male pot belly pig n swollen penis

Question
I just notice that our pot belly pig's penis looks swollen. Should we worried? He's 11months n not neutured.

Answer
A pot-bellied pig's penis is located in the center of the belly. This long, corkscrew shaped organ is usually tucked under a sheath. Also hidden under this sheath is a butterfly shaped organ called the preputial diverticulum. This pouch like organ collects seamen, urine and other body fluids. These fluids are excreted when the pig is excited or upset. Female pigs love the smell of this fluid. Most people do not. The testicles are located on the rump under the tail.

Pot-bellied pig testicles can get quite large and hard. This is normal.

Intact boars hump constantly. When humping, the penis is extended beyond its protective sheath. If there are no females available, a boar will hump just about anything, and the penis can become irritated or damaged.

A narrow urinary tube runs through the length of the penis. Inflammation or damage to the tube can cause painful urination, or even prevent urination all together. If the pig can not pass urine, the bladder may burst, causing a painful death. If the corkscrew penis itself is red, swollen or does not retract, the pig will need to see a vet.

The preputial diverticulum can become infected in both intact and fixed male pigs. If the sheath area appears red or swollen, or is constantly oozing a thick, oddly colored fluid, it may be infected. Gently wash the area with a warm, soapy cloth. Try to expel all the fluid from the pouch, then apply any antibiotic ointment made for people. If the inflammation does not subside within a day or two at most, the pig will need to see a vet. Untreated perutial diverticulum inflammation can lead to urinary tract infection and death.

There's a list of vets that treat potbellied pigs at www.farec.org