FAM Final Exam

Preputial Prolapse in ruminants

• Et: Pendulous sheath, Lg preputial orifice, Absence of retractor prepuce muscles, Brahman, Brahman-cross, Angus, Polled Hereford

• Cs: edema, cellulitis, necrosis

• Tx: Antibiotics, NSAIDs, Hydrotherapy, Bandaging/sling, Reefing Sx (GA, resection)

Penile Hematoma in ruminants

• Et: Trauma during breeding

  • tunica albuginea rupture at distal sigmoid flexure

• Cs: Swelling cranial to scrotum, bruising, preputial prolapse, pain, reluctance to breed

• Tx: 60d sexual rest, NSAIDs + antibiotics, hydrotherapy, Sx to remove clot (suture tunica albuginea)

  • <15 cm: good prognosis (medical)

  • >15 cm: poor prognosis (surgical)

Retropreputial Abscess / Intra-preputial Adhesions in ruminants

• Et: Preputial trauma w/ 2ndary infection

• Tx: Lance + drain

  • Poor repo prognosis <30%

Sheath Rot (Pizzle Rot) / Enzootic Balanoposthitis in ruminants

• Et: Corynebacterium renale

  • Wethers on high-protein diets

• Cs: Swollen, inflam, ulcers, pus, foul odor, reluctance to urinate/breed

• Tx: Antibiotics (Penicillins or cephalosporins), NSAIDs, Topical antiseptics, clean bedding

Penile Ulcerative Dermatosis in ruminants

• Et: Parapoxvirus (Contagious Ecthyma / Orf)

• Cs: Swelling, ulcers, scabs, pain, reluctance to breed, secondary infections(abscesses)

• Tx: Antibiotics (oxytetracycline), Topical antiseptics, NSAIDs, Isolate, Vax, Disinfect equipment

Orchitis and Epididymitis in ruminants

• Number one ram infertility problem

• Et: Brucella ovis (contagious venereal dx)

  • direct contact

• Cs: Enlarged, firm epididymis, testicular atrophy, pain, poor semen quality

• Dt: Serology (ELISA, CFT), PCR (semen/urine)

• Tx: Cull, virgin/disease-free rams, male vax, biosecurity

Inguinal Hernias in ruminants

• Et: Congenital, Acquired 

  • Inguinal hernia (#1): contents within inguinal canal

  • Scrotal hernia: contents into scrotum

  • Indirect hernia (#1): loop remains within tunica vaginalis

  • Direct hernia: intestine protrudes through rent in vaginal tunic

• Dt: Rectal palpation, US

• Tx: 60d sexual rest + Sx

  • Flank Laparotomy: indirect hernias, standing, poor visibility, close inguinal (vertical mattress non-absorbable)

  • Inguinal Herniorrhaphy: better visibility, right lateral, Close tunic then skin Close skin

  • Fertility Outcome: Good

Castrations in ruminants

• Why: Prevent unwanted breeding, Improve temperament, Better feed efficiency, Higher-quality meat, Market preference, Flexible herding

• When: younger preferred, avoid hot/flys 

• Rx: Local anesthesia, NSAIDs, Vax for tetnus 

• Sx: 

  • Open (Bloody): Scrotal incision(most common) → distal 1/3 to 1/2 of scrotum, Newbury knife,

    • Calves <2m : twist and pull

    • Calves >2m : emasculator

      • Best choice for Goats & Llamas

  • Closed (Bloodless): elastrator bands (<3w) → dairy cattle 1-3w, Burdizzo (>2m), Crush not cut

Teaser Maless in ruminants

• Why: Detect estrus

• How: Use infertile males w/ libido

  • Penile Translocation: Ventral Midline incision near prepuce, Free penis tunnel to it SQ,  fix with sutures, close SQ + skin

  • Epididymectomy(Infertile, Can Copulate): scrotal incision, remove caudal epididymis, suture tunica vaginalis + skin, can still transmit dx

  • Vasectomy: cut over ductus deferens, ligate ends, close skin, can still transmit dx

Vaginal Prolapses in ruminants

• Et: Late gestation, pluriparous females, high estrogen, high abdominal pressure

• Cs: Prolapsed vaginal tissue, tenesmus, edema, contamination

• Tx: Epidural, clean, hypertonic sugar/glycerin wrap, lubricate, replace (Last out = first in), retention sutures (Bootlace/Buhner), Cull post-calving

  • High Recurrence Rate

  • Remove sutures before calving

• Prognosis:

  • Grade 1: Minor, easily reduced.

