Pet pigs Flashcards
The basics (135 cards)
1
Q
What legal documentation do you need for pet pig keeping?
A
- Must have a county parish holding (CPH) number from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
Inform Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) that there are pigs on the premises within 30 days of first pig arriving - Issued a herd mark
– 1 or 2 letters followed by 4 digits - Pigs must be identifiable, especially if they are being moved
– tag/tattoo/mark - Licence from APHA to walk pig outside of home/premises
– must be approved by APHA
2
Q
Equipment for handling
A
- pig boards
- gates
- crushes
- snare
- food orientated
3
Q
Types of restraint
A
- chemical
- weight crates
- towels/blankets/duvets
4
Q
Points for CE from a distance
A
- Stand and walk with straight or slight dorsal curve to spine
- Respiratory pattern
– even and without effort - Abdomen
– full but not distended - Body contour
– smooth, no lumps or bumps - Perineum
– clean, no discharge
5
Q
What does excessive hunching of the back indicate?
A
- lameness or skeletal or abdominal pain
6
Q
What does a gaunt or tucked up abdomen indicate?
A
- anorexia
7
Q
Normal temperature (adult & growing pig)
A
- Adult 38.0–39.0C
- Growing pig 39.0–40.0C
8
Q
Normal resp rate (adult & growing pig)
A
- Adults 10–20bpm
- Grower 24–36bpm
9
Q
Normal heart rate (adult & growing pig)
A
- Adults 60–90bpm
- Grower 100–120bpm
10
Q
Causes of pyrexia
A
- infectious disease eg Erysipelas
- Heat Stroke
11
Q
Causes of hypothermia
A
- Terminally ill
- Renal or hepatic failure
12
Q
Mucus membranes: where are they? colour? crt? peripheral perfusion?)
A
- Oral (only when sedated) vuvla, ocular
- Pale pink and moist
- CRT <2seconds
- Peripheric perfusion: distal extremity temperature – ears, feet and legs
13
Q
Causes of colour changes to the mm
A
- toxaemia
- cyanosis
- jaundice
- anaemia
14
Q
How can septicaemia appear on the mm?
A
- petechial haemorrhage
- +/- injected scleral blood vessels
15
Q
Points to look for on the skin
A
- lumps
- bumps
- bite marks
- wounds
- lice
16
Q
Causes of jaundice
A
- post weaning multi systemic syndrome
- hepatic cirrhosis
- leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae
17
Q
CS of mites
A
- pruritus
- erythema
- thickened & crusty ski n
18
Q
CS of resp dz
A
- coughing
- sneezing
- breathing difficulty
- open mouth breathing
19
Q
Normal breathing
A
- quiet breath sounds
20
Q
Abnormal breathing sounds
A
- crackles and wheezes
21
Q
What do increased lung sounds ventrally indicate?
A
- bronchopneumonia
22
Q
What do increased lung sounds dorsally indicate?
A
- pleural effusion
23
Q
What can cause a pig to open mouth breathe?
A
- severe pneumonia
- porcine stress syndrome
24
Q
How to tell a pig is in resp distress
A
- exaggerated chest wall movements
25
Respiratory conditions in pigs
- atrophic rhinitis
- swine influenza
- pneumonia
26
Atrophic rhinitis: causative agent
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Pasteurella
27
Atrophic rhinitis: contagious?
- yes, contagious spread
28
Atrophic rhinitis: CS
- sneezing
- bloody nose
- distortion of nose
- epistaxis
29
Atrophic rhinitis: control
- vaccination
30
Atrophic rhinitis: tx
- AB
- increase humidity
- NSAIDs
31
Swine influenza: zoonotic?
- yes
32
Swine influenza: spread
- pig to pig contact
- can be fatal
33
Swine influenza: control
- biosecurity, esp after shows
34
Pneumonia: causative agents
- Mycoplasma
- Pasteurella
- Actinobacillus (carrier status with no CS)
35
Pneumonia: CS
- coughing
- lethargy
- pyrexia
- difficulty breathing
- sudden death
- chronic lung damage
36
Pneumonia: tx
- AB
37
Pneumonia: control
- vaccine available
38
Normal faecal consistency
- formed & clumped
39
What do clumped and dark faeces indicate?
- dehydration
40
What do dark black faeces indicate?
- melena
41
What do watery faeces indicate?
