Module 2: Common Diseases of Pigs

Lesson 1: COMMON POST-FARROWING PROBLEMS

The first few days after farrowing are very important for the sow and her piglets. Any health-related
problem or disease can result to loss of milk. This will contributed greatly to piglet (pre-weaning) mortality.

1. Metritis/Vulvar Discharge

Metritis is the inflammation and infection of the uterus. It often occurs after farrowing, dystociaor
abortion. Metritis is part of the metritis-mastitis-agalactia syndrome so frequently met as aclinical entity
in pig practice.

The following organisms are frequently isolated from animals suffering from metritis:Streptococcus,
Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella spp.

Predisposing factors:

• Dirty environment

• Physical stress associated with farrowing

• Uterine fatigue

• Retained placenta or fetus

Clinical Signs

Gilts and sows will initially show inappetence anddepression. The signs of the disease usually appear in 1
- 3 days post-farrowing. Female breeders will be found lying on their pens, shivering and trembling. Their
temperature will range from 39.5° to 41.3°C. The udder is hot, and milk flow is inhibited. A thick, whitish
to yellowish discharge from the vulva is seen by the end of the first or second day. Metritis resulting from
retained fetuses, laceration and infections following dystocia is accompanied by a more watery, foul-
smelling discharge from the vulva. Fever, inappetence and agalactia will also be present.

Control and Treatment

• A combination of penicillin and streptomycin injection, given intramuscularly to control the infection, is
indicated.

• Uterine flushing or lavage is highly recommended. A decoction of guava leaves maybe used and should
be pumped into the uterus for 3 - 5 days preferably morning and afternoon.

• Administration of oxytocin will hasten involution of uterus.

• Implement proper diet and exercise. Fat sows will have a high incidence of dystocia and weak, atonic
uterus.

2. Mastitis
Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary glands. Mastitis involving individual udder sections is
diagnosed by keen, visual observation and manual examination. The following organisms are associated
with mastitis in the sows: Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Actinomyces sp., Actinobacillus lignieresii,
Corynobacterium pyogenes,

Mycobacterium sp.

Predisposing factors:

• Dirty environment

• Udder injury

• Faulty feeding scheme

Clinical Signs

One, two or more sections of the udder can be affected. These are reddish or bluish/violet in color, hard
and hot to the touch. The gilt or sow is inappetent and febrile. She does not want her teats to be touched
or suckled on. Thus, the piglets become hungry and very noisy. Piglets may show diarrhea due to bacterial
contamination of the milk. Milk coming from affected teats is blood-tinged, with pus and foul-smelling.

Control and Treatment

• If the sow is showing generalized signs and has fever, penicillin and streptomycin

intramuscular injection is administered.

• Occasionally, mammary infusion is given.

• Give particular attention to cleanliness, proper feeding and exercise.

• Hot compress helps stimulate blood and milk flow.

3. Agalactia and Hypogalactia

Agalactia is the absence of milk, while hypogalactia is the decrease in the amount of milk secreted. It
results in the death of many individuals and even the whole litter during the first few days following
farrowing. The piglets are also deprived of quality colostrum needed for immunity.

The following organisms are associated with sows suffering from agalactia/hypogalactia: Citrobacter,
Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. Any
individual causative factor or a combination of factors may cause this clinical syndrome.

Predisposing factors:

• Mastitis and metritis

• Hormonal imbalance

• Improper management – faulty feeding scheme, inadequate water supply, hypocalcemia, stress

• Extreme hot weather

• Hyper-excitable or nervous sows or gilts

Clinical Signs

The condition is encountered 2 – 3 days post- farrowing. It will be apparent that the piglets are hungry, in
various stages of starvation and hypoglycemia. Sows with agalactia are uneasy and lie in the sternal
position. Some sows lie out flat and permit the piglets to suckle but fail to secrete milk. The sow is partially
or completely off-feed. The udder is firm and congested. The sows show various degrees of trembling
probably due to intoxication and fever. Feces are dry and scanty. This type of agalactia appears to be due
to a combination of over-feeding, auto-intoxication due to a sluggish digestive tract, atonic uterus, and, in
many cases, secondary uterine infection.

