Trichophytobezoars in miniature swine.

Miniature swine confined indoors on concrete developed gastric trichophytobezoars that resulted in gradual weight loss and debilitation. The ability to maintain the swine on a chronic research project was threatened by premature deaths associated with the trichophytobezoar formation. The predisposing husbandry practices and history of the development of the trichophytobezoars included confinement for several years and consumption of pelleted feed directly from the concrete floor. Gastrotomy performed on 3 sows and 5 boars avoided the progression of complications leading toward starvation and resulted in clinical improvement.