Very basically skin consists of three layers. The epidermis (the top), the dermis (next layer) and the subcutaneous layer. I found a page for you to read about it if you have forgotton what you learnt in school.
When Wai came he could not wag his tail because it was encased in the brown hard sharp saddle leather that is his skin now. Somehow and at some cost – he must have rubbed his rear hard on a wall or something – he managed to release his tail so he could wag it. (now he has a hole going in below the upper layer of damaged skin, straight in under the dermis and exposing the subcutaneous tissue). 
And even though the poor fellow is all nerve endings and pulling and rubbing from hard outer skin curling like hangnails into his skin, and exposed insides, he still wags his tail when he sees his pumpkin. I don’t know how he is carrying on, unbelievable really. Hats off to this fellow.
This hole is why I cover him with a sheet when he lies down. It is deep and also goes right up under that layer of armor. There are other areas where the sharp edges of the armor have worn through into the fat layers but this is by far the worst. I cannot cut this away yet as it is still attached to the dermis. Very attached. It will be a while. 
My tree hospital. On the far left is the damaged walnut bolted together and tied with ties and on the right the new oak, planted and soaked and being held up using T posts and an old hose.
Lots of water and tree talk. 
Poppy is a nice pig when she is not in heat.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
I don’t know what the weather is for tomorrow. But today was sunny and still. Lovely.
The Kitchen's Garden 
41 responses to “Wag the Tail”
He wants to live and you’ve given him hope 🙂
I think you are right – in the beginning he would not even walk and now he gets up all by himself – not often but we are getting there
Poor boy, onwards and upwards though. 👍
Ah, poor boy, the need to wag that tail overrode the pain of freeing it. I think that bodes well; wagging his tail is surely a sign he’s feeling more contented and enjoying his food at least a bit. And slowly but surely that brown armour is shrinking; your patience is formidable.
Poor but happy Wai. You’re likely just up, miss c, and extreme fatigue and insomnia have kept me from grabbing a single wink. Happy Sunday.
Oh no – poor you – not sleeping again – maybe tonight! c
I agree with other comments: Wai is doing so well and seems so much happier. Seeing the video on instagram of his tail wagging happily while he was eating grass and clover was wonderful! Hope the exposed areas don’t get infected.
Your trek with Wai is just unbelievable. You are an angel.
Does Wei need some kind of antibiotics? Those holes sound dangerous, poor wee fellow.
He was on antibiotics when he came but I am not sure whether he was allergic to them. My vet says he is ok without now and let his immune system build up.He is doing better without the meds. c
Ah good. Much better without. I just found that hole worrying.
I feel so sorry for poor Wai..it is not his fault and yet he is the one who suffers. i think the person who allowed this to happen should be hung, drawn and quartered…such cruelty.
But I also know that if he can survive to ever being a normal pig..it is with your dedication…
The weather in Bulgaria has been unbearably hot ..42C and at night 20C…the only benefit is a free sauna every five minutes
lots of love Miss C
Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2017 at 1:23 PM
42C! How miserable!
There has been so much positive change in the front half of Wai that seeing this rear portion is shocking. I just can’t get over how he looks as if he was literally roasted, but then all that new skin appearing under the armor plating looks so normal and healthy. You’re working miracles Miss C and Wai is one lucky pig 🙂
It is shocking – I am daunted actually but Wai is soldiering on so i do too
Oh Cecilia! This is the saddest sight. I guess that every tailed creature finds it critical to express himself –and we tailless ones too–sometimes at great cost.
Well said!
Wai’s healing so much reminds me of my own shedding the plates of armor from wounds of the past. This journey of learning to trust, slowly shedding the ugly but protective layers, and feeling something comforting and nurturing in a safe environment, is way to heal without being too vulnerable. There is something of the inner spirit that finds hope in the small accomplishments, and it certainly helps to feel loving hands and hear loving voices to encourage and support. Oh, and for a pig, I think sighting and getting a whiff of that pumpkin is big on the comfort food and LOVE scale! Wai stands the best chances… because he has found someone to care. 🙂
So very well said, thank you: )
Yes, from me too! xo
Poor little guy, to work so hard to show his appreciation; but this says so much about his determination and the lovely fellow on the inside.. (What was that you were just saying the other day? ; )
Poor Wai! Fingers crossed the flies stay away. The maggots do eat dead tissue, but they move on to living tissue when they run out of the dead stuff. It is good to see his tail breaking free. I wish his former owners could be charged with animal cruelty.
Yes they do – I have seen fly blown sheep – nasty – I am being very careful –
The thought of maggots on a living creature is a horrible thing. *shudders* I used iodine on an ulcerated spot on my goat to ward off any flies. My mom used Iodine a lot when I was growing up for cuts although people don’t use it much these days, but it seemed to work on the goat for keeping the flies off.
This is amazing!! He is looking so so good! Mama C to the rescue.
HI Rosy – and you saw him on Day One. !.. c
Fantastic job with pig and tree. Both need ongoing positive thoughts. .It will take delicate navigating on this path to wellness and I’m glad you have a helper to take some pressure off.
Delicate is the word for sure.. c