On March 6, 2014, I took my 3 day old miniature piglet and her sibling to the West Geauga Veterinary Hospital. She had been born the runt of the litter and was not able to nurse so I had been bottle feeding her around the clock. I was taking her to the vet for an iron injection that is recommended for at risk piglets. Her sibling was coming along to keep her company. \r
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My piglet was weak but she was taking in the feedings slowly and consistently. She had begun to show normal signs of suckling.\r
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I began explaining the steps I had taken to ensure the best care I could give my piglet. Dr. Pappas admonished me for consulting with Ohio State University veterinarians about the use of antibiotics and other concerns I had about her ongoing care. I had consulted with them for a second opinion not only because they are knowledgeable but also because the staff at Dr. Pappas’ office has little experience with these piglets. It was painful to be admonished and made to feel stupid.\r
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My piglet was then weighed, given fluids, the iron injection and an antibiotic injection for possible pneumonia. This was more than I had planned and was very stressful for my piglet. Dr. Pappas then said it was necessary for all piglets to have an iron injection and she proceeded to give the sibling an iron injection as well.\r
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Dr. Pappas then suggested tube feeding because she said I needed to increase the amount Petunia was consuming at each feeding. After discussing the procedure I decided I did not want to do this. Dr. Pappas decided to give her one tube feeding at the office. She brought in what looked to me like an enormous rubber tube and syringe. I asked about the large size of the tube and she said the large size was necessary.\r
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The tube was lubricated and slowly inserted into my piglet s tiny body. Dr. Pappas reached a point where the tube would not go in any further and pulled it out. She suggested that the young assistant give it a try. The assistant inserted the tube and reached a point where it did not go in smoothly but she did not stop; she pushed past that point. The food was then administered through the tube. Within moments my piglet was dead. There was blood on the cloth and blood was coming out of her nostril.\r
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I was in a state of shock and disbelief.\r
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It was clear that the procedure killed Petunia. I said this to Dr. Pappas and would have said this to the assistant but she disappeared the minute blood was noticed on the cloth. The only comment from Dr. Pappas was that the procedure was done clinically correct and that Petunia was most likely going to die anyways.\r
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I was then left in the office by myself. I wrapped Petunia in the cloth and held her against me inside my winter coat. I gathered up the warming box in which her sibling was nervously waiting and left the room. \r
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The office was silent. No one said a word to me as I left for home devastated by the terrible and unnecessary loss of my piglet.
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