Management of Miniature Pet Pigs (MPPS)

Miniature pet pigs (MPPs) are sensitive to:
A. Only extremes of heat
B. Only extremes of cold
C. Extremes of heat and cold
D. Fluctuating humidity levels

C. Extremes of heat and cold

Their indoor environment should be:
A. Warm, humid, and stimulating
B. Clean, dry, and draft-free
C. Cool, moist, and spacious
D. Dark, quiet, and enclosed

B. Clean, dry, and draft-free

An outdoor area for rooting is beneficial because:
A. It helps with thermoregulation.
B. It prevents salt toxicosis.
C. Minerals in the soil are beneficial.
D. It is a required cooling method.

C. Minerals in the soil are beneficial.

Access to a spacious, clean outdoor environment increases the chance that piglets will:
A. Develop functional sweat glands.
B. Receive the iron they need naturally.
C. Become acclimated to high humidity.
D. Learn to upend their water bowls.

B. Receive the iron they need naturally.

The upper limit of the comfortable temperature range for adult MPPs is:
A. 23.9°C (75°F)
B. 29.4°C (85°F)
C. 32.0°C (90°F)
D. 15.0°C (59°F)

A. 23.9°C (75°F)

A major challenge to a pig's thermoregulation is excessive heat because they:
A. Have a very low metabolic rate.
B. Pant inefficiently.
C. Have only a limited number of functional sweat glands.
D. Have thick layers of insulating fat.

C. Have only a limited number of functional sweat glands.

Temperatures above what level are considered stressful to adult pigs?
A. > 23.9°C (75°F)
B. > 26.7°C (80°F)
C. > 29.4°C (85°F)
D. > 32.2°C (90°F)

C. > 29.4°C (85°F)

Extended exposure to high temperatures combined with high humidity can be:
A. Beneficial for acclimation.
B. Fatal to unacclimated pigs.
C. A cure for salt toxicosis.
D. The cause of hypoglycemia.

B. Fatal to unacclimated pigs.

An efficient method for evaporative cooling in pigs is more efficient at:
A. Higher humidity.
B. Lower humidity.
C. Consistent humidity.
D. It is not affected by humidity.

B. Lower humidity.

If unable to cool down, a pig may upend its water bowl to:
A. Signal for more food.
B. Make a wallow.
C. Play with conspecifics.
D. Clean its living area.

B. Make a wallow.

A risk of a pig upending its water bowl is:
A. Electrocution from chewed cords.
B. Dehydration and salt toxicosis.
C. Becoming moribund and hypoglycemic.
D. Drafts and chilling.

B. Dehydration and salt toxicosis.

Newborn pigs require an environmental temperature of approximately:
A. 23.9°C (75°F)
B. 27.0°C (80°F)
C. 29.4°C (85°F)
D. 32.0°C (90°F)

D. 32.0°C (90°F)

A sign of chilled newborn pigs is:
A. They spread out and pant.
B. They pile on each other and shiver.
C. They upend their water bowls.
D. They become moribund immediately.

B. They pile on each other and shiver.

A poor environment may cause neonates to become moribund and hypoglycemic within:
A. 1-12 hours
B. 24-36 hours
C. 48-60 hours
D. 5-7 days

B. 24-36 hours

A risk of using heat lamps or pads for supplemental warmth is:
A. Salt toxicosis.
B. Electrocution from chewed cords.
C. Developing stereotypies.
D. Reduced iron intake.

B. Electrocution from chewed cords.

Pigs that are too hot while resting will:
A. Pile on each other and shiver.
B. Spread out and pant.
C. Root in the soil.
D. Upend their water bowls.

B. Spread out and pant.

Pigs observed resting without touching each other may indicate:
A. A comfortable temperature.
B. Overheating or illness.
C. Successful socialization.
D. A lack of enrichment.

B. Overheating or illness.

Miniature pet pigs (MPPs) must be:
A. Housed exclusively indoors.
B. Housed exclusively outdoors.
C. Appropriately acclimated to their environment.
D. Provided with constant human interaction.

