Pot bellied pigs

Question 1

🐷 Case 1
A 9-month-old indoor mini pig shows aggressive behavior toward visitors, charging and snapping without contact. It has no cues trained and has never worn a harness.

What is the most appropriate initial recommendation?

A. Use a spray bottle and time-outs to reduce aggression
B. Begin positive reinforcement training with cues and a leash
C. Leave the pig in the room with visitors so it learns socialization

Answer 1

B. Begin positive reinforcement training with cues and a leash ✅

Question 2

🐷 Case 2
A 6-week-old piglet drinks excessively and soils the home despite being confined with a large litter pan. The owner feeds 0.5% BW/day to avoid overgrowth.
What is the likely cause of the issue?
A. Medical polydipsia
B. Underfeeding leading to compensatory polyuria
C. Poor litter substrate preference

Answer 2

B. Underfeeding leading to compensatory polyuria ✅

Question 3

🐷 Case 1
A 2-year-old obese mini pig (BCS 5/5) is fed 3 cups of pellets and daily fruit treats with minimal activity.
What is the most appropriate intervention?
A. Increase protein to 20%
B. Eliminate treats and reduce pellets by 10%
C. Add alfalfa hay for fiber

Answer 3

B. Eliminate treats and reduce pellets by 10% ✅

Question 4

🐽 Case 2
A 10-week-old piglet is weaning poorly on dry pellets and has soft stools.
What is the most suitable recommendation?
A. Moisten pellets and ensure milk-based ingredients
B. Add flaxseed oil
C. Switch to adult maintenance feed

Answer 4

A. Moisten pellets and ensure milk-based ingredients ✅

Question 5

🐽 Case 1
A 3-year-old obese Vietnamese potbellied pig presents for routine ovariohysterectomy. The pre-anesthetic plan includes xylazine, ketamine, and midazolam. During maintenance on isoflurane, the pig develops hypotension (MAP 58 mmHg) and bradycardia.
What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Administer atropine IM
B. Start dopamine infusion at 5 µg/kg/min
C. Increase isoflurane to deepen anesthesia

Answer 5

B. Start dopamine infusion at 5 µg/kg/min ✅

Question 6

🐽 Case 2
An 8-week-old mini piglet is brought in for cryptorchidectomy. The clinician decides to fast the piglet for 8 hours prior to surgery. Post-induction with alfaxalone, apnea is observed.
What was the most likely contributing factor to the apnea?
A. Long fasting time and alfaxalone IV
B. Inadequate depth of anesthesia
C. Improper ETT size selection

Answer 6

A. Long fasting time and alfaxalone IV ✅

Question 7

Case 1
A 5-month-old Vietnamese potbellied pig presents for exercise intolerance and exertional cyanosis. On auscultation, a grade V/VI holosystolic murmur is noted at the right cranial thorax. Echocardiography shows two great arteries arising from the right ventricle and a subaortic VSD with high-velocity flow.

❓ What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Tetralogy of Fallot
B. Double-outlet right ventricle
C. Pulmonic stenosis

Answer 7

✅ Correct answer: B

Question 8

Case 2
A pig with suspected congenital heart disease has no fibrous continuity between aortic and mitral valves. Echocardiography shows agitated saline entering both great arteries from the right ventricle. The left ventricle lacks a distinct arterial outlet.

❓ Which anatomical finding best supports the diagnosis of DORV?

A. Aortic-mitral fibrous continuity
B. Bilateral fibrous conus
C. Absence of arterial outlet from the left ventricle

Answer 8

✅ Correct answer: C

Question 9

Case 1
A 7-month-old pot-bellied pig undergoes ORIF Open reduction and internal fixation for a humeral fracture. The anesthetist plans a nerve block using bupivacaine 0.4 mL/kg guided by ultrasound and a nerve stimulator. No intraoperative increases in HR or MAP are noted.

❓ What is the most likely explanation for the absence of cardiovascular changes?

A. The pig was hypotensive due to hemorrhage
B. The regional block provided sufficient analgesia
C. Bupivacaine has no effect on nociception in pigs

Answer 9

✅ Correct answer: B

Question 10

Case 2
A pig develops knuckling in one forelimb postoperatively following a brachial plexus block. The pig remains alert and comfortable with no signs of pain. The knuckling resolves 16 hours later.