  • Grade 3: Severe necrosis with poor prognosis

Necrotic Vaginitiss in ruminants

• Et: Post-dystocia complication

• Cs: Anorexia, fever, toxemia, arched back, elevated tail, dysuria, straining, vulvar swelling, purulent vaginal discharge

• Tx: Antibiotics, NSAIDs, Vaginal douches, IV fluids, epidural

Infectious Pustular Vulvovaginitiss (IPV) in ruminants

• Et: BHV-1, Natural breeding, flies, equip

• Cs: Fever, raised tail, frequent urination, mucopurulent discharge, white ulcers, infertility/abortion 

• Tx: NSAIDs, antiseptics, Antibiotics, Vax, Isolation, fly control

Uterine Prolapses in ruminants

• Occurs within 0-6 hours postpartum

• Et: <6hrs post partum, Dystocia, Hypocalcemia, Excessive straining

• Cs: Fully everted horns, exposed caruncles (“raw hamburger”)

• Tx: calcium + oxytocin, Epidural, Warm saline + dilute antiseptic wash, Hypertonic sugar/glycerin wrap, lubricate, frog-leg position and palm back in starting cervical, Buhner suture

  • Emergency: moist towels ASAP 

  • Good survival and repo prognosis

Uterine Torsion in ruminants

• 90% occur at/near term (>7 months gestation)

• Et: left-sided, late term

• Dt: PE

  • Vag: Twisted vaginal lumen

  • Rectal: Crossed broad ligaments (“X” pattern)

• Tx:

  • Manual Correction (fully dilated): epidural, rotate counterclockwise if left torsion 

  • Plank-in-Flank / Schaffer Method (partially dilated): roll cow around fetus, left torsion = roll left

Uterine Tears and Ruptures in ruminants

• Et: excessive traction during dystocia, Dorsal wall near cervix: most common

• Cs: 

  • Immediate: Bleeding, visible uterine defect

  • 3–5 days later: Fever, depression, ileus

• Dt: Vag palpation, Abdominal tap (cloudy fluid = peritonitis), US, explore Sx

• Tx: 

  • Sm Tears (<5 cm): Antibiotics, NSAIDs, Oxytocin

  • Lg Tears (>5cm): laparotomy + Sx repair, Cull

Retained Fetal Membranes in ruminants

• Et: Failure to expel placenta >24hrs postpartum: most resolve in 10d spontaneously

  • Dystocia, twins, stillbirth, hypocalcemia, heat stress, premature birth, Se / Vit E deficiency

• Seq: Metritis, Displaced abomasum, Ketosis, Reduced fertility

• Tx: resolve spontaneously <10d, Trim hanging tissue, Ceftiofur, Flunixin, Oxytocin, PGF2α, Vit E/Se/Ca supplements

  • Never manually remove!!!

Toxic/Acute Puerperal Metritis in ruminants

• Et: E. coli (primary), Trueperella pyogenes (secondary)

  • Dystocia, Retained fetal membranes, Poor hygiene : pre-expose

• Cs: Fever, depression, anorexia, dehydration, copious fetid uterine discharge, uterine atony, decreased milk yield, laminitis, extended calving interval, poor conception rates

• Tx: Intrauterine antibiotics (Ceftiofur), NSAIDs (Flunixin), uterine lavage

Pyometra in ruminants

• Et: Chronic uterine inflam w/ pus accumulation

  • Open: Cervix open → discharge visible

  • Closed: Cervix closed → risk of rupture

• Cs: Mucopurulent discharge (open), No discharge (closed),Anestrus, Persistent CL

• Dt: Rectal (fluid-filled uterus), US (echogenic fluid, thick endometrium)

• Tx: PGF2α, Estrogen + Oxytocin,  Antibiotics, NSAIDs

  • <120d: Good prognosis- can conceive

  • 120d: Poor prognosis- fibrosis, infertility

Pseudopregnancy (Hydrometra/Mucometra) in small ruminants

• Et: Luteal persistence, uterine fluid buildup

  • Older, multiparous does

• Cs: Anestrus (no heat cycles), Enlarged, fluid-filled uterus, No fetus

• Dt: US, low PAGs

• Tx: PGF2α (dinoprost)

  • Luteolysis, fluid expelled in 2–3d, breeding possible next cycle

Freemartinism in ruminants

• Et: Mixed-sex twins 

• Cs: Aplastic uterus/cervix, Short vagina, Enlarged clitoris

  • Bull: normal

  • Heifer: sterile

• Dt: Rectal w/ no uterus/cervix, Vag probe w/ short canal, XX/XY chimerism chromosome test