- infectious enteritis/colitis
42
What do scant faeces indicate?
- intestinal obstruction
43
Common GI conditions
- congenital atresia
- rectal prolapse
- obstruction
- entrapment
- volvulus
- gastroenteritis
- E.coli/colibacillosis
- Salmonella/enterocolitis
- constipation
44
What does fluid/gas on ballotment and percussion of the abdomen indicate?
- obstruction
- entrapment
- volvulus
- gastroenteritis
45
When to tx GI conditions with AB
- d++ at < 1 week old
- Systemic involvement
- Severe disease
- Mortality in the group
46
Causes of E.Coli d+/Colibacillosis
- Feed and water contamination
- FPT
47
Which age group is E.Coli d+/Colibacillosis most common in?
- young pigs
- neonates
48
Tx/control for E.Coli d+/Colibacillosis
- Vaccine available for pregnant sows
- Antibiotics +/= fluids +/- supportive nursing care
49
Cause of salmonella/enterocolitis
- Samonella typhimurium / choleraesuis
- Contamination: waste feed, pig to pig spread
50
Most common age group affected by salmonella/enterocolitis
- weaners most common but can affect any age
51
CS of salmonella/enterocolitis
- D++ +/- blood +/- mucus
- Pyrexic, lethargic, signs of sepsis – discolouration of extremities
52
Tx of salmonella/enterocolitis
- ABs +/- fluids +/- supporting nursing care
- CARE AS ZOONOTIC
53
Causes of constipation
- FB
- reduced water intake
54
Tx of constipation
- Increase water intake – fruits, flavoured water: must monitor calorie intake
- Mineral oil/stool softener: not to be force fed in case of aspiration
- Enemas
- Imaging needed if FB considered +/- surgery
55
Male repro exam, incl normal findings
- Palpation of scrotum, testes and epididymis
- Normal: symmetric scrotum and testis- firm but not hard or nodular
- Smelly fluid from preputial diverticulum can be normal
56
What does asymmetry/softening on male repro exam indicate?
- testicular degeneration
57
What does purulent/haemorrhagic fluid from the preputial diverticulum indicate?
- infection/abscess
58
Castration - when? why?
- recommend castration before puberty if possible
- entire boars: can have undesirable behaviour e.g. aggressions, sexual behaviour, territorial marking
59
Puberty in pot bellied pigs
- can be as early as 3 months
60
Surgery considerations for Vietnamese potbellied & NZ Kunekunes
- smaller
- brachycephalic
- more susceptible to inguinal hernias (potbellied)
- fatter
- reduced airway size
- testicular palpation can be difficult
61
Laws/legislation regarding pet pig drug use
- Pet pigs are still considered to be food producing animals –
- European Commission (EU) 37/2010 regulations detailing drugs use in food producing species apply
62
Sedation/anaesthetic protocol - fasting
- adults: 6-12h
- piglets: 1-3h
- water available
63
Sedation/anaesthetic protocol
- Sedate IM
Protocol 1
- 5mg/kg ketamine
- 0.1-0.2mg/kg butorphanol
- 1 – 3mg/kg xylazine
Protocol 2
- 5 – 10 mg/kg ketamine
- 0.1 – 0.2mg/kg butorphanol
- 50 - 100μg/kg detomidine
Top Ups – ketamine or alpha-2 agonist (xylazine/detomidine)
64
Giving injections in pigs
- IM
- Base of the ear
- 90 degrees to skin
- Long needle – 1’1/2” 16/18g
- Extension line with air after
65
Anaesthesia
- IV access: marginal ear veins
- Avoid central auricular vessels: arteries for drugs
- Monitor HR/RR/non-invasive blood pressure/temperature
66
Anaesthesia complications
- airway obstruction
- malignant hyperthermia
- delayed recovery – can not use reversal agents
67
Early castration - timing and technique
- Early castration 10 -14 days
- Local anaesthetic and manual restraint
- Incision over testis in cranioventral scrotum: pull out of scrotum but leave inside vaginal tunic
- Pull or torse testis until separated
- Leave incision open
68
Later castration - timing, pre-op drugs, NSAIDs
- 4 – 6 months old- more common
- Lateral recumbency under injectable anaesthesia
- Lidocaine toxicity – 5mg/kg
- NSAIDs
-- Meloxicam 0.4mg/kg IM
-- Ketoprofen 3mg/kg IM
69
Surgical castration technique
- 4 -6cm incision: ventral aspect of scrotum
- Testis remain in vaginal tunic
- Strip away fat and soft tissue surrounding spermatic cord using a swab
- Check for inguinal hernia
- Tunic and cord twisted continuously until all is tightly compressed to level of external inguinal ring – to push up any herniated abdominal contents back into abdomen
- Cord clamped with emasculator or clamp to make a crush bed
- Transfixing ligature in absorbable material tightened around vaginal tunic and spermatic cord
- Emasculator or clamp distally to ligature and place circumferential ligature, and cut cord with scalpel
- Release clamp and assess stump for bleeding
- Skin closure not routine in the field
- Clean dry bedding
70
AB usage for surgical castrations
- amoxicillin
- ampicillin
- penicillin
71
Female repro system exam
- examine for symmetry, swelling and abnormal discharge
72
When can haematomas and cellulitis in females be seen?