❓ What is the most likely cause of this transient neurologic sign?

A. Accidental intraneural injection of bupivacaine
B. Normal effect of successful brachial plexus motor blockade
C. Postoperative radial nerve entrapment

Answer 10

✅ Correct answer: B

Question 11

Case 1
A 4-year-old potbellied pig presents for anorexia, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound shows diffuse intrahepatic bile duct dilation and gas artifact. CT reveals a heterogeneous mass within the CBD.

❓ What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Medical treatment with antibiotics only
B. Percutaneous drainage of the gallbladder
C. Exploratory laparotomy with choledochotomy

Answer 11

✅ Correct answer: C

Question 12

Case 2
After choledochotomy and removal of purulent material, culture reveals Enterococcus avium. Six months later, the pig presents with vomiting, elevated GGT, and intrahepatic bile duct dilation on ultrasound.

❓ What is the most likely cause of recurrence?

A. Undiagnosed hepatic neoplasia
B. Chronic hepatic degeneration and necrosis
C. Pancreatic duct obstruction

Answer 12

✅ Correct answer: B

Question 13

Case 1
A 9-year-old PrdP production-sized pigs sow presents with chronic vaginal discharge, weight loss, and anemia (PCV 27%). Abdominal ultrasound reveals a large uterine mass. During OVH, severe hemorrhage occurs.

❓ Which factor most significantly decreases the likelihood of short-term survival?

A. Vaginal discharge
B. Anemia and intraoperative hemorrhage
C. Breed and age

Answer 13

✅ Correct answer: B

Question 14

Case 2
A 267 kg PrdP production-sized pigs is diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma and survives OVH. Histology reveals concurrent cystic endometrial hyperplasia. At 15 months post-op, the owner reports improved appetite and mobility.

❓ What is the most appropriate clinical message regarding long-term prognosis?

A. Prognosis remains poor even after discharge
B. Surgery should not be offered in PrdP
C. Long-term outcome is favorable if hospital discharge is achieved

Answer 14

✅ Correct answer: C

Question 15

Case 1
A pot-bellied pig with a history of fractured mandibular tusks presents with chronic mandibular swelling and halitosis. CT reveals aberrant tusk regrowth with bone deformation and a mandibular abscess.

❓ What is the most appropriate surgical plan?

A. Single intraoral extraction
B. Multi-access segmented extraction with ventral and lateral windows
C. Conservative trimming and antibiotics

Answer 15

✅ Correct answer: B

Question 16

Case 2
Four months after tusk extraction, the same pig returns with mandibular swelling and a fistula. CT confirms persistent osteomyelitis. Culture is not performed.

❓ What is the most evidence-based treatment approach?

A. Oral clindamycin + debridement + antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate
B. Re-extraction of all remaining tusks
C. High-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate without surgery

Answer 16

✅ Correct answer: A

Question 17

🐖 Case 1
A 10-year-old pot-bellied pig presents with ulcerated skin lesions on non-pigmented areas of the abdomen and flanks. Histopathology confirms SCC. The lesions are widespread and not amenable to surgery. The owner declines radiotherapy due to cost.

What is the most appropriate treatment plan?
A. Oral prednisolone and sun avoidance only
B. Intravenous bleomycin followed by electrochemotherapy
C. Topical antibiotics and NSAIDs

Answer 17

✅ Correct answer: B
> ECT with IV bleomycin is supported for diffuse, non-surgical SCC in pigs

Question 18

🐖 Case 2
A pot-bellied pig undergoing ECT for cutaneous SCC develops erythema and mucopurulent discharge 4 days after treatment. CBC is normal, appetite is good.

What is the best next step?
A. Discontinue ECT and initiate systemic antibiotics
B. Continue protocol and manage symptoms with NSAIDs and monitoring
C. Switch to oral chemotherapy due to suspected bleomycin toxicity

Answer 18

✅ Correct answer: B
> Mild local inflammation post-ECT is expected; NSAIDs and symptomatic care suffice

Question 19

1. A 3-year-old intact female Vietnamese potbellied pig presents with unexpected episodes of house soiling. The owner reports increased urination during specific periods without changes in water intake.
   A. This behavior is likely due to incomplete house training.
   B. Estrus may be causing increased urination frequency.
   C. Anosmia in pigs typically causes urinary accidents.

