Health Management for Fattening Pigs

8/19/2019 Health Management for Fattening Pigs

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63Health management for fattening pigs

Part VHealth management

for fattening pigsHyg ie ne , p reve n t io n a nd t re a tm e n t o f

som e c omm o n d ise a se s o f fa t ten ing p ig s


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64 Improving Pig Feed Systems Through Use of Sweetpotatoand Other Local Feed Resources in Vietnam


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Hygiene, prevention and treatment of some commondiseases of fattening pigs. (Training time: 1 day, 8 hours)

ObjectivesThe training aims:

1. To teach the training participants about the causes, symptoms, and methods

of prevention and treatment of some common diseases of fattening pigs, using

theory, observation, and practice.

2. To teach the training participants a range of veterinary skills and animal handling.

Table 23. Schedule and content of training.

Time

7:30-8:30

8:30-9:30

9:30-9:45

9:45-11:30

11:30-13:30

13:30-15:00

15:00-15:15

15:15-17:00

17:00-17:30

Act ivity

Opening, introduction of participants

Doing Pre-Test

Discussing pig health situation of thesites of the participants

Using medicines to treat some diseases

Tea break

Swine pasteurelosis,Hog cholera,Salmonellosis, Erysipelas, Head andface oedema, Leptospirosis

Lunch

Foot and mouth disease, Pigletdiarrhea, Piglet colibacillosis,Mange in swine, Swine pox,Swine enzootic pneumonia

Tea break

Practices Method of using veterinary facilities Introducing some vaccines,

medicines, storing, using andmanaging medicines

Some veterinary and surgeryactivities, castrating pigs

Doing Post-TestClosing

Responsibility

Resource person, farmer trainers,participants

Resource person, farmer trainers,facilitators

Resource person, farmer trainers,farmer participants





Resource person, farmer trainers,facilitators


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Materials required1 female growing pig weighing 25-30 kg liveweight

1 syringe, knife, suture needle, and thread

Some types of vaccines and medicines used for preventing and treating common

diseases.

1. Distinguishing healthy and sick pigs

Healthy pigs General status: They are active, appear fine, move around, and actively search

for food. They squeal and may become agitated when they are hungry.

Average body temperature is around 38.50C, heart rate is 60-88 beats/minute,

while breathing rate is 8-18/minute. Body temperature, heart rate, and breathing

rate are slightly higher in piglets.

Eyes are open, shiny and dry, not swollen or have no discharge and themembrane is pinkish, not yellow or purple or red.

Nose is wet, with no discharge, and is not ulcerated or twisted.

Legs: Pig walks normally, with no evidence of injuries or wounds, or no swelling

of joints or muscle.

Ears have normal pinkish color, with no injuries, wounds, or hemorrhage.

Skin is shiny, has typical color of the breed, free of parasites (mites and lice)

with no injury, wounds, or areas of hemorrhage.

Hair is soft and shiny, does not stand vertically or fall off.

Tail is curly and wiggles. It curls into a spiral when the back is touched.

Feces are soft, not watery, or hard when constipated. The color of feces

depends on color of ingested feed but should be greenish to brownish in color,

not black or red (this indicates hemorrhage in stomach and intestine). Feces

should not be covered with white mucous.

Urine: Pigs urinate often. Urine is usually clear to light yellow.

Sick pigs General status: Pigs look tired, lie down quietly or dig into bedding material,

isolated from other pigs, have problems with walking, reluctant to move even

when they are stimulated and may be reluctant to stand up. Sick pigs have

poor appetite or do not want to eat. Raised back may indicate pain or defecating

with constipation.

Body temperature is usually above 400C (up to 420C). Heart and breathing

rates are either higher or lower than normal.

Eyes maybe closed or partly opened and may be blind in the daylight.

Nose is often dry. If the nose is twisted and discharge is present, it indicates

inflammation and atrophy (atrophic rhinitis). Ulcers on the nose may indicatefoot and mouth disease (FMD).