C. Appropriately acclimated to their environment.

For outdoor housing, pigs should be provided with:
A. As much space as possible.
B. A small, enclosed kennel.
C. Continuous access to a landscaped yard.
D. A space with no designated elimination area.

A. As much space as possible.

Why might an owner confine a pig to a pen within a yard?
A. To prevent the pig from eliminating in one place.
B. Because pigs are not destructive.
C. To prevent destructive rooting in a landscaped yard.
D. To force the pig to eliminate near its feeding area.

C. To prevent destructive rooting in a landscaped yard.

An outdoor space must provide:
A. Shade, feeding, and watering areas.
B. Multiple wallowing pools.
C. A fully landscaped garden.
D. A heated indoor shelter.

A. Shade, feeding, and watering areas.

Regarding elimination, pigs will:
A. Eliminate randomly throughout their space.
B. Choose to eliminate in one place if given the opportunity.
C. Only eliminate on walks.
D. Prefer to eliminate in their sleeping area.

B. Choose to eliminate in one place if given the opportunity.

Feces in the yard should be:
A. Left to fertilize the ground.
B. Removed regularly.
C. Collected once a week.
D. Used as a rooting material.

B. Removed regularly.

An outdoor shelter is necessary for:
A. Avoiding inclement weather.
B. Storing food and water.
C. Providing a permanent elimination area.
D. Isolating the pig for long periods.

A. Avoiding inclement weather.

For warmth in a shelter, you can provide:
A. Only heat lamps.
B. Only a wading pool.
C. Straw or blankets.
D. Plastic balls.

C. Straw or blankets.

A plastic child-size wading pool can satisfy a pig's desire to:
A. Chew on durable objects.
B. Wallow.
C. Sleep elevated.
D. Hide from conspecifics.

B. Wallow.

What is a benefit of maintaining two fenced areas for an outdoor pig?
A. It prevents all destructive behavior.
B. It allows for rotation and regrowth of vegetation.
C. It eliminates the need for a shelter.
D. It forces the pig to eliminate in a smaller area.

B. It allows for rotation and regrowth of vegetation.

Why must water dispensers be secured?
A. To prevent the pig from drinking too much.
B. To keep pigs from spilling or damaging them by rooting and chewing.
C. To ensure the water stays at a constant warm temperature.
D. To stop other animals from drinking from them.

B. To keep pigs from spilling or damaging them by rooting and chewing.

For indoor housing, a pig's area should have:
A. A combined sleeping and elimination area.
B. An elimination area in one corner and a sleeping/eating area in another.
C. No designated elimination area to encourage holding it.
D. A single, large, open space with no partitions.

B. An elimination area in one corner and a sleeping/eating area in another.

Confinement to a specific indoor area when unsupervised is critical to:
A. Teach the pig to be alone.
B. Prevent damage from rooting behavior.
C. Encourage the pig to sleep more.
D. Make the pig eat all its food at once.

B. Prevent damage from rooting behavior.

A litter box for a pig should be:
A. As small as possible to save space.
B. Placed in the sleeping area.
C. Large enough for the pig to turn around in completely.
D. Filled with clumping clay litter.

C. Large enough for the pig to turn around in completely.

Why must nontoxic material be used for litter?
A. Because pigs have sensitive skin.
B. Because pigs may eat the litter.
C. To make cleanup easier for the owner.
D. To control odors more effectively.

B. Because pigs may eat the litter.

Which of the following is listed as a safe litter material?
A. Clumping clay litter
B. Crystal-based silica litter
C. Shredded paper
D. Cedar chips

C. Shredded paper

What items can help satisfy a pig's need to root while indoors?
A. A second water bowl.
B. Blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
C. A hard floor without any bedding.
D. A single, large food bowl.

B. Blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.

A foraging box for indoor rooting can be filled with:
A. Only the pig's regular food.
B. Dirt, mulch, large smooth stones, or plastic balls.
C. Only edible treats.
D. Water for wallowing.

B. Dirt, mulch, large smooth stones, or plastic balls.

How should meals and treats be presented when using a foraging box?
A. In a raised bowl to prevent spills.
B. Only at set times of the day.
C. Scattered in the foraging box.
D. Mixed directly into the litter.

