Q. Three years ago my son rescued a piglet from the farm where he works. She survived and is now fully grown but she is getting very fat. What can we do?

Mrs R SMITH, Lechlade.

A. Pigs are like humans – they get overweight by eating too much and doing too little exercise. Slimming a pig down is a gradual process and it is important not to stray too far from a normal pig diet, as they still need the correct nutrients – just less of them!

If the pig has an exercise area, try to encourage time spent there, spread the food around so she has to go rooting for it.

Even better is access to grazing. Pigs love to spend time rooting and grazing and all that walking will have the extra pounds falling off.

Q. I have a goldfish with a blown-up stomach. It has been like this for nearly two years – could you give me any information on this condition and if it can be treated? Could this be something to do with its age?

RICHARD THOMAS, Oxford.

A. This condition is called dropsy and it is a symptom of several possible diseases which result in kidney failure. The cause can be bacteria, viruses, parasites, tumours or poor water quality.

It can affect any age of fish and can be difficult to treat: Put the fish into a separate tank, increase the water temperature to around 85F, increase oxygen in water, add Epsom salt (a large pinch to five gallon tank). Try this for two weeks. Antibiotics and antiparasitic treatments often help but the most effective are only available from your vet.

The fact that your fish has been poorly for two years suggests that the cause may be a tumour and, sadly, this will not respond to treatment.

Q. My cat has become very itchy and has sores on her head and under her neck and she constantly licks her paws. Could this be harvest bugs?

S KNIGHT, Headington.

A. It certainly could be harvest mites, they are a real pest at this time of year especially if your cat or dog is sensitive to them. They are tiny orange mites just visible to the naked eye, they attach to the skin, particularly around the head, neck and paws where they feed on fluids that leak from the damaged skin.

Luckily they are only around for four to eight weeks every year and they are picked up from the grass. The only effective treatment is Frontline (anti-flea and tick) spray applied weekly to affected areas.

Cats and dogs who are very sensitive may also need anti-allergy drugs to reduce the itch. Try to keep pets off grassy areas if they are badly affected.

  • Vet Barton Stephen of The Elms Veterinary Surgery, Faringdon, has worked with animals for more than 20 years. So, if it’s a poorly hamster or an untrained pup, he’s the man to help. Email questions2barton@aol.com or write to PO BOX 3562, Faringdon, SN7 9AQ.