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Blisters and ulcers on toes and feet are caused by FMD. Ham and tail areas

covered with feces indicate pig has diarrhea. Lame and paralyzed pigs may

have mineral deficiency.

If ears are purple or red, pig has fever and may have cholera or other

septicaemia.

Color of feces is important. Abnormal color and smell of feces indicate disease.

White color indicates Colibacillosis, black indicates hemorrhage in stomach

and small intestine, red indicates hemorrhage in large intestine and bad smell

may indicate hog cholera.

Quantity and color of urine should be observed since this can indicate problems

in the urinary tract such as quantity is less than normal or color is abnormal.

Red-colored urine suggests hemorrhage; yellow color or flecks of pus suggest

infection. Yellow urine may also indicate liver disease.

2. Managing sick pigsA. When pigs show any sign of sickness, they must be separated from healthy

ones to prevent the spread of infection.

B. The pig house should be cleaned and opened during the summer to provide

fresh air and closed during the winter to provide warmth. During winter, there

should be bedding materials such as rice straw or hay on the floor.

C. Sick pigs should not be stressed. They should always be supplied with clean

drinking water. If they eat less, more digestible feeds with higher moisture

content like fishmeal and roasted soybean should be offered to stimulate their appetite.

D. It is necessary to check their body temperature frequently. When they have a

fever, put a cloth soaked on icy water on their forehead. Give them hot sweet

tea or green tea.

E. If they have stopped eating and are depressed, call a veterinarian to examine

and treat them. Follow the veterinarian's instructions how to take care and

what medicines to give. Do not let them lie on the same side too long but move

them regularly and help them to eat by pouring feed and water into their mouth.

3. Hygiene and disease prevention of pigsA. Sanitation or cleaning should be prioritized and must be done before pigs are

put into the pen. Clean the walls and floor thoroughly with soap and water

then let it dry.

B. Apply effective disinfectants against pathogens such as use 20% solution of

Ca(OH)2, 5% solution of cresol, or 10% solution of formalin (formalin contains

40% formaldehyde) to spray on the floor, walls, and equipment.

C. When buying piglets, make sure they are vaccinated before purchase and buy

them from a known source (preferably people you know).


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D. Before putting them in the pen, wash the piglets to remove feces and dirt.

Separate or isolate newly purchased pigs from the existing ones to observe

for any clinical manifestation of disease and treat them if sick. After a quarantine

period of one week, they need to be revaccinated and dewormed.

4. Timetable of vaccination for pigsDiseases are more common during winter and spring. Therefore, it is best to vaccinate

pigs prior to these seasons. Table 23 presents the time table of the vaccination program.

Vaccinate piglets against hog cholera after they aged 20 days and while still being

suckled by the sow. Vaccinate pigs against Pasteurellosis and Erysipelas after the age

of two months.

Note: Vaccinate pregnant sows and piglets younger than 20 days only when outbreaks

occur.

* National vaccination program

Table 23. Timetable of vaccination for p igs.

Vaccine

Hog Cholera

Erysipelas VR2

Swinepasteurellosis

Erysipelas andpasteurellosismixed

Salmonellosis

Head and faceoedema

Dosage

- 1 ml/piglet, piglets from theage of 20 days

- 0.2 ml/piglet (piglets from theage of 2 months)

- 1 ml/adult pig

- 3 ml/piglet (piglets from theage of 2 months)

- 5 ml/adult pig

- 2 ml/piglet (piglets from theage of 2 months)

- 3 ml/adult pig

- Time 1: 2 ml/piglet at the ageof 20 days

- Time 2 (1 week after time 1): 2ml/piglet

- Piglets after weaning (at the

age of 2 months): 2-3 ml/piglet

- 2-3 ml/piglet (piglets at the ageof 30 days)

Location

Under the skin

Under the skin

Under the skin

Under the skin

Under the skin

Under the skin

Schedule*

2 times/year in March- Apr. and Sept.-Oct.






