Hi everyone,
While this isn't terrible news, it's also not ideal, so please read this when you feel ready.
Starting this past Sunday, Burrito lost the use of his back legs. The cause is currently uncertain. He was started on steroids and has been placed on stall rest by himself so the girls don't accidentally hurt him or make the situation worse.
The good news is that aside from not being able to move his back legs, he is still very much the same old Burrito - chatty, happy, eating, pooping, peeing, and able to hold himself up on his front legs.
The vet came out today and it appears to be a spinal issue, as Burrito currently has no feeling in his back legs. The positive side of that is that he does not appear to be in pain.
The only way to determine what's causing the issue is with a CT scan. Burrito will be going down to OSU for that on the 19th of this month and will return home on the 20th.
In the meantime:
We don't want Burrito to become depressed while being alone and inside for this extended period of time. If you're a friend of his and/or help with farmed animal enrichment, we would love for you to spend some time with him.
Please clear it with Jen or Shane first, or with the pig caregiver on duty if one of us isn't here (Sundays & Mondays).
You can talk to him, read a book, bring newspaper for him to shred, bring a laptop and see if he enjoys TV, pet his head, and remind him that he's handsome and has the best ears ever - just spend some time keeping him company.
If he acts like he doesn't want visitors, please respect that and give him his space. It's always his choice.
Important reminders:
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Burrito must be kept separated from the other pigs at all times.
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He cannot be allowed out of the stall.
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Please make sure the gate is fully closed and latched every time you open it.
Please join all of us in wishing Burrito a full recovery and sending him all the love in your hearts.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Jen
