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What is a puerperal disorder?
A disorder that presents primarily during the period following parturition
What are examples of puerperal diseases?
Thin sow syndrome
Vulval haematoma
Vulval discharge syndrome
Shoulder sores
Cystitis & pyelonephritis
Abnormal vices (vulval biting, cannibalism, crushing of piglets)
What is thin sow syndrome?
A gradual decline of body condition to grade 1-2 over a period of months
What are the main causes of thin sow syndrome?
Inadequate nutrition, poor quality feeds, damp floors, fluctuating temperature, outdoor housing, poor management, and systemic diseases
What happens to a sow's body during lactation in thin sow syndrome?
The sow uses her body fat to maintain energy supply, and once this is depleted, muscle protein is broken down. It is exacerbated in sows kept outdoors in cold weather & presence of parasites
What are the clinical signs of thin sow syndrome?
Appearance of very thin sows; herd problem if over 5% of sows have a body condition score less than 2.
Infertility, anoestrus, abortions, and increased susceptibility to other diseases
How is thin sow syndrome diagnosed?
By clinical signs, body condition score at farrowing and weaning, and elimination of parasitic or systemic diseases
What is the treatment for thin sow syndrome?
Increase feed intake across the herd by 1-2 kg per day for 10-14 days and house thin sows in warm, deep straw pens with ad libitum feeding for 3-4 weeks
What should be the environmental temperature for sows recovering from thin sow syndrome?
At least 20ºC (70ºF)
What is the feeding routine for a pregnant sow?
2-5 kg per day
How often should a lactating sow be fed?
Three times a day, depending on the number of piglets
What is vulval haematoma?
A condition where blood vessels inside the vulva rupture shortly after farrowing, causing the vulva to fill with blood
What can happen if a vulval haematoma ruptures?
It may bleed continuously (vulval haemorrhage), leading to poor blood clotting, anaemia, and potentially death
What are the causes of vulval haematoma?
Trauma, assisted farrowing
What are the clinical signs of vulval haematoma?
A swollen and very dark blue vulva; continuous bleeding if ruptured
What are the treatment options for vulval haematoma?
Sedation with Stresnil (Azaperone)
A piece of gauze or bandage is placed between the lips of the vulva & behind the bleeding tissues.
A series of mattress sutures through the vulva & tied to the exterior.
Opening of haematoma & clamping of ruptured vessels using artery forceps & tie them off.
What is vulval discharge syndrome?
A condition where there is discharge from the vulva due to bacterial genital infections
What are common causes of vulval discharge syndrome?
Mastitis, embryonal death, abortion, anoestrus
What types of bacteria are often involved in vulval discharge syndrome?
E.coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus
What is the treatment for vulval discharge syndrome in sows and gilts?
Antibiotics administered in the cervix or orally
What are shoulder sores?
Lesions caused by pressure compressing blood vessels over the shoulder blade, leading to tissue damage
What factors contribute to the development of shoulder sores?
Poor sow condition
Prolonged lying periods on hard floors during lactation
When do shoulder sores typically develop?
During the first two weeks in the farrowing house
What is the treatment for shoulder sores?
Providing a well-bedded pen, using rubber mats, foam carpets, or performing surgery
What is cystitis?
Inflammation of the bladder, often caused by bacterial infection that ascends from the urethra
What bacterium is often responsible for cystitis and pyelonephritis in sows?
Actinobaculum suis. May occur with E.coli
How is cystitis and pyelonephritis transmitted?
Actinobaculum suis is usually introduced by the boar at service → ascending infection
What are common symptoms of cystitis and pyelonephritis?
Increased urination, blood or pus in urine, hunched posture, decreased appetite, grinding teeth, fever, and abortion
How is cystitis and pyelonephritis diagnosed?
PM-exam
Urine examination (presence of pus cells & bacteria)
Blood samples (urea- kidney failure)
What is the treatment for cystitis and pyelonephritis in sows?
Antibiotics such as lincomycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, or tetracycline, and ensuring sufficient water intake
What is vulval biting?
Aggression by sows where they bite the vulva of other sows, causing haemorrhage and infection
What are predisposing factors for vulval biting?
Behavioural disorders, use of electronic feeder systems, small pellet size, high density
What is the treatment for vulval biting?
Isolation of affected sows, antibiotics, analgesia, and surgery if adhesions occur
What is cannibalism in sows?
The act of sows attacking and eating piglets, which can cause 1-3% increase in piglet mortality
What are predisposing factors for cannibalism?
Alien environments, poor empathy with stockpersons, nutritional deficiencies, and being placed in confinement for the first time
What is the prevention for cannibalism?
Supervision, identify gilts, prostaglandin at day 113, Stresnil (Azaperone), boxing piglets
What is the most common non-infectious cause of death of piglets?
Crushing by the sow
What are predisposing factors for piglet crushing?
Restless sows, musculoskeletal disease, piglet defects, sudden noise
What is the prevention method for crushing of piglets?
Supervision of sows during farrowing
How can acute and chronic mastitis be differentiated?
Acute: Hot, painful udder; fever
Chronic: Hard, non-painful udder
Is it better to start short-lasting or long-lasting treatment before the weekend?
Long-lasting
When should oxytocin administration be stopped?
When contractions occur
What is the dose of oxytocin?
2-3 ml (15-20 IU). Can be given at 30 min intervals