Control and Treatment

• Oxytocin administration and antibiotic treatment are indicated if infection is suspected.

• Symptomatic treatment for piglets is also indicated which may include administration of 10 mL dextrose
intraperitoneally.

DIARRHEA IN PIGLETS

Diarrhea in piglets can be caused by several factors. Prevention and control of diarrheashould not only
center on infectious agents but should also focus on providing favorableenvironmental conditions.

Predisposing factors:

• Dirty pens

• Low environmental temperature

• Spoiled or unsuitable feed, sudden change in feed

• Insufficient milk or colostrum intake

• Mastitic udder

Common Infectious Causes of Diarrhea

1. Escherichia coli

This is a common cause of piglet diarrhea in commercial farms. The disease can readily beidentified
through the character of the feces. These are generally foul-smelling, yellowish andwatery.

It is possible to prevent this type of diarrhea through a continuous and effective sanitation program in the
farrowing house. Antibiotic administration also helps in its prevention. When throwing pens are
continuously used, diarrhea is very difficult to prevent and treat. Vacating furrowing pens after use for at
least 5 – 7 days will help break the disease cycle and lessen the microbial load in the area.
2. Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE) The disease is caused by a virus. Feces are grayish in color, very
watery and fishy smelling. The sow and her piglet may show occasional vomiting. Fatteners are rarely
affected. Mortality may reach 100% for suckling piglets.

Prevention and Control

1. Build a well-designed farrowing pen that will allow pens to remain clean, dry, warm andfree of draft.

2. Implement good sanitation, management and health program.

3. Ensure pregnant sows have sufficient functional teats, are healthy and fed with well- balanced diet.

4. Move sow into clean farrowing crates at least one week before they farrow.

5. Ensure proper immunization of gilts/sows either through natural immunity or vaccination.

6. Provide heating to newborn piglets for the first 10 days of the piglet’s life. Ensure that they have access
to colostrums during the first 3 days of life.

7. Postpone scheduled activities on weak piglets.

8. Pig dosers can also be given to suckling piglets. These are widely available in the local market.

Treatment of Diarrhea

1. Give appropriate antibiotics to scouring piglets or whole litter for bacterial diarrhea. (It is also advisable
to conduct an antibiotic sensitivity test if diarrhea is severe and involves a great number of animals and
does not respond to antibiotic being used.)

2. Provide supportive therapy. Replace body fluids of dehydrated or scouring piglets with water,
electrolytes, glucose, etc.

3. Improve environmental conditions. Unsanitary conditions allow challenge to build-up.

4. Ensure sows are healthy. Sows with mastitis, agalactia, insufficient or damaged teats and restless sows
may not provide sufficient colostrum to piglets. Treat them accordingly.

5. Treat for any disease present.

PNEUMONIA IN PIGS

Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs leading to colds and coughing in pigs. The usual predisposing
factors are the following: climatic changes, stress due to transport and movement, overcorwing, parasitic
load and many more.

In commercial farms, pneumonia is very difficult to prevent and eradicate. The objective of treatment is
to prevent the development of more severe symptoms and clinical signs.

Common Infectious Causes of Pneumonia

1. Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia
This disease shows pleuropneumonia, a condition where there is inflammation of the lungs and the tissues
surrounding it. The disease can be very acute causing sudden death without any symptoms. Dead pigs are
found with blood-tinged froth coming from the mouth and nose. When the disease process takes a longer
time, the pigs show general symptoms such as inappetence, fever and depression. More specific signs are
coughing, breathing difficulties and, in some cases, cyanosis of the skin (red or bluish coloring of the ear
tips, belly, legs and tail end).