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5. Some common diseases of pigs, their preventionand treatment

5.1. ColibacillosisCauses and symptoms

This disease, caused by E. Coli, is very common in Vietnam. It affects 70-80% of newborn piglets of 3-5 days up to 25 days of the age. Disease may occur when pen

floors are always left wet, cold, and dirty.

Piglets suffering from Colibacillosis develop soft to watery, white to yellow foul-smelling

dung (feces). Severely affected piglets become dehydrated, often shivers, stop suckling,

and die within 3-7 days.

The stomach is swollen and often contains coagulated milk and there is yellow fluid in

the small intestine. The large intestine is miasmal and contains much white feces. The

carcass is very thin, the heart muscles are flabby and the liver is pale.

Prevention and treatment

A. The pig pen must always be clean and warm and the floor must be dry. Use

bedding materials (rice straw) or a heating brood in winter for piglets to provide

more warmth. Reduce the diet of sows about 1-2 weeks before farrowing.

B. Use E.Coli vaccine with dosage of 10 ml for sows during the last period of

pregnancy (at least one month pre-farrowing).C. Inject Fe Dextran (200 ml/l) to piglets between 3 and 10 days of age (2 ml/

piglet).

D. Feed Antidiarrhea (0.2 ml/piglet per day), mixing it with feed.

E. Provide drinking Scut solution (1 ml/piglet/day).

F. Treat piglets with Kanamycine 30-50 mg/kg LW/day (once a day),

Sulfaguanidine (500 mg/pig), Fuo-xit, Norfloxacin, Tiamulin, or Enrofloxaxin

(as recommended by the veterinarian).

5.2. Diarrhoea of weaned pigsCauses and symptoms

A common disease that occurs in weaned pig during the first days of the fattening

period. It is associated with acute and chronic inflammation of the intestine. The main

causes are changes in nutrition (changing diet, feeding method, and feeding time) and

management. Pigs 2-3 month old are most likely to develop the disease if they are fed

with dry and solid roughage with high fiber content and are housed in dirty pens (bad

hygiene conditions) infected with parasite or have an infectious disease such as

Salmonellosis. In most cases, a large number of pigs are affected.


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The initial signs are reduced feed intake (eat much less), lie on their belly, develop

watery feces and diarrhea. Most pigs donot develop fever but rapidly lose weight,

have a pale face, glassy eyes, have difficulty walking and standing. They are reluctant

to stand up and often die within 10-15 days. Pigs that recover (did not die) are stunted

and their growth is very low.

In severely affected pig, the body is cold and very thin, the belly is pinched and the

skin is dry. The walls of the intestines are often reddish/purplish/black in color and may

be very thin and ballooned (swollen) with gas or constricted (very narrow) and empty.


A. Pig pen must be cleaned and disinfected before new pigs are put in. Keep it

always clean and dry during fattening period.

B. Pigs must be well-managed and fed with high-quality feed after weaning. Theymust be dewormed at weaning and be provided with clean drinking water at

all times.

C. Herb medicines such as a strong tea made from guava leaves and myrtle

leaves (10 ml) or juice from ground and squeezed mangosteen and sapodilla

plum can be given for treatment.

D. Use one of the following medicines for treatment after seeking advice from a

veterinarian:

Enrofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Sunfaguanidine, Fuo-xit, T.T.S. Carbotamine

5,000 mg/time, 3 times/day. Chlorocide, garnidane 50 mg/kg LW /day for 3 - 5 days.

Antibiotics can be used in combination with Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and

glucose.

5.3. Swine PasteurellosisCauses and symptoms

Outbreaks of Pasteurellosis usually occur following changes in weather or

transportation. The disease is more frequent when pigs have not been vaccinated.

