Hog losing its balance

[BowersFarm]

Hi Everyone,

I've searched the forum for this problem, to no avail. We have a 5 mo old castrated pastured boar who has had trouble with balance and shaking. We've administered some shots and everything cleared up, is fine for a month and it comes back. He starts out wobbly, then progresses to falling on his back legs, then shakes start and he can't get up. His appetite does not seem to be lacking (when he can get to the feed bowl). He is in with other hogs and is the only one affected. Does anyone know what this could possibly be?

Thanks so much!

Mary Bowers
Bowers Farm

 

[jhm47]

Could be many things. Poison, a lack of some nutrient, genetic, some kind of bacteria or virus, who knows? Have you had a vet check him? What are you feeding? How much per hog?

FYI: A castrated boar is called a barrow.

 

[BowersFarm]

We really haven't had a vet check him yet. We make our own feed- corn, wheat, milo, some oats, peas and a vitamin and mineral supplement and milk. None of the other hogs in his group are exhibiting his symptoms. I believe he gets enough feed. I guess the vet is the next step. Thanks!

 

[high5acres]

BowersFarm: wondering what you found out? I just got 2 feeder pigs last week, not as old as yours but one seems to have the same hind leg issue. Eating, drinking is good, has a good demeanor, but as of this afternoon I noticed that his hind legs will fail him every now and then. He'll just sit and wait a minute and get back up and keep going, tail always wagging. I also noticed "bed sore" type abrasions on his back that weren't there this morning.
Looking for any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[BowersFarm]

That describes what happened to our boar. We gave him 2 shots, at least two separate times and he came out of it. Can't remember what the shots were. The person we took him to seemed to think it was some kind of infection. He still walks a bit wobbly, but is healthy and running around with our other barrows. Soon he'll be in our freezer! If I can remember what the shots were, I'll post. Good Luck!!