• Tx: Cull, Breeding Soundness Exam

Cesarean Section in ruminants

• Why: Preserve dam and calf survival, Maintain fertility

  • Inadequate space, crushes finger, excessive force, vag tears, fetal distress, exhaustion

    • 2 Feet visible >2 hrs, if in doubt- C section 

• How: 

  • Left flank: standing, live calf, dead w/o smell

  • Paramedian: down, dad calf w/ smell

  • Steps: Exteriorize uterus by holding fetus limb, long incision, remove placenta, flush

  • Sut: Utrecht suture or double layer inverting for uterus, internal/external oblique, skin w/ ford interlocking 

• Rx: Caudal epidural, locals, Antibiotics, NSAIDs, Oxytocin, Estradiol

• Prognosis: 

  • Live fetus: Excellent

  • Dead fetus: Guarded

  • Comp: Peritonitis, Metritis, Retained fetal membranes

• Prevent: calving-ease sires for heifers

Normal Urine Characteristics

• Alkaline urine: normally

• Viscosity: Watery

• Colour: light yellow = normal

• Transparency: Clear = normal

• Odor: ammonia or ketones = abnormal

• USG: 1.020–1.040

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Bacti, Bld, Glucose, Ketones, Protein: None

Abnormal Urine Differentials

• Red urine

• Hematuria: Pyelonephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, enzootic hematuria

• Hemoglobinuria: Leptospirosis, bacillary hemoglobinuria, copper toxicity, postparturient hemoglobinuria

• Myoglobinuria: Capture myopathy, recumbency

• Glucosuria: stress, IV glucose, steroids, xylazine, enterotoxemia

Congenital Urinary Diseases in ruminants

• Hypospadias: Dermatitis, recurrent UTI

  • Can live with 

• Polycystic kidneys: Diagnosed at necropsy

• Bilateral renal hypoplasia: Diagnosed at necropsy

• Ectopic ureter: Diagnosed at necropsy

Persistent/Patent Urachus in ruminants

• Rare, males

• Et: Urachus fails to close post-birth

• Cs: Intermittent urine dribbling from umbilicus, wet umbilicus, omphalitis

• Dt: US

• Tx: Cauterization, Sx removal of umbilical remnants, Antibiotics, NSAIDs, IV fluids

UTIs: Cystitis, Urethritis, Pyelonephritis in ruminants

• Pyelonephritis → #1 issue in females

• Et: Corynebacterium renale, E. coli

  • Ascends uterus to kidneys

  • Common post-parturition(dairy), Multiparous cows

• Cs: Polyuria, hematuria, pyuria, anorexia, weight loss, hypoproteinemia, anemia, ↑ BUN + creatinine, proteinuria, hematuria, bottle jaw

• Dt: Rectal palpation of Lg left kidney, UA, culture

• Tx: Antibiotics for 3w, hygeinene 

  • Poor Prognosis

Enzootic Hematuria in ruminants

• Et: Chronic bracken fern ingestion

• Cs: hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder tumors & GI

• Zoonotic in milk

Acute Renal Failure in ruminants

• Et: 

  • Acute tubular necrosis

    • Renal ischemia: severe dehydration, toxemia, sepsis

    • Pigment nephropathy: hemoglobinuria, myoglobinuria

  • Drug-induced nephrosis: aminoglycosides, tetracycline, sulfas, NSAIDs

  • Toxic plants: oak (#1), oxalates, pigweed

  • Ethylene glycol toxicity: calcium oxalate crystals

• Dt: Isosthenuria despite dehydration, Abnormal UA, Azotemia, electrolyte imbalances, Renal biopsy(blindly), US

• Tx: Treat primary cause, IV fluids (saline), Furosemide, dopamine

  • No urination = grave prognosis

Embolic Nephritis / White Spotted Kidney in ruminants

• Et: Adult cattle w/ septicemia

  • Neonatal calves w/ navel ill

• Cs: Toxemia, proteinuria, pyuria

• Dt: Rectal palpation w/ Lg kidney, Necropsy

• Tx: Antibiotics, IV fluids

Urolith Types in ruminants

• Phosphate Calculi: Struvite/magnesium ammonium phosphate (#1)