In acute cases, pigs have dyspnea, coryza, fever, and red eyes. They exhibit moodiness

and stopped eating. Infected pigs can die suddenly and the body is often black and

blue, with reddish foam around the mouth.

The skin is reddened over the chest, belly and back of legs. The area under the skin is

congested. The lungs are also congested or severely inflamed and the lung lymph

nodes are swollen. There is also red frothy fluid in the larynx and bronchi. The liver,

kidney and spleen are swollen and with hemorrhages on the surface of the organs.


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A. Remove and isolate sick pigs from pens and treat them. Clean and disinfect

the pens and vaccinate healthy pigs if possible.

B. Treat the pigs with Streptomycin Sulphate, Gentamycine, Kanamycine,

Chlortetradesole, Pneumotic or Tetracycline, in addition to Vitamin B1, after

seeking advice from a veterinarian.

5.4. Hog choleraCauses and symptoms

This disease still occurs when pigs are not vaccinated correctly. It is caused by a virus

and infection can spread very fast.

Affected pigs have fever, stop eating, and develop diarrhoea or constipation. The eyes

become red with rheum (discharge). Small pinpoint hemorrhages (black and blue) are

found inside the mouth, helix, the skin over the belly, legs and in the kidneys and

urinary bladder when dissected. The spleen is swollen, with triangular shaped areas of

infarct in the side of spleen. Button-shaped spots or ulcers are common in the caecum

and colon. Infected pigs can die eventually.


A. Antibiotics are not effective so it is important to follow the program of vaccination

for sows and piglets strictly.

B. Try to remove and isolate all infected pigs or cull them out.C. The pens must be cleaned and disinfected with a solution of 20% Ca (OH)

2 or

2% cresol before new pigs arrive.

5.5. SalmonellosisCauses and symptoms

The disease mostly affects piglets of 25 days of age to post-weaning.

In semi-acute cases pigs breathe rapidly, have diarrhoea and may have some black

and blue spots on the skin. They usually die 10 days after developing the symptoms.

In acute cases, pigs have fever, hemorrhages in the internal organs, with diarrhea, and

vomiting.

In chronic cases pigs are weak, with prolonged diarrhoea, and bloody, foul-smelling

feces. Ulcers are found in the ileum, caecum, and colon due to gangrene. There is no

clear border to the ulcers.


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A. Follow the vaccination program for piglets strictly. Clean and disinfect pens

with solution of 20% Ca(OH)2or 2% cresol.

B. Use one of the following medicines for treatment on the advice of a veterinarian:

Chloramphenicol: 1-2 ml/10 kg LW/day, 2 times/day

Gentamycine: 0.4 ml/kg LW/day, 2 times/day

Colistil: 1-2 ml/10 kg LW/day, 2 times/day

Tiamulin, Colivit, Fuoxit, Norfloxaxin, or Erofloxaxin added to Vitamin

B1

5.6. LeptospirosisCauses and symptoms

A disease spread by mice, pigs of all ages can be affected by Leptospirosis.

Affected pigs stop eating, have fever, with oedema around the neck and face. The skin

is yellow, the urine is dark yellow. Pigs may have convulsions and an abnormal gait.

Pregnant sows often abort.

Carcasses have a distinct odor, mucous members and the fat layer underneath are

yellow. The liver is soft with a color of clay, the gall bladder is swollen and the kidneys

are pale. The heart muscle is flabby.

If the disease is prolonged, symptoms are not clear but the pigs eat less and becomethin and weak.


A. Clean pig pens carefully. Do not leave leftover feed in the feeder over night.

B. Eliminate mice. Vaccinate pigs for Leptospira, 2-3 ml/kg LW.

C. Use one of the following medicines for treatment on the advice of a veterinarian:

Chlotetradexol: 1 ml/kg LW/day, 2-3 times/day

Oxytetracycline: 250-500 mg/15-30 kg LW/day

Tetracycline: 1 ml/5 kg LW/day, 2 times/day Streptomycin injection combined with Penicillin 2 times/day

Leptoxine

Combined Vitamin B1 and Urotropin 20% to inject on muscle

5.7. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)Causes and symptoms

FMD is a viral disease that spreads quickly among pigs, cattle, and buffalos. Pigs

infected with the FMD stop eating, often shiver, and develop fever. Incubation time is

from 1-5 days.


