How to administer medicine to pigs

The main methods for administering medication to pigs are as follows:

Nasal Administration: This method is suitable for pigs of all sizes. The sick pig should be restrained either standing or lying down with its nostrils facing upward and its mouth tightly closed. Dissolve the medication in water, then slowly drip it into the pig’s nasal passages using a rubber bulb syringe. The pig will swallow the solution one sip at a time. This method is simple and easy to perform, but it is not appropriate for large doses of medication or medications that are insoluble in water.

Fasting Medication Administration: This method is suitable for sick pigs that still have an appetite and whose medication has no peculiar odor. Typically, in the morning, when the pig is fasting, the medication is mixed into its favorite concentrated feed, allowing the pig to consume it quickly. This method ensures that the medication is ingested smoothly.

The oral administration method: This method can be used if the pig has no appetite or if the medication has an unpleasant odor. Secure the pig firmly in a semi-recumbent position with its head slightly elevated. Use a wooden stick to gently pry open the pig’s mouth, then carefully use a small metal spoon to administer the liquid medication into the pig’s mouth. Be sure to remove the wooden stick after each dose and allow the pig to swallow completely before administering the next dose, thus preventing the medication from being aspirated into the lungs.

Force-feeding method: This method is suitable for administering small doses of solid medications to pigs. Mix the medication with an appropriate amount of flour and add water to form a paste. Then, lift the pig’s head slightly and use a wooden board or bamboo strip to scrape out a sufficient amount of the medicated paste, applying it to the base of the pig’s tongue to encourage swallowing.

Concentrated Dosage Method: For medications administered via drinking water, it is recommended to administer the dose in a concentrated manner to prevent prolonged exposure that could lead to drug precipitation and compromise efficacy. For example, when administering electrolyte multivitamins, ensure that pigs drink the entire dose within a short period of time to guarantee optimal effectiveness.