Swine Medicine - Herd Evaluation and Diagnosis

Flashcards covering key concepts from Swine Medicine VMED 172 Chapter I, including herd evaluation, the four-circle approach, diagnostic models, prioritization, and sample collection.

What is the primary focus of swine veterinarians today?

Swine veterinarians focus more on preventive medicine and improving overall herd health.

What is considered the best approach for investigating swine health or production issues?

Investigation of health or production issues is best approached by site visits – that is, inspection of pigs in their environment.

According to Morris (1982), what type of diagnosis is provided by reviewing an operation's medical records and past diagnostic laboratory reports?

Performance‐related diagnosis.

What is benchmarking in the context of swine site visits?

Benchmarking is a unique tool that allows operations to identify areas of concern or areas where improvements can be made.

In Gary Dial's productivity tree, what two variables directly determine efficiency (Pigs weaned/female/year)?

Pigs weaned/litter and Litters weaned/female/year.

According to Gary Dial's productivity tree, what two variables impact the number of pigs weaned per litter?

Pigs born alive/litter and Pre-weaning mortality.

According to Gary Dial's productivity tree, what variables influence litters weaned per female per year?

Lactation and gestation length, and Nonproductive days/female/year.

What does 'reporting structure' refer to in swine production systems?

It refers to the organization of workers, management, and owners in larger production systems, as well as to whom a veterinarian is to report findings and recommendations.

What is the main purpose of biosecurity protocols in swine operations?

To prevent disease transmission into the farm, within the farm, or to neighboring farms.

What is the key point for a veterinarian regarding biosecurity when performing a herd examination?

To be fully aware of, and fully comply with, all biosecurity guidelines for the operation by proactively asking for requirements before visiting.

What are the four circles evaluated in the Four-Circle approach to herd evaluation?

Circle 1: evaluation of outside of the building/site; Circle 2: evaluation of inside of the building; Circle 3: evaluation of individual pens; Circle 4: evaluation of individual pigs.

How does the Four-Circle approach assist veterinarians in diagnosing issues?

It helps differentiate which issues are primarily due to pathogens and which ones are being confounded or caused by management practices or management failures.

According to Morley (1991), what is the literal meaning of the Greek word 'diagnosis'?

'Through thinking'

What does the acronym SOAP stand for in traditional medical data summarizing?

Subjective observations, Objective data, Assessment, and Plan.

In the DAMNIT differential diagnosis framework, what does each letter represent?

D = Degenerative, A = Anomaly / Anomalous / Autoimmune, M = Metabolic / Malformation, N = Nutritional or Neoplasia / Neoplastic, I = Inflammatory, infectious, or Immune mediated, T = Trauma or Toxicity.

What five elements are included in the Five Production Inputs Model?

Nutrition, environment, disease, genetics, and management.

Which interventions should be given highest priority when formulating recommendations for a swine farm?

Interventions that will have the greatest impact on the greatest number of animals.

How should a written report be structured for clients following a site visit?

It should be concise and include a prioritized list (bullet points) with only two or three top interventions.

What phrase is emphasized regarding standardized collection tools in Locke A. Karriker's field investigation process?

CONSISTENCY IS KING

Why is pig blood sample collection considered a 'blind stick'?

Because all major blood vessels in pigs are non‐visible.

Which two primary veins are depicted for blood sampling in a standing pig according to Dewey and Straw (2006)?

Anterior vena cava and Jugular vein.

What miscellaneous methods for pig blood collection are referenced in swine literature?

Tail bleeding (Muirhead 1981), femoral vein (Brown et al. 1978), cephalic vein (Sankari 1983; Tumbleson et al. 1968), cardiac puncture (Calvert et al. 1977), and orbital venus sinus bleeding (Huhn et al. 1969).

What is oral fluid composed of in swine diagnostic testing?

A mixture of saliva and oral mucosal transudates.