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The foot and mouth become swollen and vesicles quickly develop. In serious cases,

the nails fall off causing bleeding and lameness. Vesicles and ulcers develop in the

mouth, over the tongue and on the surface of the snout, causing a ropey discharge

from the mouth.


A. Early detection is important and infected pigs must be isolated or killed.

Quarantine infected areas.

B. Pens must be cleaned and disinfected with 20% Ca(OH)2or 5% cresol. Follow

vaccination programs strictly.

C. Clean the ulcers with 0.1% potassium permanganate. Then rub the ulcers

with lemon or sour star fruit and put antibiotics and alum.

D. Inject a combination of Urotropin (20%) and Vitamin B1 into the muscle.

5.8. Swine enzootic pneumoniaCauses and symptoms

This is a common pig disease caused by an organism called Mycoplasma. It commonly

occurs where there is a high density of fattening pigs and when fattening farms obtain

pigs from several sources.

Pigs have a dry cough that may be continuous for long periods. Infection rate is 30-

80% though mortality is low. Coughing is more noticeable after feeding and moving.

The infected pigs are stunted, thin and weak but often die from a secondary infection

with Pasteurellosis. The main lesions are dark solid areas in the base of each lobe of

the lung.


A. Isolate and treat sick pigs as soon as they are observed. Clean and disinfect

pens with solution of 20% Ca(OH)2or 5% cresol.

B. Vaccinate piglets at the age of 7 days. Cull out the infected sows and boars.C. Use one of the following medicines for treatment:

Tetramuline: 1 ml/10 kg LW/day

Tylosine: 3 ml/5-6 kg LW/day

Tylan: 10 ml/20-30 kg LW/day combined with vitamins and Prednisolon

(against inflammation)

Antibiotics are used to control and treat secondary bacterial pneumonia Tyamuline: 1

ml/8-10 kg LW/day.


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5.9. Mange in swine from itchy miteCauses and symptoms

The disease is common in places where pig density is high.

The pigs rub and scratch their skin against the walls or cages thus becoming rough.

Pigs have itchy sores and vesicles on the face and the ears that spread to the shoulders,the belly, and the legs. After scratching, the vesicles may break, bleed, and become

ulcerated. Normally, the disease from Sacroptic mange is easier to treat than that of

Demodectic mange.


A. Clean the entire pig house and isolate the infected pigs.

B. Treat pigs by injecting them with Ivermectin (0.5 ml/25 kg LW/day) once.

Repeat injection 3 weeks later.

C. Wash the skin then apply Dimethyl Photalate (40%) ointment or solution of

1% Dipterex on the itchy sores.

5.10. Swine poxCauses and symptoms

Swine pox is a viral disease where virus enters the body through breaks in the skin

and infection can spread very fast when pig houses are dirty, wet, and draughty. The

disease mostly affects younger pigs.

First, the pigs have high temperature and stop eating. Pigs develop vesicles which may

become infected and filled with pus. The pox lesions are concave with pus in the

middle. Lesions form in the belly and at the edge of ears and mouth. Later, the inflamed

vesicles will scab.

Also, suckling piglets can get diarrhea or pneumonia and die in serious cases. The

disease can last 10-28 days.

Prevention and treatmentA. Maintain the floor dry and the pens clean. Avoid skin injury and treat pigs for

mange.

B. Inject Ampicillin (250 mg/25-30 kg) intra-muscularly twice a day or Penicillin

to prevent bacterial skin infections. Wash pox lesions with 0.1% KMnO4, dry

it then apply Penicillin ointment to avoid infection. Use Urotropin 20% for

muscle injection to improve health.


