Kunekune Medications & Supply list
The information on this page does not eliminate your need for a veterinarian. Please consult your vet about any treatments or medications. This is just meant as a knowledge post to help guide you about kunekune medications to have on hand in case of an emergency.
When I started raising kunekunes I had no idea that I would feel like a veterinary student by the time it was said and done. LOL We have learned many hands on things about these pigs and we have learned from other breeders. One thing we know do is keep kunekune medications on hand! It makes a huge difference.
Where to get kunekune medications?
The first place to start is your veteranarian. Talk to them about what they recommend and if they can write your a prescription. Having a vet come out and create a farm plan is a great idea. Other items can be purchased from your local farm store or drug store.
Places I order from include
Injection Supplies
Almost all of the major medications are injectable. You will need various sizes of syringes and needles to administer the meds. You also need to familiarize yourself with how to properly give an injection to a kunekune. This is important for not only medications but vaccinations as well.
I recommend Luer Lock Syringes the secure the needle onto the syringe so they dont accidentally pull off.
As far as needles go I keep a variety on hand because I have pigs of every size. Here are the needles I use most
- 25 gauge 1/2 or 5/8 inch (babies up to 20 lbs)
- 20 gauge 1 inch (pigs 20 up to 40 lbs)
- 18 gauge 1 1/2 inch (pigs 40 up to 125 – 150 lbs)
- 16 gauge 1 1/2 inch (large boars and sows 150 and up)
Medication List
These are the medications I use most often and why. There are a lot of things to keep on hand if you are breeding kunekunes. The truth is not every vet is equipped with kunekune medications because they see multiple breeds of animals. Its your job to be prepared for your kunekunes.
Antibiotic
In the world of pigs, having antibiotics on hand is a necessity. At least snag some LA-200 from your vet to keep on hand. It is a great antibiotic to have. The Ceftiofur (Excede) is my pick but only available from the vet. Another one to have on hand is Draxxin, which is amazing for pneumonia, however it is very pricey! Again, you can get a script from your vet.
- LA-200 (Oxytetracycline injectable) – Prescription only
- Ceftiofur (Brand name Excede or Excenel) – Prescription only
- Tulathromycin (Brand name Draxxin) – Prescription only
- Neosporin Topical – Over the Counter
- Terramycin (antibiotic eye cream)
Anti-inflammatory & Pain
One thing I would not be without is an anti-inflammatory pain medicine that is pig safe. In the US, Banamine and Meloxicam are script only. So talk to your vet.
- Banamine – Prescription only
- Meloxicam – Prescription only
- Dexamethasone – Steriod/Hydrocortisone – Prescription only
In a pinch you can use asprin for pigs. 5 mg. per pound (equivalent to 1 1/2 regular aspirin per 100 pound pig).
Scours & Stomach Upset
Stomach upset and scours can be common. Pesto Bismol, Activated Charcoal, and canned pumpkin are my go-to for older pigs. Younger pigs can have Pepto too, but sometimes need other medications to make the scours stop.
- Pepto Bismol – Over the counter or Amazon
- Activated Charcoal – Over the Counter or Amazon
- Corid (Anti-Coccidiosis) – Over the Counter at Tractor Supply or on Amazon
- Probiotics
- Canned Pumpkin
- Yogurt
Mites or Worms
We use Dectomax and Safeguard in our worming routine. Ivermectin is also great to have on hand. Another item that is in my arsenal is Chlorahexdine wash. Especially if a piglet ends up with skin irritation. Its great to put a cap full in a warm sink of water and bathe them.
- Dectomax – Available at tractor supply or valley vet
- Ivermectin – Available at Tractor Supply, ValleyVet
- Chlorahexadine Wash – Available at Tractor Supply and most vet supply stores
Vitamins
When it comes to vitamins they aren’t something you usually think of as vital but they are! Calcium Gluconate moved up on my list after a rough farrowing last year. If a sow is exhausted pushing or is moody after the babies have arrived a dose can make a world of difference.
B12 injections are a great way to boost a sick or slow growing pig. Just the extra vitamins helps give their metabolism a kick start.
Lastly, Iron Dextran shots are given to all piglets here at 3 days old. Iron is something they are lacking and this helps aid in their growth and immunity.
- Calcium Gluconate –
- B12
- Iron Dextran – Tractor Supply or Valley Vet
Vaccinations
See our kunekune vaccinations post for a list of vaccinations to give your kunekunes and the schedule.
Other Supplies
Other things I like to have on hand are
- gauze
- ace bandages
- medical tape
- clean rags (bar towels are great)
- betadine
- coconut oil (great ford dry skin)
- scissors
- dremmel (for keeping hooves trimmed)
- rectal thermometer
Do you feel that I forgot anything? Something I left off the list? Leave them in the comments below. I will add items as I think of more important medications to have on hand.
