Extraction of the tooth is not the preferred method to eliminate a Pot's tusks. Their tusk teeth are too deeply set around the jaw bone to pull. It would cause the jaw bone to break. If the tusk teeth were removed, oral surgery is suggested. The tooth would have to be broken up and pulled out in pieces to avoid breaking the jaw bone. This would mean performing surgery on the gum.

To avoid this type of surgery, you can have the Vet use a gigli wire and saw the tusk teeth off at the gum line. It is not hard to do and will solve your problem without hurting your pig. It would be wise to use Isoflorine Gas Sedation to avoid a possibly very stressful event for the pig, for you and the Vet. Also, by sedating your pig there is little or no chance of her aspirating her tooth after it is sawed off. Your Vet can sedate the pig with the gas (no injectable sedation) and then saw the teeth off. You may have to have this done once every year or two, depending on how quickly your pig's tusk teeth grown back.

While your pig is under sedation this would be an excellent time for your Vet to examine her, give her the necessary vaccinations, cut her hooves, if necessary, and clean out her ears.

© Kathleen Plauche' 1999