Cardiorespiratory disease pigs

What are some historical questions to ask when assessing respiratory disease in pigs?

Consider type of pigs (finishers, breeders, piglets), scale of the farm, number of pigs affected, age of pigs affected, clinical signs observed, deaths, abortions, recent diet/management changes, and vaccination protocol.

What clinical signs might indicate Glaesserella parasuis (GPS) infection in pigs?

Increased respiratory effort, cough, nasal discharge, rapid weight loss, and neurological signs.

What age range of pigs is commonly associated with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)?

Aged 4-8 weeks.

Which pathogens are known to contribute to Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC)?

Viral pathogens include PRRS, SIV, and PCV-2; bacterial pathogens include GPS, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Streptococcus suis, Pasteurella multocida, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia.

What diagnostic methods are used for identifying PRRS in affected pigs?

Isolation of PRRS positive animals, PCR, and monitoring with oral fluids, blood, spleen, and lung samples.

How can one assess hydration in affected pigs during clinical examinations?

Using CRT (capillary refill time) and mucous membranes (MM).

What are some clinical signs of respiratory disease in pigs?

Coughing, anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, increased hair growth, increased respiratory effort, and increased mortality.

What treatment options are available for respiratory disease in pigs?

Antibiotics like amoxicillin and penicillin, NSAIDs such as meloxicam, and anti-inflammatory treatments like dexamethasone.

What are common investigative samples to take from pigs with respiratory disease?

Swab and fresh lung/heart tissue for culture, preserved lung and heart tissue for histopathology, fresh lung/spleen tissue for PCR.

What does increased respiratory rate and heart rate in pale piglets indicate?

It indicates potential iron deficiency or can be symptomatic of GPS.

What factors should be considered regarding farm management during respiratory disease investigations?

Sufficient space, access to feed, bedding, and clean and fresh water supply.

What kind of diagnostic sampling can be done post-mortem (PM) for respiratory diseases?

Examine lung tissue for consolidation, perform PCR on tissues, nasopharyngeal swabs, and culture of tissues or swabs.

What is the control measure for a herd testing positive for PRRS?

Isolate and vaccinate infected animals; do not serve gilts until at least 6 weeks post-infection.

Which respiratory disease is associated with increasing mortality in pigs?

Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC).

What indicates a need for antibiotic treatment in respiratory issues of pigs?

Presence of bacterial infections such as GPS or Mycoplasma.

What does 'coughing' in pigs typically indicate?

It is often a clinical sign of respiratory disease, which could be due to various pathogens.

What is the characteristic clinical sign associated with endocarditis due to erysipelas in pigs?

Heart disease may present as endocarditis, with common signs ranging from lethargy to unusual heart sounds.

How can PCR be used in diagnosis of infectious causes of heart disease in pigs?

PCR can be performed on fresh spleen tissue for PRRS and other pathogens.

What is the significance of weight loss in pigs suffering from respiratory disease?

It may indicate chronic infection or underlying conditions such as GPS.

What abnormalities might be found upon examination of lung tissue in pigs?

Consolidation, fading coloration, or signs of pneumonia.

What vaccinations are essential for preventing PRRS in swine herds?

Vaccination protocols should be established for both negative and positive herds.

What are the implications of increased hair growth in pigs?

It could be a response to chronic illness or stress, often seen in respiratory disease.

What management practices can help reduce the incidence of respiratory disease in pig farms?

Proper biosecurity measures, nutrition management, and vaccination.

How is the term 'PRRS' defined in veterinary medicine?

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome.

Name a bacterial cause of pericarditis in pigs.

Glaesserella parasuis (GPS).

What is a key clinical sign of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)?

Reproductive failures, respiratory distress, and increased mortality.

What is a sign of anemia in pigs that might relate to iron deficiency?

Increased heart rate and respiratory rate.

Which diagnostic technique provides information based on the collection of oral fluids in pigs?

ELISA test.

How can monitoring PCR results help manage a herd affected by PRRS?

It assists in evaluating the viral load and effectiveness of vaccination protocols.

What does histopathology reveal regarding lung infections in pigs?

It may show signs of inflammation, lesions, or necrosis.

What is an important clinical consideration when assessing weight loss in pigs?

Rapid weight loss can indicate GPS or other severe underlying health issues.

What clinical sign is characterized by increased respiratory effort in pigs?

It indicates respiratory distress, often associated with infections.

What consequence might occur if gilts from a PRRS positive farm are served too early post-infection?

It may lead to increased transmission of PRRS to the future offspring.

What are common causes associated with myocarditis in pigs?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and swine vesicular disease (SVD).

What indicates a herd's management success in relation to respiratory diseases?

Having PRRS negative animals strictly acquired from reliable sources.

What is a clinical sign of increased respiratory effort in pigs suffering from pneumonia?

Labored breathing and audible wheezing.

What dietary aspect should be evaluated in pork production during respiratory disease investigations?

Recent changes in diet or management practices.

What is the relevance of having fresh water supply for pigs?

It is crucial for overall health and prevention of dehydration in affected animals.

What can nasal discharge in pigs signify?

It can indicate respiratory infection or upper respiratory disease.