measures and monitoring were not stepped up when tracks were found. The owner did not know that CSF is notifiable and that the contact point is the Livestock Hygiene Service Center, and self-diagnosed a cold.

ImprovementUse double fencing with enough distance that boars cannot push their snouts through, and consider electric fencing or repellents. After finding boar signs, check temperature and skin daily for a week. Keep the Livestock Hygiene Service Center's contact details and consult the prefectural government about vaccination. Install a disinfectant footbath to keep pathogens from being carried in from outside.

A July evening. A 3-year-old female weighing 35 kg suddenly collapsed in the yard. She does not respond to her name or to stimulation of her toes, and her chest is not moving. A hand on the left chest feels no heartbeat. Two family members are present. The panicked owner is about to lift and shake her. The regular vet is 20 minutes away by car.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Lay her on her side, close the mouth and breathe into the nose, compress the left chest about 100 times a minute, repeat 30 compressions and 2 breaths, and call the hospital meanwhile
2. Lift her, shake her hard, and keep calling her name loudly
3. Pour water on her to bring her round, and see the vet if there is no response
4. Put her straight in the car and rush to the hospital without attempting resuscitation

AnswerA. Lay her on her side, close the mouth and breathe into the nose, compress the left chest about 100 times a minute, repeat 30 compressions and 2 breaths, and call the hospital meanwhile

ExplanationWith no consciousness, breathing or heartbeat, start CPR immediately. As the manual says, lay her on her side, close the mouth and breathe into the nose, stack both hands on the left chest and compress about 100 times a minute, repeating 30 compressions and 2 breaths. The other person calls the hospital to confirm acceptance, and if there is no response after 2 minutes, continue resuscitation while transporting. Shaking or shouting does not restore the heartbeat and only loses time. Pouring water is the same. Transporting for 20 minutes without CPR cuts off oxygen to the brain for that time and almost eliminates the chance of survival.

IssuesThe owner did not know the CPR procedure and, in panic, nearly resorted to the useless action of shaking. The two family members had not assigned roles (CPR and calling) and were not prepared to combine resuscitation with transport. The possibility of heart disease or heatstroke behind a sudden collapse was also overlooked.

ImprovementGo over the CPR procedure as a family (on the side, breaths into the nose, 30 compressions on the left chest and 2 breaths) and rehearse it aloud once a year. Decide that when she collapses, one person does CPR and the other calls the hospital and prepares transport. Memorize normal breathing and heart rates, and make a habit of placing a hand on her chest to check.

2 a.m. in January. An 8-year-old male is lying in his bed and barely responds when his name is called or his ear is touched. Counting his chest movements gives about 10 shallow breaths a minute. A hand on the left chest feels a weak but present heartbeat. His body is cold. He ate normally until the evening. The owner is wondering whether he is "just sleeping" and whether to wait until morning.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Assume he is just in a deep sleep and watch until morning
2. His breathing rate is below normal and consciousness is reduced, so keep him warm and call an after-hours hospital immediately for transport
3. Give him hot water to drink to warm him and see if he responds
4. Hit him hard to wake him and make him stand

AnswerB. His breathing rate is below normal and consciousness is reduced, so keep him warm and call an after-hours hospital immediately for transport

ExplanationThe normal respiratory rate is 15–25 per minute; 10 shallow breaths with a dull response to stimulation is an emergency sign of reduced consciousness. While a heartbeat can still be felt, wrap him in a blanket, call an emergency (after-hours) animal hospital immediately, and transport. Watch his chest during transport so you can switch to CPR if breathing stops. Waiting until morning on the assumption that he is "just sleeping" could end in cardiac arrest. Giving drink to an animal with reduced consciousness causes aspiration. Hitting him to make him stand does not restore consciousness and drains his strength. Pigs tend to hide illness and can deteriorate suddenly even after eating normally that evening.