Treatment should be directed to the whole herd. Antibiotics should be given preferably by injection for 3
days. It should be followed by mixing antibiotics into the water or the feeds.

2. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

The microorganism causes a disease called enzootic pneumonia. It is associated with intensive pig
production. The signs are less serious, but the economic importance is considerable. The pigs show a slight
and constant dry cough, sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, poor feed efficiency and runting. This is the only
respiratory disease that can be transmitted by the sow to her fetuses during pregnancy. Young pigs suffer
more at the onset of the disease than older pigs. Mortalities are rare and more due to secondary
infections.

Treat with antibiotics. Affected animals should be isolated. Thewhole herd should be given antibiotics in
the feed or water tominimize the spread. General preventive measures are important.

3. Swine Influenza Virus Type A

All ages can be affected by influenza or ‘flu, but it is most common in growers and fatteners. The pigs are
very sick, depressed, always lying down, have no appetite, high fever, coughing, frequent sneezing, and
difficulty in breathing. Discharges can be seen from the nose and eyes. The disease spreads rapidly
throughout the farm, but recovery starts after 3 – 5 days and is usually also rapid if not complicated by
other infections.

Mortalities are rare. As in most viral diseases, there is no specific treatment. Antibiotics are given to
prevent secondary bacterial infections. General preventive measures should be practiced to avoid
occurrence. Vaccines are available against swine influenza.

4. Pasteurella multocida

The bacteria cause the disease called swine plague or Pasteurellosis. All types of pigs are affected (sows,
boars, piglets, fatteners). Commonly, it is a secondary bacterial infection following primary invasion by
other organisms such as Mycoplasma sp. and hog cholera virus.

The signs are mouth breathing, coughing and nasal discharges, bluish discoloration of the extremities,
fever and loss of weight.

Pneumonia Prevention and Control

1. A maximum of only 250 – 300 fatteners should be housed in one fattening unit.

2. Each fattening pen should only have 10 – 12 fatteners only.

3. Implement the all-in/all-out or “by batch” system of management.

4. Have only one source of weanlings / fatteners.

5. Regularly clean and disinfect pig pens.

6. Regular removal and proper disposal of pig manure to prevent build-up of microbes.

7. Adequate ventilation, draft-free environment.

8. Adequate supply of clean, fresh drinking water.

9. Avoid frequent wet cleaning and bathing of pigs, especially in the afternoon.

10. Implement pulse medication, if necessary.

SUGGESTED MEDICATION PROGRAM

I. Gestating Sows

A. Mange Treatment 1

1. Injectable (ivermectin/doramectin): 10-14 days before farrowing

2. Topical (pour-on/spray): 14 and 7 days before farrowing

B. Deworming

1. Injectable (ivermectin/doramectin, Levamisole): 10-14 days before farrowing

2. In-feed: 10 days before farrowing3

II. Lactating Sows

A. Antibiotic Administration

1. Injectable: given once a day for 3 consecutive days

2. In-feed: given for 10-14 days from the day of farrowing

B. Flushing/Lavage4

1. Given for 3 consecutive days after farrowing; the following may be used:

a. herbal: guava decoction

b. 5% normal saline

c. 2% potassium permanganate
C. Vitamin ADE injection - given before/on/after weaning

D. Vaccination

1. Hog Cholera: the animal can be scheduled for vaccination starting 1 week after farrowing up to
immediately after the day of weaning

2. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): can be given simultaneously with Hog Cholera vaccine but different
site and different syringe.

III. Suckling Pigs5

A. Iron Administration: 3-5 days after birth; generally, dosage is as follows

1. 100 mg Fe/ml - 2.0 ml/piglet

2. 200 mg Fe/ml - 1.0 ml/piglet

B. Multivitamin/Vitamin B12 Administration

Given 10-12 days after birth (or after castration) to be repeated before/on/after (the day) weaning.

