Parker

Parker's journey to Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a testament to his incredible spirit and determination. On May 7th, 2024, we were contacted by the Washington County Sheriff's Department to rescue a pig found on the side of the road. It was assumed that Parker had bravely jumped from a transport truck in a daring bid for freedom, like many of our rescued pigs.

When we arrived at the scene, Parker was starving and painfully thin. We quickly brought him back to the sanctuary, but he struggled to keep down any food or water he consumed, and our concern grew. Fearing re-feeding syndrome, a serious condition that can occur in malnourished animals, we rushed Parker to the University of Minnesota Large Animal Hospital. Despite their best efforts, they too had difficulty getting him to eat or drink. A thorough scope examination revealed that the valve leading to Parker's stomach was too small, preventing food from passing through properly.

We made a plan, with the help of Ziggy’s Refuge, to perform a series of surgeries that would use a balloon-style instrument to help open that valve and allow him to digest food correctly. However, upon opening Parker up for his first balloon surgery, the veterinarians discovered that his valve was actually a correct size, and the problem was possibly stemming from some abnormal tissue around the area. While Parker was anesthetized, they took a biopsy to determine the cause of the tissue, but the biopsy results returned normal.

From there, Parker underwent a barium swallow study, a diagnostic test where he swallowed a liquid containing barium, which coats the inside of the esophagus and stomach so they can be seen more clearly on X-rays. This procedure helps doctors observe the function and structure of the upper digestive system. The results of the study indicated that Parker may have mega-esophagus, a condition where the esophagus becomes enlarged and loses its ability to move food towards the stomach efficiently. The doctors also noted a possible area of herniation between his stomach and esophagus, which also may be a cause of irregular digestion.

Despite these findings, there was a treatment plan in place. The primary method was to have Parker sit upright after eating, which helps facilitate proper digestion by using gravity to move the food along. Additionally, the doctors had prescribed him Viagra. Interestingly, this medication has been found to help manage mega-esophagus.

Parker had finally come to his forever home at the sanctuary.