Surgical correction of periocular fat pad hypertrophy in pot-bellied pigs

Abstract

Objective - To report surgical correction of hypertrophic periocular fat pads that cause loss of vision and behavioral changes in pot-bellied pigs. Study Design - A retrospective study. Animals or Sample Population - Nine Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Methods - Medical records of nine pot-bellied pigs admitted between 1994 and 1997 for loss of vision associated with hypertrophied periocular fat accumulations were reviewed. Outcome was assessed by contacting owners 4 months to 5 years after surgery. Results - The most common clinical signs were related to impaired vision and included periocular dermatitis, lethargy, and aggressive behavior. Surgical removal of redundant periorbital fat and skin resulted in marked improvement in vision and behavior in all pigs. Overall client satisfaction was excellent. Clinical Relevance - A novel method for removal of redundant fat and skin can be used to alleviate clinical signs associated with periocular fat pad hypertrophy of pot-bellied pigs. A small percentage of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are prone to abnormal fat accumulations in the facial region, particularly the periorbital region, that results in a mechanically narrowed palpebral fissure and impaired vision. This report describes a technique for surgically removing redundant fat and skin to improve vision and reports outcome in nine pigs. ©Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.