  • sandy appearance, Crystals visible on preputial orifice

• Calcium Carbonate: Lush legume/clover or alfalfa hay

  • Smooth, dark appearance

• Silicate Calculi: Dry, arid climates, Grass/cereal hays

  • Single, rough, hard stones

• Oxalate Calculi: Oxalate-rich grasses

Obstructive Urolithiasis in ruminants

• Et: Formation of urinary tract calculi in urethral process or sigmoid flexure

  • castrated males, grain, Ca:P imbalance, Estrogenic or high-silica/oxalate pastures, reduced water intake, sorghum-based rations

  • Phosphate Calculi: Struvite/magnesium ammonium phosphate (#1)

• Cs: Dysuria, stranguria, hematuria, pulsation of urethra, abdominal pain and distention, mineral deposits on preputial hair, rectal prolapse, Ruptured urethra/Water belly (urine in  subcut tissue of ventral abdomen), Ruptured bladder (uroperitoneum, fluid wave), Pyelonephritis / Hydronephrosis

• Dt: US, rads, Abdominocentesis

• Tx

  • Rx: before rupture, w/ diet changes

    • Decompression (temp), Diazepam/Xylazine (relax, not for complete obstruction) dissolution (acid/Ammonium chloride)

  • Sx: Urethral amputation (temp), retrograde catheterization and flushing (tricky), Cystotomy, Urethrotomy, Perineal Urethrostomy, Penile Amputation, Bladder Marsupialization 

    • Perineal urethrostomy and marsupialization #1

Cystotomy + Urethrotomy in ruminants

• Indication: Obstructive Urolithiasis

  • Valuable w/ intact bladder and urethra

• How:

  • Cystotomy: first

    • GA w/ Paramedian laparotomy

    • Incise bladder and remove all stones

    • Perform normograde catheterization & flushing

    • Close bladder w/ 2-layer inverting absorbable sutures

  • Urethrotomy: second

    • Palpate and incise urethra proximal/distal to stone and remove 

    • Close w/ simple interrupted sutures

• Comp: Stricture formation

Perineal Urethrostomy in ruminants

• Indication: Obstructive Urolithiasis

  • Salvage procedure for feedlot calves w/ intact bladder

  • Not suitable for breeding males

  • Does not address bladder stones

• How: 

  • Standing w/ caudal epidural 

  • Skin incision of upper perineal 

• Comp: Stricture formation

Penile Amputation in ruminants

• Indication: Obstructive Urolithiasis

  • Salvage procedure for feedlot calves w/ intact bladder

  • Not suitable for breeding males

• How: 

  • Standing w/ caudal epidural 

  • Penis exteriorized and amputated

  • Fix stump to perineal region

Tube Cystostomy in ruminants

• Indication: Obstructive Urolithiasis

  • Valuable w/ intact urethra!!, bladder can be ruptured 

  • Preserves breeding ability

• How: 

  • GA Laparocystotomy

  • French Foley catheter through bladder and abdominal wall for >7–10d

  • Occlude intermittently to ensure patency

Urinary Bladder Marsupialization in ruminants

• Indication: Obstructive Urolithiasis

  • Salvage for pets urethral/bladder rupture or stricture formation

• How:

  • Permanent stoma from bladder mucosa to ventral skin

  • Hole is 1–2 cm

• Comp: Frequent cystitis, urine scalding, stoma stenosis, urine dribbling

Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) in pigs

• Et: Herpes virus

  • all ages, feral swine (not commercial) 

• Cs: CNS signs, death, weak piglets, Foaming at mouth, hemorrhage, liver necrosis

• Dt: Serology on tonsillar tissues

• Tx: Vax

Swine influenza

• All ages

• Et: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2

  • Endemic in most herds

• Cs: Fever, coughing, pneumonia, Intermittent resp and infertility Dx

• Dt: nasal swab Serology

• Tx: rapid return to normality in 7-10d, Vax

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PPRS) in pigs

• Et: all ages, economic loss

  • Endemic in most herds

• Cs: Pneumonia in Weaners, Repro Failure in Sows, 

  • Duroc’s: Red ears, lung edema/hemorrhage, hemorrhagic spots in heart

  • Wild boar: Pulmonary hyperplasia, cardiac edema/hemmorage

• Dt: VI, Serology

• Tx: Vax

 Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Enzootic Pneumonia) in pigs

• Et: Swine

  • Endemic in most herds

• Cs: Acute Pneumonia, prolonged cough, breathing difficulty (thumps); Consolidation of lungs- anterior, cardiac, intermediate, and anterior diaphragmatic lobes