C. Scattered in the foraging box.

Miniature pet pigs (MPPs) should be:
A. Exercised only if kept indoors.
B. Exercised only if kept outdoors.
C. Exercised whether kept outside or indoors.
D. Allowed to exercise at their own discretion.

C. Exercised whether kept outside or indoors.

One method for exercising an MPP is:
A. Training them to walk on a leash.
B. Allowing them unrestricted access to the house.
C. Providing only large food bowls.
D. Using a small kennel.

A. Training them to walk on a leash.

Daily exercise is important for a pig's:
A. Physical health only.
B. Mental health only.
C. Both physical and mental health.
D. Ability to sleep through the night.

C. Both physical and mental health.

A lack of exercise and resulting boredom can manifest as:
A. Excessive sleeping.
B. Destructive chewing or rooting.
C. Reduced appetite.
D. Increased friendliness.

B. Destructive chewing or rooting.

Boredom in MPPs can sometimes even manifest as:
A. Aggression.
B. Hiding.
C. Vocalization for food.
D. Lethargy.

A. Aggression.

Why is access to an outside environment beneficial, even if the pig doesn't exercise much?
A. It allows them to be alone.
B. The various stimuli appear to be beneficial to overall temperament.
C. It is the only way for them to get vitamin D.
D. It teaches them to be wary of strangers.

B. The various stimuli appear to be beneficial to overall temperament.

A significant hazard for MPPs in outdoor environments is that:
A. They are afraid of open spaces.
B. They do not like sunlight.
C. Many household and garden plants are toxic to them.
D. They prefer to eat only commercial pig feed.

C. Many household and garden plants are toxic to them.

Why is the toxicity of plants a particular concern for MPPs?
A. They are picky eaters.
B. They are adventurous eaters.
C. They have sensitive digestive systems.
D. They cannot vomit.

B. They are adventurous eaters.

As healthy, neutered MPPs mature, some may become:
A. More docile and friendly.
B. More aggressive and threaten people.
C. Completely non-confrontational.
D. Indifferent to human interaction.

B. More aggressive and threaten people.

A potential contributing factor to this aggression is:
A. Excessive socialization with other pigs.
B. A diet too high in protein.
C. Inadequate opportunities for normal social interactions with other pigs.
D. Too much outdoor exercise.

C. Inadequate opportunities for normal social interactions with other pigs.

Another potential contributing factor is a lack of opportunities to express normal behaviors due to:
A. An overenriched environment.
B. An underenriched environment.
C. Excessive human attention.
D. A diet lacking in minerals.

B. An underenriched environment.

Threatening behavior needs to be addressed:
A. After it has happened a few times.
B. Only if it causes injury.
C. Immediately and appropriately.
D. By ignoring it until it stops.

C. Immediately and appropriately.

If not addressed, what might the pet learn?
A. To be fearful of its environment.
B. To use aggression to control its environment.
C. To seek out more social interactions.
D. To suppress its natural behaviors.

B. To use aggression to control its environment.

Punishment and aversive techniques should be avoided because they:
A. Are highly effective long-term solutions.
B. Often prompt the pig to become fearful and increase aggression.
C. Help the pig understand its place in the household hierarchy.
D. Have no measurable effect on the pig's behavior.

B. Often prompt the pig to become fearful and increase aggression.

Examples of aversive techniques to avoid include:
A. Providing foraging boxes.
B. Yelling, stomping, and slapping.
C. Positive reinforcement training.
D. Leash walking for exercise.

B. Yelling, stomping, and slapping.

A common reason MPPs are placed in rescue or abandoned is:
A. Failure to manage unwanted barking.
B. Inability to be house-trained.
C. Failure to appropriately manage unwanted aggressive behavior.
D. Excessive wallowing behavior.

C. Failure to appropriately manage unwanted aggressive behavior.

MPPs should be habituated to a harness and leash:
A. Only when they are fully grown.
B. As early as possible, ideally while still young and small.
C. After they have shown signs of aggression.
D. Only for outdoor walks.