IV. Weaners

A. Water Medication6 is highly recommended to be given for 7 consecutive days (1 week) starting from
the day of weaning

B. Deworming

1. In-feed: given at 2-3 months of age provided the sow was dewormed, otherwise it can be done 1-2
weeks after weaning

2. Drench: follow similar schedule as in #1

C. Vaccination

1. Hog Cholera vaccination is given starting from 5 to 8 weeks of age

2. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination is generally given between 8- 12 weeks of age

V. Growers/Finishers

A. Pulse medication is recommended if one was able to establish periodicity of a certain disease (especially
pneumonia)

VI. Replacement Gilts/Replacement Boars

A. Water/In-feed medication for 7 consecutive days from the day of arrival

B. Deworming as soon as possible, to be repeated 2 weeks before expected breeding schedule

C. Mange Treatment

D. Vitamin ADE - before breeding

E. Vaccination

1. Hog Cholera

a. given twice before breeding with two weeks interval

b. if animal is vaccinated at 6 months then one shot before breeding would beenough

2. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

a. follow similar vaccination scheme of Hog Cholera

Note:

Unvaccinated animals are given two injections with a 2-4 week interval. Subsequent

vaccination (booster shot) is given during the lactation stage.

VII. Boars

A. Deworming every six months

B. Mange Treatment every six months

C. Vitamin ADE every six months

C. Vaccination every six months

GUIDES IN HANDLING EMERGENCY CASES

An emergency case is any condition that requires immediate attention as it endangers the life of the pig.
It is not expected that one will be proficient enough in replacing the veterinarian in the job of saving a life,
but it must be realized that, at some crucial time, one has to react to the situation properly to save a life.

As a rule of the thumb, basic procedures in handling emergency cases in pigs are geared towards the
immediate relief of the patient. These procedures include proper evaluation of individual cases, proper
hygiene and sufficient care and management of the injured pig.

1. Basic guidelines

• Handle individual cases on the basis of history and signs. Keep a record of the case. Quick evaluation is
necessary. Size up the situation and note the condition of the animal.
• If possible, gently transfer the injured pig to a more comfortable, isolated area (shed or pen) where
treatment and further observation can be done, and follow-up procedure can be easy. If the pig is lying
and transferring is difficult, do the first aid treatment where the pig is found.

• Protect the pig from adverse heat and other stress factors. Inspect the body thoroughly for other signs.

• Be extra careful in dealing with every case of sudden onset and acute type of infection. The possibility
of spreading the microbes and contamination of the premises and their ultimate transmission to human
beings is great.

• Dispose properly seriously ill or dying pigs. If a rapidly spreading infection is suspected, it may be wise
to sacrifice the animal and careful post-mortem evaluation be conducted by a veterinarian. Send specific
tissue samples to the laboratory for further testing.

• Avoid salvaging the carcass for human consumption. Institute proper quarantine rules and regulations.

• Report notifiable cases immediately to the nearest government office concerned in animal industry.
Conduct surveillance immediately on the vicinity for similar cases.

2. Recommended Emergency Procedures

[Link]. Occurs when the pig is exposed to excessively hot or warm environment. The first step is
to cool the body. Apply cold compresses, preferably ice packs, to the pig's head and jugular furrows. Spray
the rest of the body with cold water.

Gently move the pig under a shaded, cool area. Continue applying the ice pack and spraying of cold water
until the temperature drops to normal. If possible, monitor the body temperature every short interval,
and reapply ice packs if the temperature rises.

Allow the pig to freely drink cold water with sugar. Allow proper ventilation at all times. In mild cases,
when the pig shows panting and open breathing and seems to be in the initial stage of respiratory distress,
immediately remove it from the overcrowded condition. Prevent additional stress and excitement.
Immediately bathe the pig in cold water.

[Link] Insecticide Poisoning. Common insecticides used against ticks and other insects may sometimes
be accidentally consumed (drunk) by pigs, or in some cases, the concentration is so high that even when
applied externally, toxicities result. In such cases, emergency measures have to be instituted. Pigs showing
signs of restlessness, staggering and unsteady movement with salivation immediately after external
application of insecticides indicate insecticide toxicity.