Answer 19

B. Estrus may be causing increased urination frequency. ✅

Question 20

2. A 5-year-old potbellied pig has become increasingly aggressive toward visitors and family members. Physical exam is unremarkable. The owner reports inconsistent training and use of verbal reprimands.
   A. Physical or verbal punishment may exacerbate the aggression.
   B. Aversive methods will establish dominance and reduce aggression.
   C. Aggression in pigs is usually unrelated to environmental factors.

Answer 20

A. Physical or verbal punishment may exacerbate the aggression. ✅

Question 21

A pig is presented for obesity and chronic difficulty during nail trims. On physical exam, you cannot palpate the ribs and note excess jowl fat.
A. A BCS of 3/5 is likely.
B. Facial fat does not affect comfort or behavior.
C. Facial adiposity may impair hearing and vision.

Answer 21

C. Facial adiposity may impair hearing and vision. ✅

Question 22

A 2-year-old miniature pig is sedated with dexmedetomidine and midazolam before surgery. During recovery, it develops bradycardia and hypotension.
A. This is likely due to pain and requires opioid reversal.
B. Dexmedetomidine can cause bradycardia and hypotension.
C. Atropine should be administered with all α2-agonists to prevent this.

Answer 22

B. Dexmedetomidine can cause bradycardia and hypotension. ✅

Question 23

A client calls regarding a pig that vomited and became lethargic after chewing on a fentanyl patch. They did not witness ingestion but found the empty backing nearby.
A. Naloxone should be administered and the pig monitored closely.
B. Fentanyl patches are harmless if not swallowed intact.
C. Activated charcoal is always sufficient treatment.

Answer 23

A. Naloxone should be administered and the pig monitored closely. ✅

Question 24

A pig is undergoing sedation with ketamine, midazolam, and butorphanol. Despite this, intubation is extremely difficult due to poor visibility.
A. Pigs have short palates and wide glottic openings facilitating intubation.
B. Pigs possess a long soft palate and laryngeal diverticulum.
C. Use of lidocaine spray is contraindicated in pigs.

Answer 24

B. Pigs possess a long soft palate and laryngeal diverticulum. ✅

Question 25

You are called to evaluate a 4-month-old pig with loud squeals and panic when handled. The pig is housed alone with no enrichment and limited space. A. Under-enrichment and lack of habituation may contribute to distress. B. Pigs are naturally antisocial and prefer solitude. C. This is normal behavior in well-adjusted juvenile pigs.

Answer 25

A. Under-enrichment and lack of habituation may contribute to distress. ✅

Question 26

A geriatric pig with mobility issues is losing weight and has dry skin. The owner reports difficulty chewing pellets. A. Alfalfa hay should be added to increase protein and calcium. B. Increase dry feed to build weight quickly. C. Offer moistened food and check for arthritis.

Answer 26

C. Offer moistened food and check for arthritis. ✅

Question 27

A pig treated for SCC with electrochemotherapy returns 6 months later with erythema at a previously treated site. Appetite and behavior are normal. A. This is an adverse systemic reaction to bleomycin. B. Mild local erythema is expected post-ECT. C. This requires immediate antibiotic therapy.

Answer 27

B. Mild local erythema is expected post-ECT. ✅

Question 28

A potbellied pig undergoing laparotomy for uterine neoplasia becomes hypotensive and hypothermic under anesthesia. A. These are uncommon complications during pig anesthesia. B. Hypoventilation, hypotension, and hypothermia are common. C. Warming systems are contraindicated due to overheating risk.

Answer 28

B. Hypoventilation, hypotension, and hypothermia are common. ✅

Question 29

1. A 6-month-old potbellied pig is presented for exertional cyanosis. Echocardiography reveals both great arteries arising from the right ventricle. A. These findings are typical in pigs and do not indicate pathology. B. This is consistent with a double-outlet right ventricle. C. Pulmonary valve stenosis is the most likely cause.

Answer 29

B. This is consistent with a double-outlet right ventricle. ✅

Question 30

12. A 4-year-old castrated male pig has cheek swelling, halitosis, and a draining fistula. He had tusk extraction at 13 months with intraoperative fracture. A. Aberrant tusk regrowth with mandibular osteomyelitis is likely. B. Maxillary tusk regrowth causes mandibular abscessation. C. Osteomyelitis in pigs is rare and self-limiting.

