Application of Minimally Invasive Physiological Monitoring Techniques in Pigs for Scientific Purposes

Wearable and implantable physiological monitors are designed for minimally invasive health assessment in companion animals. We aimed to establish proof-of-concept for the use of PetPace collar monitors and VetChip implantable monitoring devices in pigs. PetPace monitors were used to measure pulse rate, respiratory rate and heart rate variability in individually housed pigs. Group housed pigs were fitted with PetPace monitors to assess their feasibility for use in the presence of conspecifics, in addition to implantation with VetChip subcutaneous monitoring devices. PetPace monitors caused skin abrasion after 10 days of continual wear, but simple modifications allowed collars to be worn safely in individually housed pigs. Collars could not be worn unsupervised by group housed pigs due to damage by conspecifics. PetPace pulse and respiratory rate readouts showed a strong correlation with manual auscultations, and PetPace heart rate variability showed a very strong negative correlation with salivary corticosterone levels. VetChip temperature and pulse rate readouts were accurate in healthy pigs. However, the suitability of dorsal mid-scapula VetChip implantation is questionable due to wound breakdown in two out of three pigs.