Castration Question

MDKatie · #1 05/01/12, 07:01 AM

I castrated my 2 male pigs on Sunday, and yesterday I went to put some antibiotic ointment on the cuts. There was some dirt in there. Is that ok? Do I even need to do anything else at this point or will they heal fine on their own? They're in a stall w/ bedding, but of course pigs aren't happy with laying on the bedding, they like digging. :-)

monkeybackfarm · #2 05/01/12, 07:22 AM

They will be fine...

DarleneJ · #3 05/01/12, 08:27 AM

When we had pigs, I sure remember "castration day"... phew!

My husband would hold and I got to cut.

Anyway, we sprinkled some blood stop on their ouchies and they were off running. We never applied anything else. If they are living in feces, they would have increased risk for infection, but just like monkeyback farm said, they will be fine. I always gave more straw bedding (because I was hoping they would stay cleaner) but that didn't work. Like you said, they like to root. Actually, the busy activity they are doing will help them heal more quickly.

Just keep an eye on them. Legarthy or extreme redness would give you a tip something was wrong, but I think they will be fine. Pigs are amazingly resiliant. Enjoy them!

gerold · #4 05/01/12, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDKatie

I castrated my 2 male pigs on Sunday, and yesterday I went to put some antibiotic ointment on the cuts. There was some dirt in there. Is that ok? Do I even need to do anything else at this point or will they heal fine on their own? They're in a stall w/ bedding, but of course pigs aren't happy with laying on the bedding, they like digging. :-)

I had vet do 8 pigs. He used a spray on fluffy blue stuff that sealed it quick. They all healed up in a few days. No problem. They should be ok.

MDKatie · #5 05/01/12, 09:40 AM

Well I sprayed Blue-kote on the first one, but then realized it stung (and I felt like a heel) so I didn't spray it on the second. They're running around like nothing happened, so I was pretty sure I didn't need to do anything. I did them myself, and it had been about 10 years since I last did it (in college) and it went fine. DH was there for moral support for the second one, but I find it easier if I hold w/ one hand and cut w/ the other. I just can't handle the screaming!

gerold · #6 05/01/12, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDKatie

Well I sprayed Blue-kote on the first one, but then realized it stung (and I felt like a heel) so I didn't spray it on the second. They're running around like nothing happened, so I was pretty sure I didn't need to do anything. I did them myself, and it had been about 10 years since I last did it (in college) and it went fine. DH was there for moral support for the second one, but I find it easier if I hold w/ one hand and cut w/ the other. I just can't handle the screaming!

When the Vet and myself did it, i held the pig up by his back legs with back toward me and pigs head between my legs and put pressure on the pigs head and it won't scream while the job is done.

uncle · #7 05/01/12, 09:53 PM

I've tried several positions and the best for me is having the little one held like a football. Everything is so easy to get to and then the blue spray.
They should be fine.
Brian

Ed Norman · #8 05/01/12, 10:01 PM

I nailed two 1X6 together on edge in a V shape then nailed two little boards across the ends to make a trough. DW lays pig in the trough on it's back and holds it's rear legs forward and holds the front end, I do the deed. They are very easy to control that way.

MDKatie · #9 05/02/12, 08:08 AM

I held them by their back legs w/ my left hand, so their head is toward the floor. When their legs are together it squeezes their testicles up to just the right position. Then I use my right hand to cut.

Ronney · #10 05/03/12, 06:48 AM

Mmm, I've tried several position too - but none of them involved pigs

I save myself and the piglets a lot of hassle by letting them keep their jewels.

Cheers,
Ronnie