Sick Sow

[arrowti]

I wish I had a little more information than I do but unfortunately when we went about getting out 'sick animal starter kit' we forgot the rectal thermometer... but anyway.

Bell, 2 years old (I believe), maybe 3 depending if I'm able to count, has been lying down since yesterday evening, unwilling to get up even to eat or drink. Only noticed because she didn't come out to eat supper (she was out to eat breakfast that morning). When we checked, she was lying in their hut, and refused to get up or move for anything.

We gave her a shot of aeromycin which is what we had on hand but did pick up some Tylan-50 last night since it's more recommended..

She isn't coughing, sneezing, doesn't have a runny nose, no apparent diarrhoea. I have to work soon until late today so won't be able to do much in depth checking until tomorrow where I'll check for any abdominal soreness, leg injuries, or rashes.

This morning when we tried to give her the Tylan shot she did get right up and refused to have it. I take that as a positive sign personally, as she wouldn't get up at all yesterday, even for the shots.

We've been syringe feeding her water mixed with honey (for taste) and swine nutri-drench because she has not eaten, and she is willing to drink that down.

Any other advice while waiting on the thermometer + more detailed lookover? Anything else I should check for?

 

[luvmypets]

How is her breathing? Is her poop solid? I would think either pnuemonia or worms.

 

[arrowti]

Her poop is solid and her breathing does sound normal. No rasping that I can hear.

 

[luvmypets]

Does she has mucus coming from her nostrils

 

[arrowti]

No mucus.

My dad gave her a shot of penicilin while I was at work. She was up a few hours later and ate and drank. Will see how she is in the morning.

 

[Latestarter]

Perhaps @misfitmorgan or @NH homesteader or possibly @mysunwolf or @farmerjan might have some thoughts. I hope it's nothing serious. Hope also that you'll keep us posted.

 

[misfitmorgan]

If you have not wormed her recently i would start there.

Possible "medical" reasons i can think of woudld be dippity pig, its more common in pigs under 2yrs old but many cases have been found in older pigs or an infection someplace often Urinary or Pneumonia without outwards symptoms.

Seeing as your pig wouldnt get up yesterday for a shot but did today i would lean more towards dippity pig but if you can get a thermometer and get a temp a low grade fever would indicate an infection. If they have a fever either get a hold of your vet or treat with LA 4.5cc per 100lbs or penicillin 1cc per 100lbs. I know you already gave a dose of antibiotics which could also account for them getting up and about today.

 

[NH homesteader]

Thanks @Latestarter for the vote of confidence lol. I actually have never (knock on wood) had a sick pig so I will defer to @misfitmorgan on this one because I have no idea!

 

[arrowti]

As it turns out Bell is not keen about having a thermometer shoved up her butt and promptly flipped out and we had to get out of there.

We'll give her another dose of antibiotics because other than that small amount she has eaten the day before she has since refused to eat. She'll drink lots of water, but sniffs her food and leaves. She predominantly lies down but occasionally will get up and walk around. I even tried putting food right under her nose and she simply turned her head. Pointing towards an upset tummy on that end - will try some 'treats' like apples and vegetables which are her favourite food and see if she will get anything down.

She has not vomited and still no mucus. I can't hear any rasping either, but she is a huge sow now and grunts the entire time someone is with her.

I see no sign of skin rash when I checked today - not even any irritation. She isn't limping when she walks, so no injury to her legs, and does not seem to mind having her belly pressed on. She returning to her normal behaviour of getting huffy and angry when we approach but as of yet (other than the thermometer incident) has not gotten up as she usually does.

 

[misfitmorgan]

As it turns out Bell is not keen about having a thermometer shoved up her butt and promptly flipped out and we had to get out of there.

We'll give her another dose of antibiotics because other than that small amount she has eaten the day before she has since refused to eat. She'll drink lots of water, but sniffs her food and leaves. She predominantly lies down but occasionally will get up and walk around. I even tried putting food right under her nose and she simply turned her head. Pointing towards an upset tummy on that end - will try some 'treats' like apples and vegetables which are her favourite food and see if she will get anything down.

She has not vomited and still no mucus. I can't hear any rasping either, but she is a huge sow now and grunts the entire time someone is with her.

I see no sign of skin rash when I checked today - not even any irritation. She isn't limping when she walks, so no injury to her legs, and does not seem to mind having her belly pressed on. She returning to her normal behaviour of getting huffy and angry when we approach but as of yet (other than the thermometer incident) has not gotten up as she usually does.

Dippity pig only lasts 2-4 days so if she still has symptoms i would think UTI and keep treating with anitbotics