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5.11. ErysipelasCauses and symptoms

Erysipelas is common in pigs 3 months of age. Pigs develop high temperature (up to

400C), stop eating, and often have swollen joints. Red, square-shaped lesions develop

on the skin. Skin may also develop gangrene and slough off.

In acute cases, the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are swollen. There is hemorrhage in

stomach and intestines. In chronic cases, pigs have arthritis and inflammation and fibrin

deposits on the heart valves.


A. Clean and disinfect pens with solution of 20% Ca(OH)2or 5% cresol. Ensure

pigs are vaccinated.

B. Use Penicillin Pencana or Kanamycine for treatment.

C. Use Vitamin B1 and Urotropin 10% to improve health.

5.12. Head and face oedema of pigletsCauses and symptoms

This disease is caused by a toxin of E. Coli resulting to haemolysis. It is associated

with a sudden change of diet. Piglets 6-8 weeks are most commonly affected.

Infected piglets cannot stand, but lay or sit like a dog. They may also have nervous signs

(e.g. turning whole body around, plunging the head to the front). The head, face and

eyes are often swollen and swelling of the larynx causes difficult breathing and abnormal

squeal.


A. Keep pig house clean, cool and airy.

B. Do not change feed drastically. Feed pigs with more green roughage.

C. Vaccinate piglets of age 21-30 days and pregnant sows 2 weeks before farrowing.

D. Pigs die due to toxin so antibiotics are not effective. However, antibiotics given

early can reduce number of bacteria and toxin levels. Therefore, for minor illness,a combination of antibiotics, adjusting and controlling diet (reducing protein

feeds, increasing fibrous feeds), enhancing detoxication, and using anti-stress

agents can be 30-40% effective.


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6. Procedure of using medicines for disease treatment

6.1. Groups of commonly used medicinesThe groups of medicines used to treat pig diseases are the following:

Antibiotics Antiphlogistic (Anti-inflammatory),

Antiparasites antipyretic, analgesic Vitamins and minerals Transfusion solutions

Local antiseptics, disinfectants

6.1.1. Antib iot ic s

Types of antibiotics

Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial diseases, not for viral and fungal ones.

Antibiotics should only be used on the advice of a veterinarian.

Common antibiotics:

Penicillin Ampicillin Colistine

Streptomycin Oxytetracycline Tylosin

Trimethoprim

Two antibiotics can be combined together.

For example: Penicillin and Streptomycin

Ampicilline and Colistine

Sulfamid and Trimethoprim

Principles of using antibiotics

Correct dose: The correct dose (amount) of antibiotics kill bacteria. If less

than the correct dose is used, the bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and

the next treatment will not be as effective.

Use antibiotics for treatment as soon as possible: Antibiotics should be used in

correct dosage as soon as the disease was identified.

Give full course of antibiotics: Antibiotics must be used for at least for 3 days

or until 1-2 days after the symptoms disappear. Check and control the progress of using antibiotics: If the pig has not recovered

after 5-6 days treated antibiotics, use another antibiotic or check the diagnosis.

Use one type of antibiotics at same time: Use only 1 type of antibiotic or a

recognized combination of antibiotics as recommended by a veterinarian. Using

more than 1 or 2 antibiotics at the same time is dangerous.

Do not overuse antibiotics: Do not use antibiotics to prevent diseases or a

routine part of management and husbandry.


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Guarantee safety and hygiene of food: All antibiotics have a withholding period.

This is the time between the last treatment until the meat is safe to eat. This is

to make sure that no antibiotic residue is left on the meat. Therefore, do not

slaughter animals before the end of the withholding period. The withholding

period is according to the recommendation of the manufacturers.

Combining different methods for treatment: Combining use of antibiotics with

supplementing vitamins, good feeding, and management will help hasten the

animals' recovery.