B. As early as possible, ideally while still young and small.

How can you create a positive association with leash training?
A. By introducing the objects while the pig is being fed treats.
B. By using a firm voice to give commands.
C. By practicing for long periods until the pig complies.
D. By only using the leash for vet visits.

A. By introducing the objects while the pig is being fed treats.

What is the benefit of teaching the pig cues for basic behaviors like "sit" and "stay"?
A. It allows the pig to perform tricks for entertainment.
B. It is a method to teach the pig it cannot demand things by using aggression.
C. It helps the pig sleep through the night.
D. It replaces the need for a harness and leash.

B. It is a method to teach the pig it cannot demand things by using aggression.

What is the core principle for managing behavior?
A. Reward appropriate behavior and ignore/remove reinforcement for inappropriate behaviors.
B. Punish all inappropriate behaviors immediately.
C. Only reward the most complex behaviors.
D. Ignore all behaviors to avoid reinforcing them.

A. Reward appropriate behavior and ignore/remove reinforcement for inappropriate behaviors.

If a pig uses threats over furniture, what should be done?
A. The pig should be allowed to keep its favorite spot.
B. The person should sit next to the pig to show dominance.
C. The pig should not be allowed on the furniture at all.
D. The pig should be given a treat to calm it down.

C. The pig should not be allowed on the furniture at all.

When should the pig wear a harness and leash?
A. Only during vet visits.
B. Only when outdoors.
C. At all times when people are home.
D. Only when it has misbehaved.

C. At all times when people are home.

What is the correct immediate response if the pig threatens someone?
A. Yell "no" and stomp your foot.
B. Immediately pick up the leash, calmly remove the pig, and confine it briefly.
C. Ignore the threat completely.
D. Offer the pig a treat to distract it.

B. Immediately pick up the leash, calmly remove the pig, and confine it briefly.

What is the maximum recommended confinement time after a threat?
A. 10–15 minutes
B. 30–60 minutes
C. 1–2 hours
D. 3–5 minutes

D. 3–5 minutes

If a pig threatens a visitor, what is one appropriate long-term management strategy?
A. Force the visitor to hand-feed the pig.
B. Prevent the pig from meeting visitors in the future.
C. Allow the pig to interact freely to get over its fear.
D. Confine the pig for a long period whenever visitors arrive.

B. Prevent the pig from meeting visitors in the future.

How should visitors give treats to the pig?
A. They should hand-feed the pig to build trust.
B. They should place the treats in a bowl.
C. They should toss the treats, not hand-feed them.
D. They should not give treats at all.

C. They should toss the treats, not hand-feed them.

Vaccinations for MPPs should be chosen based on:
A. A standardized schedule for all pigs.
B. The pig's potential for exposure to other pigs and animals.
C. The pig's coat color.
D. The owner's personal preference.

B. The pig's potential for exposure to other pigs and animals.

Why is it important to consider that pigs can carry organisms subclinically?
A. They can serve as a source of infection for other pigs and humans.
B. It means they are completely immune to diseases.
C. It makes vaccinations unnecessary.
D. It only affects their own health later in life.

A. They can serve as a source of infection for other pigs and humans.

Under what conditions might a subclinically infected pig become ill?
A. During periods of high activity.
B. After a change in diet.
C. Under certain stressful conditions.
D. When they are very young.

C. Under certain stressful conditions.

Which toxoid is especially important for MPPs housed outdoors with other species?
A. Rabies
B. Leptospirosis
C. Tetanus
D. Canine Distemper

C. Tetanus

A common side effect of the leptospirosis vaccine is:
A. Lethargy
B. High fever
C. Swelling at the injection site
D. Anaphylaxis

B. High fever

How can the fever from the leptospirosis vaccine be mitigated?
A. With antihistamines.
B. With aspirin as needed.
C. With cold compresses.
D. It cannot be mitigated.

B. With aspirin as needed.

Routine vaccination helps to:
A. Minimize sickness only.
B. Prevent zoonotic disease and may satisfy pet licensure.
C. Guarantee the pig will never get sick.
D. Replace the need for parasite control.

