Chester is a big, gorgeous Tamworth pig who was one of the 159 pigs surrendered to OMI when we moved to Tennessee and took over the herd in 2021. Chester has a lush chocolatey brown coat and a funny little snoring noise when he breathes.
Big pigs have very limited options when it comes to advanced healthcare, and Chester is one of the many patients we have here who have helped increase the body of knowledge in our veterinary community. His breathing issues were evaluated at both the University of Tennessee and the New Bolton Center, where they diagnosed him with laryngeal paralysis. While the technology exists to help that diagnosis in other species, the natural shape of a pig’s neck makes any procedure very difficult. We manage Chester’s diagnosis as best we can within the limits of technology, and we closely monitor him for any signs of worsening troubles. Chester is a perfect example of how OMI is working within the veterinary medical system to work towards advancements in standards of care.