IssuesThe owner did not know normal breathing or consciousness and nearly dismissed the abnormality as "just sleeping." No after-hours hospital had been looked up, and the family had not shared criteria for deciding at night. Preparation for sudden deterioration in an older pig was lacking.

ImprovementHave the family memorize the normal values (breathing 15–25, heart rate 70–110, response to calling) and post written criteria for a vet visit even at night. Confirm the contact details and directions for an after-hours hospital, and prepare a transport blanket and crate. Give older pigs a checkup every six months.

A September evening. A 4-year-old female walked over broken glass and cut deeply just above the hoof on her right front leg; blood is flowing freely. The owner pressed firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes, but the towel keeps soaking through. The pig is trembling and her gums are turning pale. Two family members are present. The hospital is 15 minutes away by car.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Apply a pressure bandage above the wound (on the heart side), call the hospital while keeping pressure on, and transport
2. Remove the towel, rinse the wound with water, replace it with a fresh towel, and press for another 5 minutes
3. Tie a cord tightly around the leg to stop the blood completely and see the vet the next morning
4. Keep her still at home and watch for an hour until the bleeding settles

AnswerA. Apply a pressure bandage above the wound (on the heart side), call the hospital while keeping pressure on, and transport

ExplanationHeavy bleeding that does not stop after 5 minutes of pressure suggests an arterial injury; as the manual says, apply a pressure bandage on the heart side of the limb, keep pressing the wound, call the hospital, and transport. Pale gums are the onset of shock from blood loss, requiring a "right now" visit. Removing the towel to rinse tears away the forming clot and restarts the bleeding. A tight cord as a tourniquet causes tissue necrosis, and leaving it until morning is out of the question. Watching for an hour leads to death from blood loss. During transport keep her warm with a blanket, and split the roles of pressing and driving.

IssuesBroken glass had not been cleaned up, and safety checks of where the pig walks were inadequate. The owner could not decide to transport while maintaining pressure, and nearly chose wrong measures such as a tourniquet or rinsing. The owner did not know that gum color is a sign of shock.

ImprovementInspect the living space daily for glass and sharp objects and clear them. Prepare a first-aid kit with clean towels, bandages and gloves, and go over pressure hemostasis and heart-side pressure as a family. Share that gum color, trembling and changes in breathing are signs of shock and the rule "transport while keeping pressure on."

9 a.m. in August. It is already 30°C. A 5-year-old male weighing 50 kg was out on a walk when he suddenly stopped in the park, began gasping with his mouth open, and fell on his side. His tongue has a purplish tinge. He responds to his name but cannot stand. The owner is alone, home is a 15-minute walk away, and there is 500 ml of water in a bottle.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Force him to stand and walk, and hurry him home
2. Move him into shade on the spot, pour water on his body to cool him, and call family or the hospital for help with transport
3. Make him drink all the water, wait for him to recover, and walk home once he can
4. Take a video, send it to the vet, and wait for a reply

AnswerB. Move him into shade on the spot, pour water on his body to cool him, and call family or the hospital for help with transport

ExplanationOpen-mouth breathing and a purplish tongue indicate respiratory distress and severe heatstroke, a "right now" emergency. A pig that cannot sweat develops heatstroke quickly even at 30°C. One person cannot carry a 50 kg pig, so first move him into shade on the spot, pour water on his body and fan him while calling family or the hospital, and get help transporting him by car. Forcing him to stand and walk increases heat production and risks cardiac arrest. Making a semiconscious animal drink causes aspiration and does not cool the body. Sending a video and waiting for a reply wastes time. See the vet the same day even if he seems to recover.

IssuesThe owner walked him on a 30°C morning without regard for the fact that pigs are in danger above 28°C. The owner had not anticipated being unable to carry a 50 kg pig alone, and emergency contacts, backup and the amount of water for cooling were all insufficient.

ImprovementIn summer walk between 5 and 7 a.m. or after sunset, and cancel above 25°C. Carry a phone, at least 1 L of water for cooling and a towel, and choose routes with shade for rests. Decide on family or friends who can come by car in an emergency, and review the transport plan as his weight increases.