• Dt: PCR, Serology

• Tx: Medicated feed, Vax, disease-free herd

 Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia in pigs

• Et: Pigs 8-16w

• Cs: Resp distress, cyanosis of the ears, sudden death w/ hemorrhage from nose 

• Dt: Culture, PCR, Serology (ELISA)

  • Ddx: bacillus anthracis

• Tx: Antibiotics, Medicated feed/water, Vax

Atrophic Rhinitis in pigs

• Et: B. bronchiseptica (mild), Tox P. multocida (severe)

• Cs: Sneezing, snuffling, nasal discharge, severe turbinate damage, nose malformation, nose bleeds

• Dt: Nasal Culture

• Tx: Antibiotics, Medicated feed/water, Vax

Pneumonic Pasteurellosis in pigs

• Et: Pasteurella multocida, Mycoplasma, pigs

• Cs: Coughing, fever, anorexia, dyspnea, thumping, cyanosis (especially in extremities), diffuse fibrinous pleuritis and pericarditis

• Dt: culture of lung tissue

• Tx: Antibiotic, Medicated feed/water, Vax

 Porcine Circovirus Disease in pigs

• Et: Porcine Circovirus Type 2-3

• Cs:

  • Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome: Poor growth in weaners and growers, Repro failure, Death in sows

  • Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome: Widespread hemorrhages, multifocal erythematous in grower and finisher pigs

  • Porcine circovirus type 2 enteritis: Grower-Finisher Pigs w/ Mild Diarrhea, enlarged Mesenteric Lymph Node, thickening of intestinal mucosa

  

• Dt: IMH

• Tx: Vax

  Erysipelas (diamond skin disease, rhomboid urticaria) in pigs

• Et: Endemic in most herds

  • immunocompromised and non-vaccinated pigs

• Cs: Septicemia, acute death, diamond skin lesions, arthritis, lameness, endocarditis, abortion, infertility

• Dt: isolation, serology

• Tx: Antibiotic, Medicated Feed/Water, Vax

Greasy pig disease (Exudative epidermitis) in pigs

• Et: Staphylococcus hyicus

  • Affects all ages

• Cs: Dark patches of flaky greasy skin lesions, toxemia, death

• Dt: culture

• Tx: Antibiotic, spray w/ bleach/chlorhexidine, auto vax

Glässer’s disease in pigs

• Et: Haemophilus parasuis

• Cs: sudden death in sows and suckling pigs, meningitis, middle ear infection, pleuropneumonia, pericarditis, peritonitis

• Dt: culture

  • Ddx: Anthrax-like

• Tx: Antibiotic, Medicated Feed/Water, Vax

Colibacillosis in pigs

• Et: Enterotoxigenic E. coli

  • Piglets 2-4d old, older pigs are not affected

• Cs: watery yellow diarrhea, dehydration, SI inflam

• Dt: Fecal culture, necropsy w/ milk filled stomach 

• Tx: Antibiotic, Medicated Feed/Water, Vax, Electrolytes, All-in-all-out

Edema disease in pigs

• Et: hemolytic E. coli → Shiga toxin 2e

  • Weaner pigs, dietary changes, overfeeding, poor hygiene

• Cs: Swollen face, dullness, blindness, head pressing, lateral recumbency, paddling leg movement, coma, death

• Dt: ELISA of toxin

• Tx: Antibiotic, Medicated Feed/Water, Vax

Rotaviral Diarrhea in pigs

• Et: Group A (#1)

  • Endemic in lg swine herds, fecal-oral exposure, asymptomatic adults

• Cs: mild osmotic diarrhea, dehydration

  • Villous atrophy

• Dt: fecal pH <7, ELISA, IHC, FA, EM, PCR, cytoplasmic staining

  • Ddx: E. coli, TGE, coccidia, Cl. perfringens

• Tx: supportive, vax (sows/nursing/preg)

Enterotoxemia in pigs

• Et: C. perfringens Type A + C

  • Very young piglets

• Cs: bloody pink pasty feces, acute necrotic enteritis in piglets, sudden death; intestinal gas bubbles and white, necrotic villi

• Dt: culture, ELISA, beta-toxin presence

• Tx: Medicated feed/water, electrolytes, vax, antitoxin

Clostridium difficile enteritis (Neonatal typhlocolitis) in pigs

• Et: piglets <7d of age

• Cs: Yellow pasty/watery diarrhea, colon edema

• Dt: Toxin w/ PCR or ELISA

• Tx: Medicated feed/water, electrolytes, vax, antitoxin

Salmonella in pigs

• S. choleraesuis

  • Et: All ages

    • Septicemia/endotoxemia

  • Cs: Necrotizing enterocolitis w/ rectal strictures, cyanosis, fever, bloody diarrhea with necrotic debris, sudden death