Factors affecting effectiveness of antibiotics

Reasons why antibiotics sometimes do not work effectively:

Inappropriate antibiotic is selected.

Dose of antibiotic is too low or period of treatment is too short.

Poor quality of antibiotic. Antibiotic is used too late or when animal is too weak.

Bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.

Treating diseases caused by viruses or poisoning.

6.1.2. Ant ip a ra si te s (m ed ic ines ag a inst p a ra si te s)

Commonly used antiparasiticides:

Medicines against internal parasites

Medicines against Nematodes:Levamisol

Ivermectin

Menbendazol

Medicine against Taenia, tapeworms:

Fenbendazol

Medicines against flukeworms:

Dertil B Faciolid (Nitroxinil 25%)

Tolzan D (oxyclozanid) Fasinex

Medicines against blood parasites:Azidin Trypazen

Berenil Trypamidium

Medicines against external parasites

Use one of the following medicines to eradicate ticks, acaroids, mites, and scabs:

Dipterex (Trichlorphon)

Hantox (Amitraz)

Ivermectin (injection under skin)


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6.1.3. Ant ip hlog ist ic (Ant i - inf lamm a tory), an t ip yret ic , a na lge sic

Analgin: for reducing fever and killing pain.

Dexamethasone: against inflammation and for killing pain.

Note: These medicines should be used in combination with antibiotics and sulfonamides.

Do not use for pregnant animals.

6.1.4. Vi tam ins a nd m inerals

Importance of vitamins and minerals

While vitamins and minerals are required for normal growth and development, they

also support treatment. They are also medicines for treating vitamin and mineral

deficiencies.

Main vitamins Vitamin A: Supports treatment of eye diseases. It heals wounds faster. It is

found in vegetables, carrot and orange-fleshed SP.

Vitamin B1: Important tonic for nervous conditions and stimulates digestion.

Rice bran is rich in Vitamin B1.

Vitamin C: Important in increasing resistance of the body to disease and

detoxification. Often used in combination with other medicines for treating

infectious diseases. It is found in vegetables.

Vitamin D: Important against rickets and stimulate growth. It is found in bones.

Vitamin E: Stimulates cell repair, important for the immune and nervous systems.It is found in rice and bean sprouts.

Note: Ensure balanced vitamins in diets. Do not overuse Vitamins A, D, and E as it

can poison animals.

Minerals

Very small amounts are essential for animals.

Supplement minerals in the following cases: Against diarrhea: Allow the animals to drink Orezon solution (6 spoons of salt

and 1/2 tablespoon of glucose in 1 litre of warm water).

Newborn piglets: Inject Fe-dextran to piglets 3 and 10 days.

Pregnant and nursing sows: Supplement minerals.

6.1.5. Transfusion so lutions

Two types of transfusion solutions are physiological solution and Glucose 5% solution.

Physiological (salty) solution (0.9% Sodium chloride, NaCl) is used when


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animals bleed and lose too much blood, have diarrhea, vomit, or are poisoned.

5% glucose (sweet) solution is used for detoxification and increasing blood

sugar.

6.1.6. Lo c a l an t ise p t ic s a nd d isinfec tan ts

Importance of local antiseptics and disinfectants

Antiseptics and disinfectants are important in eliminating pathogens on skin, mucous

membrane, and wounds.

Commonly used local antiseptics and disinfectants

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4): Use 1% Potassium permanganate solution

to clean and disinfect wounds or pump into reproductive organs of females.

1% Methylene blue solution: apply it to wounds on the skin.

70% alcohol: for disinfecting wounds. 2-5% iodine alcohol: for disinfecting wounds.

H2O

2 solution: for disinfecting shallow and deep wounds.

Mixed solution of iodine alcohol and H2O

2 (in 1:1) for cleaning and disinfecting

deep wounds. Use syringe without needle to pump it into the wounds.

1-3% solution of boric acid: use for cleaning and disinfecting eye wounds.

