Routine veterinary procedures performed in the miniature pet pig include physical examination, vaccination, parasite control, hoof trim, tusk trim, and clinical pathology evaluation such as CBC, serum chemistry, and urinalysis. Blood collection and catheterization are covered as these procedures can be technically challenging and unique in this species.

Information on proper husbandry for pet pigs (including diet recommendations, environment, housing, bedding, and enrichment) should be provided to pet pig owners, as reliable resources are scarce and misinformation abundant. Feeding guidelines and body condition scoring are particularly critical as obesity has historically been a major medical issue. Zoning is also a problem, as these beloved pets are considered livestock and might be subject to specific ordinances that prevent them being kept as pets, increasing the likelihood of owner surrender.

The show pig sector is often overlooked by many in the swine industry since the overall numbers of animals are much fewer than the commercial swine production industry. Zoonotic disease potential is important in commercial pork production, but with show pigs there is increased risk due to the closer interaction between show pigs and their caretakers. Veterinarians need to be involved with formulating a vaccination protocol for show pig clients. The show pig veterinarian must be heavily involved in education of clients. Veterinarians working with show pigs must also understand drug testing regulations and procedures for various shows. Aggression in the pet pig is a significant concern and results in the abandonment or re-homing of many pigs. Pet pigs are subject to the same parasites that can infect larger swine. Pet pigs that live in the home and get minimal exercise on rough surfaces usually have hooves that require regular trimming.

Uterine leiomyomas in miniature pet pigs occur similarly to those in women with regard to frequency, age, parity, and cycling. Clinical signs, gross, and histologic features of the porcine tumors closely resemble uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) in women. Although fibroids are hormonally responsive in women, the roles of estrogen and progesterone have not been fully elucidated. In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of the steroid hormone receptors, estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α), estrogen receptor beta (ER-β) and progesterone receptor (PR), and cell proliferation markers, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 in tumor and matched myometrial tissues sampled from miniature pigs. A "quickscore" method was used to determine receptor expression and labeling indices were calculated for the markers. ER-α/β and PR were localized to the nuclei of smooth muscle cells in both tissues. PR expression was intense and diffuse throughout all tissues, with correlation between tumors and matched myometria. Conversely, ER-α expression was variable between the myometrial and tumor tissues, as well as between animals. ER-β expression was low. PCNA and Ki-67 were localized to the nucleus and expression varied among tumors; however, normal tissues were overall negative. These findings support further investigation into the use of the miniature pig as a model of fibroids in women.

Uterine leiomyomas, commonly termed fibroids, clinically affect approximately 25% of women of reproductive age in the United States, with a subclinical incidence as high as 77%. The pathogenesis of fibroid formation remains poorly understood, due in large part to the lack of a suitable animal model. This retrospective study characterizes the clinical, gross, and histopathologic features of similar, spontaneously occurring uterine tumors in potbellied pigs. Medical records available through a local Potbellied Pig Spay/Neuter Program, pig sanctuaries, and the Duchess Fund database were reviewed for evidence of reproductive disease or surgery. One-hundred and six female potbellied pigs were evaluated and uterine neoplasia was identified in 17 animals; tissues were available for 13 of these. Uterine leiomyoma was diagnosed in 11 of 13 cases, leiomyosarcoma in 1 of 13 cases, and undifferentiated sarcoma in 1 case. Pigs presented with clinical signs including abdominal distension or vaginal bleeding or were subclinical and identified during ovariohysterectomy. Tumors ranged from microscopic to 45 kg, were often multiple, and primarily involved the uterine horns. Hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome-stained sections were evaluated for morphological features of human and animal leiomyomas; immunohistochemistry to detect smooth muscle actin was also performed. The cellular pattern/morphology and variable degree of fibroplasia of the leiomyomas were similar to that reported for human fibroids. These results support further investigation of uterine leiomyomas in potbellied pigs as a potentially valuable animal model for studying human fibroids.