5-136
in assessing diarrhea in the pigs. Sporadic death or deaths only in newborns may suggest the diagnosis.
Diarrhea will be found in the pens and on the ground. Diarrhea storms, with sudden deaths or high death
rates, are not uncommon.
Subjective: Symptoms
Animal owner complains of unthrifty pigs (dry skin, thin, dirty/covered with feces), diarrhea, anorexia and
weakness, sudden death.
Objective: Signs
Using Basic Tools: Diarrhea (pale yellow, watery to mucopurulent with flecks of mucosa), fever, lethargy,
anorexia, conjunctivitis, failure to grow; weight loss and sudden death. Remember, with multiple etiological
agents, signs may be varied or even subclinical.
Assessment: Definitive diagnosis requires lab support. Tissue samples gathered postmortem should be
analyzed in a competent lab. Necropsy lesions and findings may also be helpful in diagnosis.
Differential Diagnosis: Many agents associated with a variety of diseases can cause diarrhea in pigs.
Plan:
Treatment: Segregate, isolate and treat all affected pigs.
Provide fluids: Fresh water or oral rehydration salts. Antibiotics have limited value and probably should not
be used. Provide high quality nutritious feed. In some cases, eradication and depopulation will be warranted.
Local government must direct this action.
“All-in and All-out” practices when replenishing stock: remove all pigs, sanitize stalls and premises and
replenish with new animals from one source all at the same time.
Prevention: Report large outbreaks to appropriate agencies. Improve the sanitation of the farm.
Vaccines exist for some of the disease agents. Coordinate vaccination programs through the local veterinarian
and the appropriate ministries.
Vet Medicine: Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)
MAJ Joseph Williamson, VC, USAIntroduction: Pinkeye is a common ocular disturbance that may be associated with irritation or trauma to
the eye caused by Moraxella bovis. Transmission through a herd is usually by dust, droplets, or by flies
or other insects.
Subjective: Symptoms
Owner complains that animals have conjunctivitis and discharge from the affected eye.
Objective: Signs
Conjunctivitis, central corneal ulceration-opacity (opacity begins on the periphery and migrates centrally),
mucopurulent discharge (yellow-green color, viscous discharge), edematous eyelids, periorbital edema. May
have underlying trauma or irritation.
Assessment:
Differential Diagnosis: Corneal ulcer or traumatic injury
Plan:
Treatment: Administer antibiotics (penicillin, nitrofurazone, tetracycline or gentamicin) as ophthalmic
ointments or by subconjunctival injection. Apply topical ocular anesthetic (tetracaine will suffice). Direct a
25ga needle into subconjunctiva and slowly administer treatment.
Prevention: Isolate affected animals. Maintain hygiene and insect control.