- after farrowing
73
Signs of abortion/dystocia in females
- haemorrhagic, purulent or necrotic vaginal discharge in pregnant sows
74
What can abnormal discharge after farrowing indicate?
- retained placenta
- metritis
- retained foetus
75
How and when to induce farrowing
- PGF2α and oxytocin
- Oxytocin: decreases dispersions between births – all piglets born in a 3 hour period
- PGF2α to increase uterus contractility
- Give at Day 111-112 PGF2α, then 20-24 hours later oxytocin – labour should begin in 3 hours
76
Investigating the urinary system
- urinalysis
- US/radiography
- CE
-- dysuria
-- stranguria
-- pollakiuria
77
Common urinary diseases and their causes
Glomerulonephritis – immunologic, thrombotic, toxic mechanisms
Bladder stones
Embolic nephritis - Actinobacillus suis, Streptococcus suis, streptococci, staphylococci, E.coli, Erysipelothrix rhusopatuae, T.pyogenes
Intersticial nephritis – Leptospirosis and PCV2 infection
Urethral obstruction – urolithiasis common
Worms - Stephanurus dentatus – nematode, eggs shed in urine; infective larvae enter pig when swallowed or by skin penetration.
78
Cystitis/urolithiasis - CS
- Frequent urination, straining to urinate
79
Cystitis/urolithiasis - tx & prevention
- Antibiotics for cystitis
- Vaccination for Lepto: ZOONOTIC
- Stones – emergency! – imaging – cystocentseis, removing stones surgically or medically, catheter/stent
80
Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) - which animals is it more common in?
- older animals
81
CKF - CS
- lethargy
- inappetant
- ammonia smelling breath
82
CKF - diagnosis
- blood work
- urine tests
83
CKF - tx
- symptomatically
84
MSK - CE
- Limbs: examine for swelling, erosions and bleeding
- Feet: examine for erosion or damage to the hoof
- If any response to pinching the claw: abscess, infection or trauma
- Coronary band – if inflammation or vesicles -> irritants or viral vesicular diseases
85
Which pigs is septic arthritis most common in?
- commercial pigs
86
Which pigs is osteoarthritis most common in?
- older pet pigs
87
What is lameness associated with?
- Closely associated with floor conditions
- Associated with trauma and bone
fractures, infections (arthritis, abscesses, tendonitis, osteomyelitis), overgrown feet, heels/claws and wear conformation,
osteochondrosis/osteoarthropathy (most important)
88
Risk factors for MSK dz
- Poor mothering, poor milk supply, poor colostral antibody protection and agalactia
- Skin lesions (carpal joints)
- Foot lesions associated with very poor flooring
- Bad hygiene, poor management, no all-in all-out system, improper cleaning
89
What type of arthritis is most common in young pigs?
- purulent arthritis
90
Lameness assessment & tx
- Non weight bearing +/- vocalisation
- Minor injuries – sprains, ligament damage
Sedation
- Imaging
- NSAIDs and rest
91
Where are fractures most commonly found?
- limbs
- spine
92
Fracture assessment & tx
- Imaging
- NSAIDS
- Referral: can use pins, plates and screws in pigs for repair – signalment and weight dependent
93
Arthritis: potential CS, tx
- +/- swelling
- +/- bacterial component – infectious
- Ageing/Joint stress – weight related
- NSAID +/- Antibiotics
- Dieting if required
- Nursing care – soft walking surfaces/deep bedding – pain management
- If severe – euthanasia
94
Tetanus - where can they get it? how severe is it? prevention?