Answer 30

A. Aberrant tusk regrowth with mandibular osteomyelitis is likely. ✅

Question 31

13. A pig is undergoing an orthopedic procedure with a brachial plexus block guided by ultrasound and nerve stimulator. No rescue analgesia is needed during surgery. A. Peripheral nerve blocks are ineffective in pigs due to fascial resistance. B. Pain perception in pigs cannot be assessed intraoperatively. C. This technique can be effective when guided and well placed.

Answer 31

C. This technique can be effective when guided and well placed. ✅

Question 32

14. A 5-year-old potbellied pig is being evaluated for progressive icterus and inappetence. CT reveals a gas-filled mass obstructing the common bile duct. A. A choledochotomy is contraindicated in pigs. B. A common bile duct abscess with EHBO is suspected. C. Surgical resolution is usually unnecessary for biliary obstruction.

Answer 32

B. A common bile duct abscess with EHBO is suspected. ✅

Question 33

15. A miniature pig presents with abnormal posture and proprioceptive deficits following forelimb orthopedic surgery. A brachial plexus block was used. A. These signs are transient effects of regional anesthesia. B. Nerve block complications are permanent in pigs. C. Surgical positioning caused spinal trauma.

Answer 33

A. These signs are transient effects of regional anesthesia. ✅

Question 34

16. A 2-year-old potbellied pig destroys walls and flips furniture. He is housed indoors with no outdoor access and few toys. A. This is likely due to thyroid dysfunction. B. Destructive behaviors stem from under-enrichment. C. Pigs rarely express frustration through object manipulation.

Answer 34

B. Destructive behaviors stem from under-enrichment. ✅

Question 35

17. A juvenile pig housed in a small indoor enclosure urinates repeatedly near his food and water bowls. A. Pigs do not discriminate elimination areas from resting zones. B. Inadequate space may disrupt natural excretory behavior. C. This indicates renal pathology.

Answer 35

B. Inadequate space may disrupt natural excretory behavior. ✅

Question 36

18. A client reports their pig urinates while drinking, resulting in puddles near the bowl. The pig is otherwise house-trained and healthy. A. This suggests severe urinary incontinence. B. Simultaneous drinking and urination is a normal pig behavior. C. This behavior requires immediate pharmacological intervention.

Answer 36

B. Simultaneous drinking and urination is a normal pig behavior. ✅

Question 37

19. A pig undergoing electrochemotherapy for SCC loses over 6 kg during initial sessions. Appetite is maintained. A. ECT causes consistent systemic toxicity in pigs. B. Weight loss is unexpected and contraindicates further treatment. C. Weight loss may occur but is reversible with supportive care.

Answer 37

C. Weight loss may occur but is reversible with supportive care. ✅

Question 38

20. A pig presents for lethargy and decreased appetite. The owner feeds only vegetables and cereal flakes to “keep him slim.” A. This diet provides all essential micronutrients. B. Pet pigs thrive on produce-rich diets without pellets. C. Nutritional imbalance is likely without a complete pig-specific pellet.

Answer 38

C. Nutritional imbalance is likely without a complete pig-specific pellet. ✅

Question 39

21. A 10-month-old pig undergoing a routine OVH becomes cyanotic and apneic during recovery. Intubation was reportedly difficult. A. Airway obstruction is a common complication in pigs due to anatomical features. B. Pigs are obligate oral breathers and rarely obstruct. C. This was likely caused by an anesthetic overdose.

Answer 39

A. Airway obstruction is a common complication in pigs due to anatomical features. ✅

Question 40

22. A 6-year-old pig undergoing surgery is receiving isoflurane and IV fluids. Despite warming measures, body temperature drops below 37°C. A. Pigs efficiently maintain normothermia under anesthesia. B. Hypothermia is common and requires active thermal support. C. Blanket layering is always sufficient to maintain temperature.

Answer 40

B. Hypothermia is common and requires active thermal support. ✅

Question 41

23. A pig's litter box is clean, but he consistently defecates next to his food bowl. Housing is adequate and no health issues are found. A. Elimination near food is atypical and may signal stress or spatial layout issues. B. Pigs are non-discriminatory eliminators. C. Clumping cat litter is preferred in such cases.

