lettuces/constipation

Question
hello. i started a change in my potbelly about three weeks ago. she has been fine with the change, but the past week i have been giving her more iceberg lettuce than usual. the past two days she has been constipated. maybe a couple pellets at a time, twice a day, when normally she poops alot each time outside. could it be the change in the lettuce causing it. the change in diet i made was, iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, and cucumbers. just wondering what it could be causing it. thanks so much.

Answer
Lettuce is high in fiber and water, so it's unlikely to cause constipation. Lack of fiber and liquids can cause constipation.

Most cases of piggy constipation don't last more than a day or so. Encourage piggy to drink a but more water by adding a little fruit juice to it. If that doesn't help, try giving piggy plain canned pumpkin (not the pumpkin pie mix). Car rides can also help piggies go, especially if they are not used to car rides.

If the constipation continues long term piggy may need to see a vet. Pigs often eat things they shouldn't eat, and this can cause blockages. Signals of a serious problem requiring immediate vet care include struggling to go with nothing coming out, bleeding, and lack of appetite. There's a list of vet that see pot-bellied pigs at www.farec.org