[Gpdd] HEALTH Toby and Guiny

[Penny Charlesworth]

Hi Mieke,

I have had piggies break their front teeth. One in particular, Rowan, broke his several times in his very long life gnawing over enthusiatically on the pen wire. 

Their teeth grow back incredibly quickly and in a few days all will be well. All I have done with mine is to check that there are no broken bits in their mouths. Sometimes a tooth will break off right at the gumline but it will still regrow.

Rowan could always manage his dry food and water but needed his veggies grated until his teeth regrew. If Toby does not want to feed himself in this way, keep giving him strips of veg. It will not be for long. Rowan could always manage grass and hay by himself at this time, he just could not bite off chunks of veg. Grated carrot was always his favourite.

I doubt that Toby is in any pain, just annoyed that he cannot bite. Jumping down suddenly can easily cause a break in the front teeth.

If you are not confident about trimming the teeth yourself, once they have regrown, just ask the vet to file them straight at the front although this may not be necessary. Rowan's always turned out fine. Avoid the anaesthetic at all costs!

You are right about the mites. Stress can cause an outbreak. Can you buy VetSect Repel in the Netherlands? Your vet might sell it. It is great for dealing with flaky skin and clears out all the dead hair. I've never used Stronghold but rely on Ivermectin to kill off the little pests.

All the best,

Penny and the Piggyfriends.