[Gpdd] HEALTH: Senior pig

[Dee and Joe]

Hi all,

Joe and i are back from three months in Florida.  We have been reunited with Pumpkin and Peaches who were spending the winter with my sister in NJ. (I live in MA).  I thought the long drive and stopovers would be too  stressful for them so my sister and BIL kept them.  They are very good piggy slaves.

As some of you know Pumpkin is somewhere between 6-8 years old.  He was adopted and I don't know his exact age.  He has been getting stiffer in his back legs over the past year.  He is starting to drag them more now. He doesn't seem to be in pain and all other things are fine with him except for being a little thin.  He eats like a pig! I don't want to stress him with a vet visit if I don't have too.  Does anyone with experience with arthritis in older pigs have any advice for me?  Should I exercise his legs or leave them be?  I used to give my other arthritis GP Metacam, but I think this is hard on their stomachs.  Any natural remedies available in the US?

Thanks for whatever help you can offer.

PS:  I have arthritis, too and know how he feels!

Dee and the Patriot Piggs - Pumpkin and Peaches