Pig limping

Question
Good morning Helen. I have a question about my 5 year old pot belly. (He will be 6 in April). I noticed this morning that he was limping when he came out of his house. Now, it is about 20 degrees here this morning and he has straw and a blanket in his house but isn't he too young to be limping? Once he moves around a bit, it stops, but first thing he limps. Is there something I can give him to help him? Thank you for your help.  

Answer
Pigs as young as four or five can develop arthritis, especially pigs that are overweight or have knock knees. Also, we think that pigs can experience "numb limb" sensation that happens when blood flow is restricted, then resumes. For example, when the pig lays still on one leg for a long time, then gets up.

If the stiffness doesn't happen again, I wouldn't worry much about it.

If the stiffness happens frequently, the problem is likely arthritis. Your vet can prescribe medicine for this.