well being of new pig

Question
We just got a new pig yesterday at Pet Smart. I know your team does not recommend pet stores for purchase, but I know of no breeders in the area. We selected a small male pig who was approx. 3 months old. He was very calm when handling and the lady at the store said he had been sleeping. She listened for resperatory problems and checked him out ok. Now 1 day later, I have not seen him eat or drink anything and he just sits under his igloo. We have tried to hand feed him or give him water but he will not take it. He moves around a little bit when handling but appears much calmer than others I have known. I have heard at least twice when handling a short quick almost "breath-like" or jump in his tummy. This concerns me. Could this be respiratory problems or something that only young pigs do? Why is he hiding and not eating?

Pet Smart "said" we have 14 days for refund or exchange and if he appeared sick to have their vet look at it. What is your opinion of Pet-Smart's vet? I know of no exotic vet around here and my current vet does not know much about pigs.

Please advise and answer all questions above. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Stephie

I didnt know we didnt recommend pet stores actually. I bought one of my pigs from a store. The key is being able to identify if the animal is healthy or not.

I understand PetSmart is an american shop, is that right? If so, I am in UK so I am unable to comment as to how good their vets are. However, the bottom line is that pet stores are businesses so are not as concerned with that quality of "their "stock" as breeders or animal charities would be.

It is possible that the lack of appetite is temporary due to a "settling in" period but no eating or drinking always concerns me. My advice would be to take advantage of the store's vet and take your pig to him/her. It does sound to me like a possible respiratory problem which will probably need treatment of some kind and the store should supply/pay for this treatment as they seem to have failed you in providing a healthy pet.

Good luck

andy