Rupert, along with his sister Penny were originally house pigs but Rupert’s chronic halitosis has seen them both banished to the farmyard. The whole farm avoids him and even people back away from his whiffy breath.
Keen to get to the root of the problem, Marc in the Pet Shame Clinic examines Rupert but overall he is very healthy and his mouth is in good shape. Persistent bad breath needs to be checked out and back at home Marc sends in local specialised farm Vet Hugh Salmon. Hugh’s top concern is swine fever, a symptom of which is a severe loss of appetite, however this is quickly ruled out as Rupert is a healthy, if smelly, eater!
Marc and Hugh diagnose possible foul foodstuffs like apples and grasses that ferment in the stomach as being the cause of Rupert’s stinky breath but to investigate further would require Rupert to undergo an anesthetic. Owners Katie and Dan just aren’t keen for Rupert to undergo sedation for a problem they feel they could live with so decide not to put him through a risky procedure for the sake of a sweeter smelling Rupert.
Rachel Roxburgh, Scientific Officer on behalf of the RSPCA says: “Micro- and mini-pigs have very specific welfare needs that must be met to keep them happy and healthy. For example, all pigs have a strong desire to root, which means they need continual access to suitable areas for rooting, otherwise they can become destructive. Being small may make it difficult for micro- and mini- pigs to keep warm, so they must always have access to a suitable shelter that includes a comfortable, dry lying area and appropriate bedding. Without a stimulating environment, micro- and mini-pigs are highly likely to show negative behaviours, such as stereotypic behaviour (behaviours that are repeated without an obvious purpose). Micro- and mini-pigs need to be housed in social groups with other friendly, similar-sized pigs, not only because they are social herd animals but also because they can become aggressive to their owners if housed alone. Under the Animal Welfare Act, 2006, pet owners are legally required to meet the needs of their animals. Due to their complex needs, the RSPCA is concerned about how well micro- and mini-pigs can be cared for by non-specialist keepers.”
For more information click here http://www.rspca.org.uk/ImageLocator/LocateAsset?asset=document&assetId=1232719452854&mode=prd.