  • Dt: culture, PCR

  • Tx: Isolation, antibiotics, electrolytes, medicated feed/water, vax

• S. typhimurium

  • Et: Zoonotic

  • Cs: yellowish diarrhea, necrotic mucosa, blood, dehydration, proctitis and tenesmus

  • Dt: Red-yellow w/ blank center colonies on culture

  

  • Tx: Isolation, antibiotics, electrolytes, medicated feed/water, vax

Porcine Intestinal Spirochetosis in pigs

• Et: Brachyspira pilosicoli

  • Fecal-oral route, grower-finisher pigs

• Cs: self-limiting diarrhea <14d

• Dt: Culture or PCR of intestinal content

  • DDx: Swine dysentery, Salmonella typhimurium, Trichuriasis, PPE

• Tx: Antibiotics, segregated early weaning, all-in-all-out pig movement, isolate

Swine dysentery in pigs

• Et: Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

  • growers and finishers

• Cs: Colitis with watery bloody diarrhea, black and tarry feces, death

• Dt: fecal culture or PCR

• Tx: Antibiotics, medicated feed/water

  • No vax

Lawsonia intracellularis in pigs

• Et: Growers, finishers >6w-20w old

  • Porcine intestinal adenopathy (PIA): Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, pot-bellied

  • Regional ileitis (RI): SI inflam, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, pot-bellied

  • Necrotic enteritis (NE): Hosepipe gut, thickened sm intestine, pale pigs, black tarry feces

  • Proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy: Bloody gut, massive bleeding into sm intestine, pale pigs, black tarry feces, sudden death

• Cs: hose like Thickening of mucosa of terminal ileum, Cerebriform pattern visible from serosal surface

• Dt: Serology, PCR, histopath

• Tx: antibiotics, medicated feed/water, vax

Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) in pigs

• Et: Coronavirus, all ages

• Cs: Diarrhea, vomiting, thin/transparent intestinal wall, SI distension; GIT w/ foamy, yellow, odoriferous fluid + milk curds

• Dt: PCR, FAT, IHC, serology

• Tx: electrolytes, all-in-all-out, vax, feed sows dead piglet GIT

Isospora suis in pigs

• Et: Coccidiosis, piglets 5-15d

  • Continuous farrowing houses 

• Cs: watery or pasty yellow to white diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, poor weight gain

  • no blood

• Dt: Intestinal/fecal smears

• Tx: Sulfas in water, coccidiostats-medicated feed

Worms in pigs

• Et: 

  • Trichuris suis (whipworms): Bloody diarrhea in pigs 3w- 6mold

  • Strongyloides ransomi (threadworms): Infects baby pigs through colostrum

  • Ascaris suum (white worms): finishing pigs 2-3m old on concrete floors w/ straw bedding

    • liver milk spots

  • Metastrongyles (earthworm parasite): pigs in pasture

• Dt: fecal, Postmortum, ELISA, PCR

• Tx: Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Levamisole, Pyrantel, Dichlorvos, Piperazine, pasture rotation, age based grouping

Cryptosporidium suis in pigs

• Et: pigs 8–21d old

  • contaminated water, poor hygiene

• Cs: Diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss

• Dt: Acid-fast stain fecal 

• Tx: electrolytes, hygiene, none specific

Campylobacter coli in pigs

• Et: colostrum-deprived piglets

  • Poor farrowing house hygiene 

• Cs: creamy diarrhea, dehydration, loss of condition

• Dt: fecal culture

• Tx: antibiotics, all-in-all-out

Streptococcus in pigs

• S. suis

  • Et: suckling and recently weaned pigs

  • Cs: Meningitis (#1), bronchopneumonia, polyarthritis, polyserositis, endocarditis, abortion

    • Multisystem dx

  • Dt: culture

  • Tx: Antibiotic, all-in-all-out, vax

• S. porcinus (pig strangles)