A December morning. A 3-year-old male bolted dry feed in a hurry, suddenly began coughing, opened his mouth wide, and is in distress with foamy feed coming from his nose. His throat rattles with every breath and his tongue is turning bluish. The owner is about to put a hand in his mouth to scoop the feed out.

What is the most appropriate first action?

1. Reach deep into the mouth and scoop the feed out
2. Give water to wash the feed down
3. Keep hands out of the mouth, lower his head, strike his back firmly several times to encourage coughing, and call the hospital immediately
4. Leave him alone in another room until he calms down

AnswerC. Keep hands out of the mouth, lower his head, strike his back firmly several times to encourage coughing, and call the hospital immediately

ExplanationAn airway blocked by bolted dry feed carries a risk of suffocation. Putting a hand in the mouth of a panicking pig causes severe injury from the powerful jaws and may push the feed deeper. First lower his head below his body and strike firmly several times between the shoulder blades to encourage coughing and expulsion, while calling the hospital immediately. If breathing stops, lay him on his side and switch to CPR. Giving water causes aspiration into the lungs and worsens the condition. Leaving him alone means missing a sudden deterioration; a bluish tongue requires "right now" action. Even after recovery, see the vet the same day to check for aspiration pneumonia.

IssuesDry feed was given as is to a ravenous pig, without considering the risk of choking from bolting. The owner nearly put a hand in the mouth, a dangerous move risking bites and worsening the blockage, and did not know the correct response.

ImprovementSoften feed with a little water or spread it in a puzzle toy or wide dish to prevent bolting. Keep him calm for 30 minutes after meals, and with multiple pigs, separate feeding spots to reduce competition. Share "no hands in the mouth, head down and strike the back, call immediately" for choking with the family, and go over the CPR procedure too.

11 p.m. on a Saturday. A 4-year-old female has been vomiting repeatedly since evening; her belly is distended and she cannot stand. Her breathing is fast but she is conscious. The regular vet's phone goes to voicemail, and the nearby after-hours clinic said, "We can't treat pigs." The owner has posted on social media, "Does anyone know a hospital that treats pigs?" and is waiting for replies.

What is the most appropriate response?

1. Wait for social media replies while keeping her warm at home until morning
2. Give a human stomach medicine to stop the vomiting and go to the regular vet first thing in the morning
3. Phone several places that have treated pigs (animal hospitals, university hospitals, livestock clinics), give her weight and symptoms, secure one that will take her, and transport
4. Press on her abdomen at home to release gas, following information found online

AnswerC. Phone several places that have treated pigs (animal hospitals, university hospitals, livestock clinics), give her weight and symptoms, secure one that will take her, and transport

ExplanationRepeated vomiting, abdominal distension and inability to stand are "right now" emergency signs of intestinal obstruction or gastric dilatation, and waiting until morning is life-threatening. Facilities that treat pigs are limited, so phone in turn several emergency hospitals, university veterinary hospitals, livestock clinics and exotic-animal hospitals, give her weight, symptoms and registration details, secure one that will take her, and then transport. As the manual says, calling ahead is essential. Waiting for social media replies wastes time, and watching until morning is dangerous. Human stomach medicine masks symptoms and worsens an obstruction. Amateur abdominal pressure can rupture the stomach or intestine.

IssuesKnowing that few hospitals treat pigs, the owner had not secured a night or holiday option in advance. In the emergency the owner relied on social media instead of the reliable approach of phoning several facilities. Weight, symptoms and registration details were not ready to give at once.

ImprovementAsk the regular vet about night and holiday options, list at least three hospitals that treat pigs, and post it on the refrigerator. Keep the contact details of university hospitals and livestock clinics too. Put weight, diet, vaccination history and registration details on a single sheet to bring when transporting, and confirm the transport plan as a family.