CALIFORNIA POTBELLIED PIG ASSOCIATION, Inc.
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Obesity/Elbert
Elbert's Happy Ever After
(This is a YouTube video that we feel really shows the problems of over feeding these fine companions and the miracle that a little compassion and common sense can achieve. CPPA gives a standing ovation to the caring individuals that Elbert was lucky enough to find.)
From: forrestgrunt - September 09, 2009 (This is a YouTube video that we feel really shows the problems of over feeding these fine companions and the miracle that a little compassion and common sense can achieve. CPPA gives a standing ovation to the caring individuals that Elbert was lucky enough to find.)
Elbert arrived with us in August of 2008, morbidly obese and suffering from horrible neglect. His hooves, which had never been trimmed though Elbert was already 6 years old when he came here, were curling around the backs of his legs. He had been crawling on his knees for several years, too weak from the burden of his massive weight to be able to stand. His knees still bear the scars/callouses from his time before finding us. They will never be normal, Elbert will never be totally pain free but he is a living testament to the power of the pig, ever cheerful, always willing to take one more step for me in his therapy program. Today, one short year after his arrival, Elbert has his life back! He is a bright, active and healthy pig that is finally at his proper weight. He has lost approximately 100lbs, which is a remarkable feat for anyone. Elbert wanted to get better, or this success story would never have been possible.
If you have a pig that is obese, know that you can have the same success with your pig that Elbert has had. Good veterinary care, exercise and a diet specifically formulated for pet pigs is crucial to their success. Just as with people, there are no shortcuts to a healthy weight. The pig has to burn more calories than he consumes, so exercise is a must, though gentle walking is fine. Good food is critical. Elbert eats Mazuri Elder formula pot bellied pig food. It gives him the vitamin/mineral balance he needs, plus healthy fiber amounts that help him feel full and satisfied even though he is dieting. He loves his Mazuri, and meets me at the back door every morning, knocking on the door with his snooter and demanding breakfast! He exercises every day, rain or shine which was quite difficult in the beginning when he was so very weak, but every day or two we built one more step into his program and soon he was able to motor about on his own without me having to ask him to move.
Feel free to contact me for more information on Elbert's diet/exercise program, and please send this link to anyone that you think may be able to use it.
http://www.youtube.com/user/forrestgrunt#p/a/u/0/36n64f9KVCM
Check out: "Elbert's Diet and Recovery Plan" to see how they accomplished Elbert's miracle.
Take two pigs and call me in the morning.