Abstract

Despite the recent rise in popularity of miniature pigs as companion animals, there are few published reports available regarding gastrointestinal surgery in these animals. This case report describes a 4-year-old castrated male companion potbellied pig who was diagnosed with a small bowel linear foreign body and associated pyloric outflow obstruction. A gastrotomy and three enterotomies involving the proximal and mid-jejunum and proximal centripetal loop of the spiral colon were performed to remove the linear foreign body. The surgical techniques and post-operative care described in this case report provided effective treatment of the linear foreign body and adequately prevented clinical evidence of post-operative complications in the companion potbellied pig. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone interviews and recheck appointment one year later revealed a healthy animal with no abdominal radiographic or ultrasonographic abnormalities.

Keywords

Potbelly pig, pig, foreign body, surgery