Piggy CPR

Basic CPCR: Chest Compressions

 

Make Certain the Animal is actually Unconscious 
Talk to the pet first. Gently touch and attempt to awaken the pet. You could be seriously injured should you attempt to perform rescue breathing on a pig who was only sleeping heavily and was startled awake.

 

After Ensuring an Open Airway, Check for a Pulse
If no pulse is detectable, begin chest compressions.

 

In Small pigs and piglets
Squeeze the chest using one or both hands around the chest. Depress the rib cage circumferentially. 

Do this 100 to 150 times per minute. 
  
In Large Pigs
Compress the chest wall with one or both hands, depending on the size of the dog and the size of the rescuer (whatever works best for you). If the pig is on her side, place your hand(s) on the side of the chest wall where it is widest. If she is on her back, place your hand(s) on the breastbone. Depress the rib cage 1.5 to 4 inches, depending on the pig's size. Do this 80 to 120 times per minute. 

Coordinate Rescue Breathing and Chest Compressions
If possible, give breaths during the compressions. If it is not possible, give two breaths after every 12 compressions.

Continue CPR until

  • You become exhausted and can't continue.  
  • You get the animal transported to a veterinary facility and professionals can take over. 
  • The pulse is palpable or heartbeats are felt and they are strong and regular. 

In the vast majority of cases, artificial ventilations will continue to be required for a period of time, even though heart function has returned. This is due to the nervous system depression that occurs as a result of the arrest.

 

 

Rescue Breathing:

Ensure an Open Airway

Extend the head and neck and pull the tongue forward. 
 
Look in the mouth and remove any saliva or vomitus. If it is too dark to see into the mouth, sweep your finger deep into the mouth and into the throat to remove any vomit or foreign body. Be aware of a hard, smooth, bone-like structure deep in the throat, which is likely to be the hyoid apparatus (Adam's apple). Serious injury could result if you pull on the hyoid apparatus.

 

Observe for Effective Breathing
Sometimes an animal will begin to breathe spontaneously when the head is put in the position discussed above (head and neck extended, tongue pulled forward). Watch for the rise and fall of the chest while listening closely for sounds of breathing. If no breathing is evident in 10 seconds, begin rescue breathing.

 

Begin Rescue Breathing
Rescue breathing is performed by covering the pig’s nose with your mouth and forcefully blowing your breath into the lungs. In small pigs and piglets, you must hold the corners of the mouth tightly closed while you force the air in. 
 

In larger pigs, the tongue should be pulled forward and the mouth and lips held shut using both hands cupped around the muzzle. Force air into the lungs until you see the chest expand. Take your mouth away when the chest has fully expanded. The lungs will deflate without help. Air should be forced into the lungs until you see the chest expand.

Give 3 to 5 Full Breaths


After several breaths are given, stop for a few seconds to recheck for breathing and heart function. If the pig is still not breathing, continue rescue breathing 20 to 25 times per minute in piglets or small pigs, or 12 to 20 times per minute in medium or large pigs. Push down on the stomach area every few seconds to help expel the air that may have blown into the stomach. If the stomach is allowed to distend with air, the pressure will make the rescue breathing efforts less effective.

 

If Breathing is Shallow or Non-existent
If you find that breathing is either shallow or non-existent and the pet is still unconscious, continue rescue breathing 10 to 15 times per minute and transport the pet to the nearest veterinary facility. 

All resuscitated animals should be transported to a veterinary facility for further examination and care!

Reprinted with permission. ©Anita Jacobson, Just Mini Pigs FB Group

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Mission Statement:

 

Our goal is to provide a safe haven for abandoned or unwanted pot belly pigs and provide them with the medical attention they need, as well as the love and attention they deserve.

 

We will participate in fundraising to provide veterinary treatment, spay/neuter, food and shelter; as well as foster responsible pot belly pig ownership through education and adoption.

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