Did I say I wasn't going to post any more piglet pics? Oh well, sorry, I just couldn't resist this one and it has been even more of a piglet-focused day for me than usual today because last night when I went to check on them one of them had absolutely no strength in its back legs. It was getting around OKish, but literally dragging its back end around after it. I assumed that it had broken its back somehow, or it had some kind of deformity which caused the problem. Horrible to see.
This morning I called the vet practise that we use and Andrew, who is a friend and lives in this village came out. He immediately said that it looked like a disc problem that had probably been caused by one of its siblings. Honestly, I can't believe how brutal they are with each other when feeding and play-fighting, so this did sound plausible.
I had assumed that he was simply going to put it out of its misery, but he gave it a shot of steroids and said that there was a 90% chance that it would recover. Within hours I noticed that it was putting some weight on its legs, so fingers crossed things will work out OK.
I also got him to look at the piglet that has had a big sore on its foot since being bitten by a brother or sister on their first day of life. He said that that was looking OK, and although there will be a nasty scar it should be alright. So, so far we had 11 births and still have 11 survivors, which from what I have read and been told is a very unusual thing at this stage with pigs.
Oh yes, and it is Angus' 16th birthday. Poor boy is still on his work experience in London, but we met his request for a Chinese takeaway and Sam made him a lovely chocolate cake and even did quite a good job of clearing up after himself which is remarkable in itself. Angus had wanted me to make him barbecued jumbo prawns in garlic butter rather than the takeaway, but we live in something of a culinary wasteland, so I couldn't get the prawns anywhere. I will have to go to Stratford on Friday where the market has an excellent fish stall.
Well this is just gorgeous, a nest of piglets - would make for a great jigsaw. Fingers crossed for the poor little piglet with a disc problem, I can relate! So pleased that he has been given a chance, I am sure he will get better. Very traumatic and tiring I should imagine!
You are doing wonderful with your piglets. They are getting to the stage now that you will probably be okay and all will make it, barring any serious accidents.
Well done!
This is such a great picture. Love how they all huddle together to sleep.
Beautiful little pile of piglets Jan & well done on your survival rate!! Good on Angus still slaving away in the city...a very Happy Birthday to Angus!
Well done!
This is such a great picture. Love how they all huddle together to sleep.
I hope the injured piggy made a full recovery.