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Warning About Vicks (distressing Content)

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helen105281

helen105281

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There is a common belief that Vicks can be used to clear nasal congestion either by putting on the pig's nose or on an area in or on the outside of the cage. It has also been used to prevent dominance issues in boars.

I have been made aware of a very sad situation and been asked to spread the message that Vicks should not be used on pigs (and preferably not in or near their cage either).

Once applied to the pig it cannot be removed, they cannot escape from it, it gives a burning sensation to the skin (think about when you apply it to your own skin) and is toxic if ingested.

Yesterday a sow died trying to escape from the Vicks that had been put on her nose. My friend who helped the owner has been given permission to share her story in order to help other pigs. The sow had an upper respiratory infection. After research online her owner put Vicks on her nose. The sow was so terrified that she started running around in panic. She then leapt over the grids of her C&C cage (which was on a table) and fell to the floor. She broke her neck in the fall and died.

If a pig has nasal congestion, please use steam therapy.This can be done with 2 drops of Olbas oil in boiling water in a steam inhaler. This is then held over the nose in 5 second bursts with the owner holding the pig (and preferably a second person holding the inhaler). If the pig can not tolerate it, stop and put the Olbas oil in a bowl of boiling water near the cage instead.

An example of a steam inhaler is shown below

http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Easy-Breathing-Steam-Inhaler_1400961/

A product called Bisolvon which is available from the vet can also be give to clear mucous.
 
Thanks for sharing this information Helen.
 
Thanks for sharing the information; what a harrowing experience! :(

I know that vicks is quite often used and recommended for boar bonding in some circles; which is nonsense anyway as it cannot make boars that don't take to each other change their mind!
I will add a warning to the introduction guide.
 
Thanks for sharing this cautionary tale. I've used Vick's in the past with success, but will be looking at Olbas and steam now.
 
How terribly sad. Thanks for the warning. If it helps to save another pig it's been worth sharing such a sad tale
 
Thanks for sharing. What a horrible thing for the poor pig and poor owners to go through! I did have some vicks in my piggy first aid kit but thankful have never used it. I will be removing it and adding it to my human box!

Although this is extremely awful, I hope spreading this message will save other pigs from this horrific fate!
 
That's what I thought too, was in tears when I found out and when compiling the thread but it is worth it if it helps another pig.
 
Thanks for sharing this Helen. I have used Vicks for 3 years to good effect. Only 2 weeks ago on one of my sows who was making a barking sort of coughing noise. I used it for 3 days while waiting to see a vet & the cough had disappeared by the time I took her to the vet. I always apply it to the side of the nose on the fur rather than to the skin. I will definitely look at Olbas Oil & a steamer for future treatment.
 
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Yes they do have similar ingredients. However, with steam therapy using Olbas oil the product is not put directly onto the skin. Also the pig is held securely and not liable to bolt in panic at the smell and if they can not tolerate it then it is taken away.
 
helen105281 said:
Yes they do have similar ingredients. However, with steam therapy using Olbas oil the product is not put directly onto the skin. Also the pig is held securely and not liable to bolt in panic at the smell and if they can not tolerate it then it is taken away.
Click to expand...

just to clarify incase I'm unfortunate to need this is it better doing in a room away from other pigs / not where their cages are etc..
 
It would be a good idea yes. Though I have done in the same room before due to lack of space.
 
As with anything that can be an irritant, there merest smear is all that's needed. In the past I have used a tiny dab, then rubbed my dabbed finger and my thumb together so that there is only enough on my finger to leave a grease mark on my glasses and then gently wiped the nose of the piggy. If you can see it, there is too much. I have and still do use Bisolvin to good effect on Holly, our resident sneezer. She is one of 'the 19' from Cavy Corner after she had been rescued from drawers lined with wee sodden towels. The story of the rescue of 'The 19' is in issue 20 of Guinea Pig Magazine Written by Sue Tate.
 
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