Taking Swine Temperatures

Domestic Farm Hogs Vs Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs
Taking Temperatures

What you will need.

For domestic swine you should have two clinical thermometers, mercury bulb type held in a metal casing.  Always keep a spare and always hold on tight to them while actually taking the temperature reading.

1. Be sure the hog is standing and that  you can easily get to the tail or rear of the  pig.

2. If the hog is loose and not in a stall, it may be necessary to put him in one or hold the tail and thermometer together. (again, hold tightly so it doesn't get sucked up into the hog)

3. Be sure to shake the mercury down the glass tube of the thermometer towards the bulb and be sure it is below 97 degrees.

4. Wipe the thermometer clean with cotton and alcohol and apply either Vaseline or mineral oil to it for easy inserting.

5. Lift the tail and insert thermometer into the rectum and sort of angle gently into the lining or mucous membrane for a clean reading. If you insert it into feces, it will read higher then normal.

6. Allow thermometer to remain in the rectum for 30 seconds to one full minute and then read.

POTBELLIED OR OTHER MINIATURE PIGS

For potbellied and other miniature pet pigs you can use the standard clinical thermometer or the longer digital ones.  Also always hold on tight to them while actually taking the temperature reading. You don't want them to get sucked up into the pigs rectum.

1. The pig can be standing or laying for a tummy rub.

2. If using a mercury thermometer be sure to shake it down below 97 degrees and if using a digital one, turn it on.

3. Wipe the thermometer clean with cotton and alcohol and apply either Vaseline or mineral oil to it for easy inserting.

4. Insert thermometer into the rectum and sort of angle gently into the lining or mucous membrane for a clean reading. If you insert it into feces, it will read higher then normal.

5. If using a mercury thermometer, be sure and leave in for 30 seconds to 1 minute. If using a digital, you will hear it chime when top temperature is readable.

It is always a good practice if you own a pet pig or even have a rescue or sanctuary to take a reading on each pig at the same time every day for five day and record it in that's pigs medical records. This way you will know what their normal temperature is for that and for each pig. If you have a rescue or sanctuary, you might consider doing this when  they first come in while still in quarantine and being observed.

Always be sure to check with your veterinarian when you suspect you have a sick pig.

If you have a pig with a low temperature reading, you will need to get the temperature up. You can use warm blanket (put them in a dryer for a few minutes). Warm water or drinks will also help. And always call a veterinarian asap.

If you have one with a fever, call your veterinarian and get that pig in to his office or the veterinarian out to your place to see and treat the pig.