Diagnosis and management of obstructive urolithiasis in miniature pigs

Abstract

This article provides information to assist practitioners in the diagnosis, medical, and surgical management of obstructive urolithiasis in miniature pigs. The article focuses primarily on pigs managed as pets because production swine rarely undergo intensive treatment for urolithiasis. As much as possible, the information in this article is based on published literature, but given the limited number of publications addressing obstructive urolithiasis in pigs, some information is based on the authors’ clinical experience. Medical and surgical management of obstructive urolithiasis of pigs is often similar to management in ruminant and small animal species, but differences in swine anatomy, handling, and temperament create unique challenges. Pigs tend to be more difficult to restrain and examine than other livestock and often require heavy sedation or anesthesia to facilitate physical examination and basic diagnostic procedures. Because pigs are monogastrics, some oral treatments used in small animals may be used effectively in pigs. Clinicians should follow AMDUCA and consult the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank prior to extralabel drug use because pet pigs are still considered a major food-producing species in the United States.

Providing expert insight into clinical practice

“…We are very pleased to feature 2 manuscripts that provide help with decision-making when presented with a small ruminant or pig with urethral obstruction due to urolithiasis. Mejia et al 6 and Simpson et al 7 provide us with their personal experiences and preferred methods for approaching these patients and offer help in deciding how and when to relieve the obstruction. Both groups of authors synthesize existing literature with their own personal experiences.…”