Heddwyn (middle left), and Llewlyn (top and bottom right) came in from the shelter in dreadful condition.  Llewlyn has had no further problems, but Heddwyn is a satin and has severe bone loss, along with outbreaks of cheilitis and yeast overgrowth.  Heddwyn takes medication every day to help with his bone loss and resulting arthritis and has a special light above his cage to help him absorb extra calcium.  He has also recently been diagnosed with heart issues. These boys are bonded, and cuddle in the same pigloo together.

Special Needs Animals

 

These animals have serious ongoing issues and will stay in the rescue for the rest of their lives.  Each one is very special, and it’s hard to imagine how anybody could have left them at the shelter in such poor condition.

Spot was left sitting at the shelter for two weeks with a large hole in his side, where he had been biting at a tumor (which turned out to be benign).  I took him straight to the vet who removed the tumor and performed a neuter so that he’d have the option of being housed with our own girls after he’d recovered.  He developed pneumonia, and on x-ray it was shown that not only is he an elderly pig but that he has an enlarged heart which presses on his trachea.  Spot has recovered from his pneumonia and surgeries, but he will need heart medication for the rest of his life and will always be subject to infection due to his weakened immune system.  (He is currently enjoying his well-earned honeymoon in the girls’ cage!)  UPDATE:  Spot died peacefully on July 26, 2006.

Donations to help with the long-term care and ongoing medical expenses of these animals are appreciated!

Candy came in from the local shelter where somebody adopted her mate but left her alone.  She has bladder stones and is on heart meds, but she has a wonderful personality and everybody who sees her falls in love with her!  Candy is currently a ’special needs’ sow, and at some time in the future she may have surgery to remove her bladder stones.