Therefore, it is necessary to immediately bath the pigs thoroughly, if possible, with strong water pressure.
Wet the pig [Link] cases where the pig has taken in (drank) the insecticide solution, quickly remove
the solution from the stomach by giving emetics or plain concentrated sugar solution orally. Burned garlic
powder in water may be used as emetic. For extreme cases of poisoning, call a veterinarian.

[Link] Farrowing (Dystocia).

Dystocia frequently occurs in gilts under completely confined management systems. Information on the
gilt's breeding history, previous illness during the last 2 or 3 months before farrowing and other pertinent
data are important factors in coming up with a sound and correct course of action.

Check visually the general condition of the sow. Take a closer examination of the behavior of the sow and
the character and duration of contraction (labor). If possible, move/transfer gently the pig to a clean area.
Clean thoroughly the external genitalia and surrounding areas with soap and water.

Examine the birth canal for any injuries, and assess the position, posture and presentation of the fetuses.
To prevent stress and injury of the sow, the handling procedure must be done under hygienic conditions.

In most cases of abnormal position, posture and presentation, adjust the fetus by returning it into the
normal presentation in the uterus with properly disinfected hands. Manipulation can be made within the
uterus. Traction and pulling must always coincide with the uterine contraction. If continuous and forceful
contraction occurs, use anesthetic to calm down the uterine contraction.

[Link] of the Vagina

In most cases, the condition occurs after difficult farrowing, although some appear before farrowing.
Handling the prolapse depends on the time it has been existing. In advanced cases, the prognosis is serious
and recurrence after treatment is high. Place the pig in a clean pen/area. Thoroughly clean with warm
water the vagina and/or uterus and surrounding areas. Use a mild iodine solution (Lugol's) in the final
washing of the exposed area (or use any nonirritating antiseptic). A decoction made from boiled guava,
"sampalok", or "duhat" leaves can be used as a vaginal rinse or wash. Severe irritation usually occurs. The
animal starts straining as the prolapsed parts are being returned to the pelvic cavity. Call a veterinarian if
the animal is extremely in pain.

Slowly replace the prolapsed parts into the cavity and infuse antibiotic solution into the vagina. Call a
veterinarian to perform vulvar sutures, if necessary, to prevent recurrence of the condition. Maintain
cleanliness of the wound. Guava or avocado leaves can be applied as poultice to the wound. Change the
poultice once a day.

[Link]

A first degree or superficial burn is characterized by redness, swelling and pain in the skin but no blisters.
This is caused by thermal, chemical, and electrical factors which must be immediately treated. Place
affected area immediately in cold water or apply cold compress to relieve the pain. Juice extracts of either
"sabila" or "oregano" leaves can be applied to the affected area two times a day.

A second degree burn is characterized by the formation of vesicles and blisters. In extensive burns,
considerable loss of plasma and shock occur. Sedation or forceful physical restraint is advisable to calm the
animal for easy handling and to ease pain.

In case of shock, intravenous injection or electrolyte solution or blood plasma is necessary. Fresh buko"
juice prepared aseptically from young coconut can be given subcutaneously or intravenously as plasma
expanders. The amount of juice to be given depends upon the weight of the animal.

In the absence of a veterinarian, induce the pig to drink saline solution to maintain adequate fluid levels
in the body and to induce urination. Give fresh "buko" juice again.
A suitable solution consists of 8 level tsp salt, 4 level tsp baking soda, and concentrated brown sugar to 2
gallons water. Concentrated beef broth may be added. Administer the solution through stomach tube if
the pig does not drink.

Tetanus antitoxin and antibiotic injections may follow. Apply cracked ice to affected areas. If inflammation
subsides, apply petroleum jelly, oil or other suitable ointments to aid the healing process.