Answer 41

A. Elimination near food is atypical and may signal stress or spatial layout issues. ✅

Question 42

25. A pig receives IM injections using a 1” needle in the dorsal gluteal region. The pig yelps and limps afterward. A. Injection in the gluteals avoids major nerves in pigs. B. Gluteal injections risk sciatic nerve injury. C. Short needles ensure accurate drug delivery in pigs.

Answer 42

B. Gluteal injections risk sciatic nerve injury. ✅

Question 43

26. A pig with aggressive behavior toward houseguests improves slightly after behavioral modification. However, episodes persist during feeding. A. Pharmacological support is not effective for aggression in pigs. B. Fluoxetine may worsen frustration-based aggression. C. Fluoxetine (1 mg/kg SID) may help reduce reactivity.

Answer 43

C. Fluoxetine (1 mg/kg SID) may help reduce reactivity. ✅

Question 44

27. A pig with a history of tusk fracture develops mandibular swelling and draining tracts. CT reveals tusk regrowth and jawbone destruction. A. Surgical debridement and long-term antibiotics are warranted. B. Oral antiseptics are sufficient unless systemic signs appear. C. Re-fracturing the tusk under sedation can resolve the issue.

Answer 44

A. Surgical debridement and long-term antibiotics are warranted. ✅

Question 45

28. A potbellied pig with anorexia and hyperbilirubinemia has a distended gallbladder on ultrasound. CT reveals a gas-filled mass in the CBD. A. Medical therapy alone is sufficient to manage EHBO. B. This finding is incidental unless accompanied by fever. C. Immediate surgical drainage is indicated.

Answer 45

C. Immediate surgical drainage is indicated. ✅

Question 46

29. A pig on a high-fat homemade diet presents for poor coat quality and dry skin. The owner bathes it weekly. A. High-fat diets prevent skin issues in pigs. B. Overbathing and nutritional imbalance may be contributing. C. Coconut oil is ideal for skin hydration in overweight pigs.

Answer 46

B. Overbathing and nutritional imbalance may be contributing. ✅

Question 47

30. A pig with a soft, pale body and large jowls is lethargic and uncooperative for hoof trims. You cannot palpate ribs or hips. A. Feeding more hay and free-choice pellets is indicated. B. Obesity is unrelated to behavior or foot health. C. Weight loss, environmental enrichment, and hoof care are needed.

Answer 47

C. Weight loss, environmental enrichment, and hoof care are needed. ✅

Question 48

Case 1: Syncopal piglet with a murmur A 3.5-month-old miniature pig presents with episodic collapse after minimal exertion. On auscultation, a grade 4/6 right parasternal murmur is noted. Echocardiography reveals severe right atrial and ventricular dilation, flattening of the interventricular septum, and a TR jet velocity of 4.5 m/s. There are no signs of congenital shunts or lung disease. What is the most likely diagnosis? A. Tricuspid valve dysplasia B. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension C. Pulmonary thromboembolism

Answer 48

B. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension ✅

Question 49

Case 2: Ascites in a young pig A 4-month-old pot-bellied pig is brought in for abdominal distension and tachypnea. Ultrasound shows peritoneal effusion. Echocardiography indicates right heart enlargement, TR, and an estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure of 95 mmHg. Histopathology post-euthanasia reveals concentric medial hypertrophy and rare plexiform lesions. Which of the following findings best supports idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension? A. Severe biventricular hypertrophy B. Plexiform lesions in pulmonary arteries C. Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis

Answer 49

B. Plexiform lesions in pulmonary arteries ✅

Question 50

Case 1: Acute dyspnea in a piglet A 3-month-old Kunekune pig suddenly develops open-mouth breathing and is found recumbent. Thoracic radiographs show lung retraction and cardiac shift. CT confirms the presence of pulmonary bullae. Tracheal wash is negative. What is the most likely diagnosis? A. Infectious pneumonia B. Pneumothorax due to bullae rupture C. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Answer 50

B. Pneumothorax due to bullae rupture ✅

Question 51

Case 2: Post-anesthetic complications A miniature pig develops tachypnea after a routine procedure under general anesthesia. Radiographs show thoracic free gas, and ultrasound reveals no glide sign. The pig improves after bilateral chest tube placement. Which is the most likely diagnosis? A. Pulmonary thromboembolism B. Iatrogenic pneumothorax C. Hypocalcemia-induced bronchospasm

Answer 51

B. Iatrogenic pneumothorax ✅