reflux/ bad breath

Question
I have a 13 year old PBP named Wilbur. He has maintained a constant body weight between 140 and 145 for the past 9 or 10 years. In the last year he has lost 20 pounds. The diet hasnt changed nor has his appetite. He seems to be eating just as happily as always. Also, I have been noticing a terrible odor come from his mouth that I havent smelled before. It appears that he "burps" or has a slight gurgle then the smell follows. His attitude doesnt seem any different and doesnt appear in pain. He has developed a slight limp over the past few yaers that I have attributed to possible arthritis. It's not much of a concern. My two concerns here are the weight loss and bad odor from his mouth. Can I give him a TUMS type product?

Answer
When an older pig losses weight for no apparent reason, the reason could be quite serious. I am not a veterinarian and can not make a medical diagnosis over the internet. There is a list of vets that see pot-bellied pigs here www.farec.org

Bad breath, burps and weight loss can be signs of infected teeth. If you can, feel around inside his mouth for lumps or bumps or loose teeth. You might find some stuff stuck in his teeth, and quite a bit of junk in the lower jaw, wedged behind the last teeth. Clean out as much as you can. It may take a few sessions. If you find bumps, lumps, or loose teeth, piggy will need to see a vet. He may need antibiotics, or bad teeth pulled. Lumps may be abscesses or worse, cancer.

Pigs do develop ulcers and acid reflux. Usually this is caused by infrequent feeding (only one meal a day), lack of water or medication. Feeding piggy three or more small meals a day, and including water in the meal or encouraging piggy to drink water by adding a bit of juice can help. Often, when a pig will be taking a medicine that may cause stomach problems, like Rimadyl or baby aspirin, an antacid is automatically given along with the medicine. Often, this is an ordinary over the counter product like Pepcid AC, given following the package directions.

BUT I can NOT recommend starting your pig on antacids. The small meals and extra liquids, those are ok to go ahead and try. But please do not medicate your pig until you know for sure that the problem is stomach related. Seriously, an antacid will not help bad teeth or cancer.

Cancer of the oral/nasal cavities is becoming a huge problem. We see more and more of these cancers, probably because we are seeing more and more older pigs. A cancer in the mouth, throat or sinus could be causing the symptoms.