- Clostridium tetani
- Vaccination available
- Give tetanus antitoxin and antibiotics after any procedure if not covered
- Puncture wounds, bites etc
- Sudden and fatal infection
95
Feet pairing - how to?
- Managed with sheep foot shear, light cattle toe clipper and rasp
96
Tusk pairing - how to? how often?
- Sedation
- Tusks are hysodont: constant state of growth
- Trim once or twice a year
- Embryotomy wire, motor driven cutting disks, dental drills
- Trim 1cm from gingiva
97
CS of neurological dz
- Pyrexia
- Depression
- Lack of coordination/ataxia
- Abnormal sitting/dog sitting/posture changes
- Head tilt
- Abnormal gait
- Circling
- Abnormal eye movement
- Seizures
98
CNS conditions in pigs
- bacterial meningitis
- heat stress
- salt poisoning
99
Causative agents of bacterial meningitis
- strep
- salmonella
- e.coli
100
Which age is bacterial meningitis more common in?
- younger pigs
101
Can bacterial meningitis zoonotic?
- yes
102
Bacterial meningitis tx
- antibiotics +/- fluid therapy +/- NSAIDs
103
Do pigs sweat?
- no
104
Causes of heat stress
- overheating in hot & humid conditions
105
Good or poor prognosis: temperature low before cooling for a pig with heat stress
- grave prognosis
106
Heat stress CS
- depression
- inactive
- unresponsive
107
Heat stress tx
- cool slowly, wet towels, cool fluids
- nursing care if needed, monitor feed and water intake
108
Heat stress prevention
- wallowing holes
- shade
109
Salt poisoning - causes
- no water for extended hours then sudden water consumption
- high volumes of high salt feed (less common)
110
Salt poisoning - CS
- seizures
- walking aimlessly
- blindness
- abnormal sitting
111
Salt poisoning - tx
- gradual rehydration
- reduce brain swelling
112
Skin conditions in pigs
- dry skin
- mange
- sunburn
- erysipelas
113
Dry skin - tx
- moistening lotions incl. aloe vera
- supplement feed with oils (but monitor calorie intake)
- allow for a wallowing hole
- remove any large flakes with a wet towel
114
Dry skin diagnosis
- rule out other differentials 1st
115
What causes mange?
- sarcoptic mites
116
Mange - CS
- itching
- scratching
- open sores
- licking
117
Mange - tx/control
- anthelmintic, may need a 2nd injection
-- avermectin
- change bedding and disinfect
118
Sunburn - CS
- weakness
- paralysis in hindlimbs
- pain
119
Sunburn - prevention & tx
- suncream
- wallowing
- shelter
- NSAIDs
120
Erysipelas CS
- diamond skin disease
- +/- arthritis
121
Erysipelas tx
- penicillin
122
Is erysipelas zoonotic?
- yes
123
Vaccinations - how often?
- annual
- or 6 monthly
124
Which pet pigs do we recommend to be vaccinated?
- all ages
- usually breeding gilts & sows
125
What do/can we vaccinate pet pigs for?
- erysipelas
- parvovirus
- piglet enteritis/e.coli
- (PMWS & PCV-2 in commercial units, rarely used in pets)
126
Erysipelas vaccination course
- initial course of 2 injections
- followed by 6 monthly booster
127
Does the erysipelas vaccination protect against the lameness associated with the disease?
- no
128
Why might you vaccinate for parvovirus?
- if concerned over small litter numbers and mummified foetuses
129
When and who to vaccinate for parvovirus?
- vaccinate before gilt is 1st bred
130
When and who to vaccinate for piglet enteritis/e.coli?
- vaccinate dam 3-6w before farrowing
131
How often to do worm egg counts?
- 4-6 monthly
132
Which wormers to use?
- ivermectin (also covers mange)
- benzimidazoles
133
Euthanasia
- IM sedation
- place catheter in ear vein
- IV barbiturates
134
Euthanasia if the ear vein is not an option
- lateral saphenous vein over the hock
- medial saphenous vein on the inside of the thigh
- cephalic vein
- jugular
- may require US guidance
135
Why is the base of the ear the best place for IM injections?
- there is too much fat elsewhere on a pig
-> the needle may not get through and the drug would be metabolised by fat
