skinny pig

Question
I have a 5year old pot belly, last year she was obese over this past winter she has lost half her weight, she will not eat her food unless I mix things in it. Foods that she eats one day she won't eat the next like lettuce she would only eat iceberg now she won't touch it. I mix apples and tomatoes (which she loves) baked pot, tablespoon of oil in with her mini pig food and corn mix. Sometimes she just picks out the Apple pieces and tomatoes. She has been seen by a vet they did blood work and de-wormed her. She didn't find anything wrong. She said her weight wasn't that bad but she has lost a lot of muscle. You can see her back bone, ribs. It is such a drastic change. I don't know what to think. If she had cancer wouldn't that show up in blood work. She is a outdoor pig. Any information you can give me will be great. Thank you.

Answer
I am not a veterinarian and can not make a medical diagnosis over the internet. Cancer usually strikes older pigs, but nasal cancer does show up in pigs as young as 5. So, I would ask your vet about that specifically.

A dental problem can cause eating problems. Wait until piggy is sleepy, then put some sugar on your finger and try to feel around inside the mouth. Look for loose teeth, junk stuck between teeth or between the jaw and cheek, swelling, lumps, etc.

I assume she is pooping Ok, if not, there may be a blockage.

The last possibility I can think of is an ulcer. Sometimes Pepcid AC or something similar given according to package directions can help, but it may take a few days to see any improvement.

Pigs usually love strawberry flavored Boost or Ensure. These are high calorie, high nutrient drinks, and can be mixed with pellets. Plain cooked eggs are nutritious and easy to digest, and adding cream cheese will really up the calorie count. Giving her some egg, ensure and maybe cream cheese or peanut butter daily may help her put some weight back on.