B. Prevent zoonotic disease and may satisfy pet licensure.

What type of vaccines are used for MPPs?
A. Vaccines specifically approved for miniature pigs.
B. A special formula developed for each individual pig.
C. Commercial domestic swine vaccines.
D. Canine and feline vaccines.

C. Commercial domestic swine vaccines.

A primary concern when using swine vaccines in MPPs is:
A. They are always ineffective.
B. Safety and efficacy.
C. They are too expensive.
D. They require no special consideration.

B. Safety and efficacy.

In small pigs, special consideration should be given to:
A. The color of the vaccine.
B. The antigen dose.
C. The time of day it is administered.
D. The brand name only.

B. The antigen dose

To reduce the risk of adverse reactions, vaccines should be:
A. Administered all at once.
B. Administered over multiple visits.
C. Given only once in a lifetime.
D. Mixed together in one syringe.

B. Administered over multiple visits.

What is the status of rabies vaccines for MPPs?
A. They are highly recommended for all pigs.
B. No rabies vaccine is approved for use in MPPs.
C. They are required by law in all states.
D. They are the most important vaccine.

B. No rabies vaccine is approved for use in MPPs.

Owners should be made aware of the zoonotic potential of:
A. Fleas and ticks.
B. Sarcoptic mange and roundworms.
C. Whipworms only.
D. Internal parasites only.

B. Sarcoptic mange and roundworms.

Fecal flotation can be used to evaluate for whipworms as early as:
A. 10 weeks old.
B. 6 weeks old.
C. 1 year old.
D. 5-7 months old.

B. 6 weeks old.

The most common parasitic disease in pet pigs is:
A. Flea infestation.
B. Roundworms.
C. Sarcoptic mange.
D. Tick attachment.

C. Sarcoptic mange.

Where are ticks most likely to attach to an MPP?
A. On the back and shoulders.
B. On the hooves.
C. On the thin skin behind the ears or in skin folds.
D. On the snout.

C. On the thin skin behind the ears or in skin folds.

For newborn piglets, trimming needle teeth is:
A. Always recommended.
B. Rarely needed.
C. The most important health procedure.
D. Done to prevent severe injury to the sow.

B. Rarely needed.

Permanent canine teeth in MPPs erupt at:
A. 1-2 months old.
B. 5-7 months old.
C. 1 year old.
D. 2 years old.

B. 5-7 months old.

How often may the canine teeth of an MPP need to be cut?
A. Every week.
B. Every 6-12 months.
C. Once in its lifetime.
D. Only when they cause pain.

B. Every 6-12 months.

Which tool must be avoided when cutting teeth because it can cause longitudinal fractures?
A. Obstetrical wire.
B. Mechanical saws.
C. Crushing tools.
D. Scalpels.

C. Crushing tools.

Care must be taken to avoid cutting the:
A. Gingiva.
B. Pulp cavity.
C. Jawbone.
D. Tongue.

B. Pulp cavity.

Where should the pig's head be positioned during dental cleaning to prevent water aspiration?
A. Upward.
B. Level.
C. Downward.
D. Tilted to the side.

C. Downward.

In geriatric MPPs, what indicates a canine tooth abscess?
A. Weight gain.
B. Swelling followed by a draining tract at the angle of the mandible.
C. Excessive tooth growth.
D. Loss of appetite only.

B. Swelling followed by a draining tract at the angle of the mandible.

What is a potential complication of tooth extraction in MPPs?
A. Improved appetite.
B. Mandibular fractures.
C. Faster tooth regrowth.
D. No significant risks.

B. Mandibular fractures.

Overgrown nails in MPPs can lead to:
A. An abnormal gait and joint disease.
B. Faster wearing on hard surfaces.
C. Improved traction.
D. No significant problems.

A. An abnormal gait and joint disease.

The frequency of hoof/nail trimming depends on:
A. The pig's diet.
B. The surfaces the pig walks on and the amount of exercise.
C. The pig's age only.
D. The color of the hooves.

B. The surfaces the pig walks on and the amount of exercise.

For most MPPs, how often is annual trimming sufficient?
A. Weekly.
B. Monthly.
C. Annual trimming is often sufficient.
D. Never.

C. Annual trimming is often sufficient.