  • Et: weaners and finishers

  • Cs: Jowl abscesses, purulent lymphadenitis of head/ neck

  • Dt: culture

  • Tx: Antibiotic

Leptospirosis in pigs

• Et: wildlife, rodents, zoonotic

  • liver and kidneys

• Cs: Abortions, jaundice, renal damage

  • Sows and gilts: Abortions, stillbirths, infertility

  • Weaners and growers: Jaundice, acute death

• Dt: Micro-agg serum test, FAT, IHC, PCR

• Tx: Medicated feed, vax, rodent control

Brucellosis in pigs

• Et: breeding pigs

• Cs: 

  • Females: Infertility, return to heat 30–45d after breeding, late-term abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets, vulval discharges

  • Boars: Swollen testicles, infertility

    • Life long carriers

• Dt: culture, BAPA test, SCT, STT, PCFIA

• Tx: Cull, no Tx, No vax

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in pigs

• Et: udder and uterus infection

  • 12hrs-3d after farrowing

• Cs: Mastitis, Metritis, Agalactia 

  • Sows: Depression, constipation, fever, anorexia, restlessness during suckling

  • Piglets: Diarrhea, reduced weaning weights, starvation, death 

• Dt: Based on CS

  • Ddx: PRRS, influenza, metritis, cystitis

• Tx: Antibiotics, anti-inflam, oxytocin, adopt out sm piglets, avoid overfeeding before farrowing, secure footing

Mastitis in pigs

• Acute

  • Et: E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas

    • around farrowing, solid floors, wood shavings, needle teeth

  • Cs: Depressed, inappetent, reluctant to rise, fever, hard, hot, painful udder, altered milk

  • Tx: Antibiotics, Anti-inflam, Oxytocin, Hygiene, foster out baby’s  

• Chronic: 

  • Et: after weaning, early preg, injury

  • Cs: Hardened udder lumps in the udder

  • Tx: None; cull

Ringworm in pigs

• Et: Dermatophyte fungal infection

  • All ages

• Cs: Circular skin lesions behind the ears, back, and flanks

• Dt: skin scrapings

• Tx: Self-limiting

Iron Values in pigs

• Iron deficiency anemia

  • Cs: Pale piglets, poor growth, tachypnea, sudden death, thin-walled heart, edema of lungs/CT

  • Dt: Bld smear w/ microcytic hypochromic bld

  • Tx: Iron dextran @ 3 -5d old, supplementation

• Iron toxicity

  • Et: pigs deficient in vit E/Se injected w/ iron dextran

  • Cs: Lameness in 2rs after iron injection, dark/ swollen injection site, heavy breathing, pale, death in 24hrs

  • Dt: History of iron dextran injection

  • Tx: Vit E/Se injection/supplement in last 2m of preg or 2d before iron injections

Vitamin E deficiency in pigs

• Et and Cs: 

  • Mulberry heart disease: Cardiomyopathy 

    • sudden death in healthy-looking pigs <4m old 

  • Hepatosis dietetica: Hepatic necrosis and hemorrhage

    • sudden death in apparently healthy pigs

  • White muscle disease: Pale skeletal muscle

    • rare

• Dt: Bld selenium level

• Tx: Supplement Vit E/Se last 2m of preg

Salt poisoning in pigs

• Et: water deprivation or excess consumption

• Cs: Dehydration, incoordination, blindness, head pressing, nose twitching, convulsions, dog-sitting, falling, paddling legs, death

• Dt: Serum or CSF Na level

• Tx: Slow fluids, mannitol, diazepam/midazolam

  • Poor prognosis even w/ Tx

Malignant hyperthermia (porcine stress syndrome) in pigs

• Et: Inherited, calcium dysregulation 

  • Pietrain, Poland China, Landrace

  • Triggered by stress or halothane GA

• Cs: Hyperthermia, muscle fasciculation, rigidity, tachypnea, tachycardia, arrhythmia, myoglobinuria, metabolic acidosis, renal failure, death

• Tx: Cooling, dantrolene, Ace, use local analgesia instead of halothane

Orthopedic issues in pigs

• Neonatal Polyarthritis

  • Et: Strep suis, Staphylococci, Trueperella pyogenes, E. coli, Actinobacillus suis

    • Common cause of death/culling in suckling pigs

  • Cs: Lethargy, pain, poor suckling, swollen/painful/warm joints, lameness

  • Dt: Clinical exam, pus in joints, swelling of umbilical stalk

  • Tx: Antimicrobials, all-in/all-out, hygiene 

• Foot disorders

  • Et: Heel erosions, hoof wall cracks, necrotic ulcers

    • Trueperella pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Borrelia suilla

