Category: Conditions U-Z

PIG UTERINE PROLAPSE

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Photo: Mr & Mrs S Edmond

Although not a common ailment with the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig breed, it does happen from time to time. This condition involves the partial or complete eversion (turning outwards or becoming inside out) of one or both uterine horns. It does not affect piglets, weaners, or fatteners.

Alternative Name:

  • Prolapse of the uterus

Information:
Uterine prolapse usually occurs within 2-4 hours after the farrowing process. Prolonged efforts during farrowing can cause a small part of the uterus to be pushed out by uterine contractions.

Symptoms in Sows:

Photo: International Journal of Development Research
  • Prolapse typically occurs within about an hour.
  • It begins with the appearance of the red mucosa of the uterus.
  • This mass increases rapidly in size until it emerges completely.

Causes / Contributing Factors:

  • Uterine prolapses are rare but usually occur in older sows with large litters or those giving birth to very large piglets.
  • Weakening of the structures that hold the uterus or a flaccid uterine wall.
  • Estrogenic mycotoxins have been linked to this condition.
Close up of a complete uterine prolapse in the sow shortly after parturition Photo: SMEC

Control / Prevention:

  • It is possible to reinstate the uterus back inside the sow, but it is a challenging task and the sow can die due to internal hemorrhaging.
  • If the sow survives, it should not be bred from again.
  • The alternative is to cull the sow.

The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group (OSBPG) is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190469) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed the bloodlines and the breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Oxford Sandy and Black Keepers and their families. Please click the donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters

Follow us on Facebook and see how we support, help and inspire individuals about our beautiful rare breed the OSB Pig

GASTRIC ULCERS IN PIGS

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Gastric ulcers in our pigs can affect all ages, but is more commonly observed in working boars and sows. The primary causes of gastric ulcers in pigs is associated with diet, stress, and overworking of boars. Clinical signs of gastric ulcers include weight loss, teeth grinding, vomiting, black faeces, and sadly in severe cases, sudden death.

Upon examination, the stomach may contain dark or black blood, sometimes with large blood clots, while chronic cases may exhibit black streaks in stomach. Ulcers can range from mild erosions to large ulcers with thickened, scarred wall boundaries. Chronic ulcers may bleed more profusely than acute ones due to capillary blood vessels continuously oozing blood over time. Acute death can occur if the ulcer invades an underlying large blood vessel.

Severely damaged stomach. Photo: Danish Pig Research Centre

Treatment for growers and finishers involves timely administration of injectable antibiotics, although consultation with a veterinarian is crucial for proper guidance and instruction. It is imperative to avoid administering Metacam if gastric ulcers are suspected.

Causes: Factors such as the presence of the pig helicobacter H. suis in the stomach, bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates leading to organic acid production, and stresses like transport, starvation, mixing, and overcrowding can increase the incidence of gastric ulceration. It has also been observed that certain feeds and nutrition may play a role in the development and exacerbation of gastric ulcers.

Photo: Carrs Consulting

Clinical Signs: Pigs affected by gastric ulcers are often found dead despite being in good condition. Clinical signs may include acute intra-gastric haemorrhage, characterised by the inability to rise, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, refusal to eat or drink, low body temperature, and cold, pale mucous membranes (ie. gums, nose). Sub-acute cases may exhibit intermittent melena, passing dark, dry faeces, with loss of appetite, and reduced growth rate. Diagnosis can be challenging, but endoscopy under anaesthesia can aid in visualisation of ulceration.

Treatment and Prevention: Treatment involves supportive care which is via blood transfusion or intravenous fluid therapy, and administration of ranitidine syrup orally. Antimicrobial cover may also assist in recovery. Prevention strategies include reducing stress, relieving overcrowding, proper ventilation, increasing dietary fibre levels (IE oats or sugar beet pulp), and supplementing inadequate levels of zinc, selenium, and vitamin E.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for gastric ulcers in pigs is essential for maintaining herd health and welfare with our Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs. Collaborative efforts between veterinarians and pig producers are crucial in effectively managing this condition.

The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190469) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed the bloodlines and the breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Oxford Sandy and Black Keepers and their families. Please click the donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters

Follow us on Facebook and see how we support, help and inspire individuals about our beautiful rare breed

Piglet Observation – Part V

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Pre-weaning care of the Oxford Sandy and Black Piglet

Creating a non-competitive environment for your Oxford Sandy and Black piglet during the early stages of life is crucial for the smaller piglets, as previously explained in “Piglet Observation Part IV“. This environment can be established through cross-fostering.

Supplemental milk, such as sow replacement milk or goat’s milk, can effectively reduce the variation in birth weights, ensuring a more consistent growth to slaughter weight.

By combining these two management techniques, we can effectively control costs, rather than providing supplemental milk to a larger number of litters unnecessarily.

The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190469) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please consider clicking our donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.

Follow us on Facebook and see how we support, help and inspire individuals about our rare breed