piggy with hernia ?

Hi All : My first post on this forum. Been raising pigs from piglet to slaughter in groups of 3-4 for the last four years with great sucsess. This year I have 4 and all was well untill apx 5 days ago when I noticed that one of the barrows had an (udder) looking growth on his belly. He did not (nor does ) appear concerned with it, there is no redness or abration. His eyes are alert and he seems to be eating, (will eat comfry from my hand ) dispite spending long time hanging around the pig pen I have not seen him pee or poop but I do not think he is having any trouble there either. He is laying down sooner than the others but will jump up if you aproach. I did some looking on line and found pictures that appear to be the same problem and its a hernia. according to what i read if it does not impeed their walking nor grow to a size that it will drag on the ground then the pig should be watched but raised to slaughter weight . My vet was consulted by phone and his thought was I should send it to the butcher soon (now) before any infection starts. I am including some pics in the hope that one of you has encountered this before as i realy do not want to send this piggy off before he needs to go. Thanks for any help Tom

I had the same thing on one last year.he was raised from about 50lbs when I noticed to near 300lbs.butchered him and meat was great.my vet said if it doesn't bother him dont worry,so that's what I did.i recommend you do like you do to all animals,just keep an eye out and it most likely will be fine.good luck.

Thanks Mike; I am glad to hear that. I had come to the same conclusion about watch & see, but am very glad to know that yours went to full weight with no problems. Thanks again Tom

I would watch it but not worry over much. If it gets a lot worse, slaughter the pig as a roaster. Otherwise raise it to full slaughter weight.

Thank You walter; I appreiciate your input., never hurts to ask for help. Piggy is acting fine & I will keep an eye on him. Tom

I bought my first pigs this year, and the barrow had a swelling like that. It worsened very quickly and the barrow died.
Everything I had read said that they can be raised to slaughter weight with that going on, but please do keep an eye on him.

Hi carolyn; Sorry to hear about your piggy. Its been almost a month and mine is doing good. His growth has not gotten any worse and he runs and plays with the others. He is keeping up in weight with his brother. I am feeling confident that he will get to go to the butcher with his siblings.I do keep a special eye on him, in fact he's gotten quite sociable, running up to see if i brought him any comfree to munch on. Thank you for your concern's that is why i enjoy being a part of this group. Tom

Hi All; Just an update on (ham) piggy. He went to the butcher last week with his siblings! only 5#s lighter than his brother and 20#more than his sister. 220 hanging weight. Butcher said no problems with his belly, in fact said the intestions had drawn back inside. Thanks for the support and suggestions.

glad it worked out.