    • Slippery floors, heavily preg

  • Cs: Lameness, swelling, progression to three-legged lameness

  • Tx: antibiotics, wound care, NSAIDs, ensure safe flooring, biotin diet support

    • early is key

Gastric Issues in Potbellied pigs

• Gastritis & Gastric FB

  • Cs: Vomiting, colic, infection

  • Dt: X-rays

  • Tx: Sx, fuids, nutritional support, antibiotics, tetanus vax

• Constipation

  • Et: FB, low water intake, low fiber diet

  • Tx: Increase water intake, mineral oil, mild laxatives, stool softeners, enemas, Sx, exercise, dietary fiber

Skin Disorders in Potbellied pigs

• Dry, Flaky Skin: Manage with moisturizers

• Sarcoptic Mange: Intense itching; treat with ivermectin injections

• Skin Tumors: May be malignant; surgical removal, pathology

• Sunburn: Common in light-skinned pigs

Aggression in Potbellied pigs

• Et: Onset ~1–1.5 years, social dominance behavior

• Cs: Lunging, snapping, biting

• Tx: training

Castration in pigs

• Commercial 

  • When: <1w old

  • How: Open castration w/ scrotal incision, remove all tunics

• Potbelly Pigs

  • When: <3m old

  • Rx: TKX or gas

  • How: Prescrotal incision and closed castration w/ ligation

• Cryptorchids 

  • AKA: one nutters or rigs

  • Et: Retained testicles, show pigs, mounting behavior

  • How: Incise over retained side, ligate spermatic cord, close abdomen

    • Never perform unilateral castration on cryptorchid

• Teaser Males

  • Use: Heat detection/stimulation

  • Methods:

    • Vasectomy: cranial to scrotum, Isolate and excise vas deferens

    • Epididymectomy: Remove tail of epididymis

      • In very young boars

Scrotal Hernias in pigs

• Et: Hereditary

• Dt: detected @ castration

  • DDx: Hydrocele, scirrhous cord, hematoma

• Tx: 

  • Taping: Elasticon fig 8 around legs post-castration. Revolve in 5d

  • Sx: Pre-castration, incise over inguinal ring, reduce hernia by twisting, ligate spermatic cord, close ring, remove other testicle

Rectal Prolapse in pigs

• Et: Crowding, cold stress, coughing, short tail docking, enteritis, constipation, mycotoxins

• Tx: Sx (Epidural, Amputation/replace, purse-string suture), Rectal prolapse tube

Umbilical Hernias / Infected Navels in pigs

• Et: Origin from umbilical abscess

• Tx: Elliptical skin incision, stab through body wall, excise hernia sac and flush, close

  • Repair only in valuable animals

Preputial Diverticulum in pigs

• Why: Penis entrapment, contamination, diverticulitis

• How: 

  • Open: Incise over lateral aspect, exteriorize diverticulum, ligate, close incision

  • Closed: through preputial orifice to evert diverticulum

    • Sutures optional in young boars

Female Reproductive Management in pigs

• Dystocia

  • PE: Age, vaginal exam, general status

  • Tx:

    • Stable Gilt: Time and oxytocin

    • Open cervix, stable sow: Manual extraction, oxytocin

    • Closed cervix, unstable sow: C-section

• Ovariohysterectomy in Potbelly Pigs

  • Why: Prevent breeding, treat infection/tumors

  • When: Age: 6–8 weeks optimal

  • How: Linea alba incision, 3-clamp technique, SQ skin closure

• Cesarean Section

  • Rx: Epidural + line block, TKX or inhalant

  • Sut: Inverting uterine closure

  • How:

    • Op: Lateral flank incision, remove ALL piglets

    • Post Op: Hand-rear piglets

Routine Trimming in pigs

• Needle Teeth Removal 

  • When: <24–48 hrs of birth

  • How: Clip sharp tips of 8 needle teeth (deciduous canines/incisors)

    • Use sterile tools; avoid gum trauma

    • Disinfect between litters

• Tail Docking

  • Why: prevent tail-biting/infection

  • When: 3–7 days of age

  • How: cutters/scissors/cauterizer, leave 1–2 cm tail

    • Too short = risk of rectal prolapse

• Tusk Trimming

  • Why: Prevent injury

  • When: every 6–12m

  • How: wire saw, bolt cutters, or grinder, sedate, Trim just above gum line

• Foot Trimming

  • Why: Lameness, overgrowth, infection

  • When: Every 6–12m

  • How: 

    • Restraint: Chute, sling, or sedation

    • Tools: Hoof shears, rasp, or grinder