If there is no local disinfectant available, use:

Salty water: Dilute 1 tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1 L of clean

water, bring to boil while stirring to dilute and allow cooling. Saltywater can be used as a disinfectant. It is cheap and can easily be

made, but it can be used only at the beginning of treatment. Later,

local disinfectants must be used.

Sour fruit juices: Lemon or star fruit juice can also disinfect wounds

or ulcers.

6.2. Techniques in applying medicines

The main ways for treating animals are listed below: Injection Applying on skin

Thru feeding or drinking Giving enema, pumping, spraying

Injection

Three main methods of injection: into the muscle (intramuscular), under the skin

(subcutaneous), and into the vein (intravenous).


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Position of injection:

Injection in muscle or under the skin: near and behind ear.

Vena injection: injection into the vein of the tail or ears but farmers should not

give the injections, only the veterinarians or technicians can do that.

Feeding or drinking

Tablet or pill: Place it deep in the mouth at the root of tongue so that the animal can

swallow easily, avoiding medicine to go to trachea and lungs, which will cause choking

and death.

Powder or liquid: Dilute it with drinking water to drink or mix it with feed to be given

to animal.

Applying on skin or topical application

Liquid medicine: used for cleaning the wounds or ulcers on skin against infection.Powder medicine: to sprinkle onto the wounds.

Greasy medicine: to grease on the wounds.

Giving enema, pumping or spraying

Giving an enema of medicine: used for treating diseases in reproductive organs and

placental retention.

Spraying or pumping medicine: to use for treating inflammation in udders.

6.3. Information on the label of medicinesRead the label carefully before using medicine.

Information on the label includes:

Name of medicine Dose and administration

Composition Expiry date

Amount (mg, g, ml) or unit (IU) Manufacturer and lot number

Indications Other recommendations

6.4. Calculating the dosage of medicineSteps in calculating the necessary amount of medicine from a dose

Step 1: Estimate liveweight of the animal (kg).

Step 2: Identify the dose of pure medicine for 1 kg LW.

Step 3: Calculate the amount of pure medicine for the animal for 1 day.

Step 4: Calculate the amount of commercial medicine (in liquid or powder form) for

the animal for 1 day.

Step 5: Calculate the amount of commercial medicine for the animal for the entire

treatment period.


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Example: Calculate the necessary amount of Oxytetracycline in liquid required for 5

days of treating one sick pig of 30 kg LW.

Information written on the label:

Dose of pure Oxytetracycline at 10 mg/kg live weight.

Oxytetracycline……… 5,000 mg in 100 ml.

Calculations:

Step 1: Identify LW of pig: 30 kg

Step 2: Dose of pure Oxytetracycline: 10 mg/kg LW

Step 3: Dose of pure Oxytetracycline for the pig for one day

For 1 kg LW of the pig, 10 mg of pure Oxytetracycline is needed

For 30 kg LW of the pig, X mg of pure Oxytetracycline will be needed?

X = LW of pig (kg) x amount of pure medicine for 1 kg of LW (mg)

X = 30 kg x 10 mg = 300 mg

Step 4: Amount of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid is needed for one day:

5000 mg of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid of 100 ml

300 mg of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid of Y ml

Y (ml) = (Amount of pure medicine for pig (mg) x Amount of commercialmedicine (ml) on label)/Amount of pure medicine (mg) in commercial liquid

amount on label

Y = (300 mg x 100 ml)/5,000 mg = 6 ml

Step 5: Amount of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid needed for 5 days of the whole

treating time period is:

Amount of liquid medicine (Y ml) x number of days of treating time period

6 ml x 5 days = 30 ml

6.5. Notes for storage and use of medicinesMedicine is a chemical or biological product so it needs to be stored and used in a

proper way following these recommendations:

Protect medicine from direct sunlight.

Keep it at room temperature in a dry and cool place, or in a refrigerator.


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Read the label and instruction carefully before use.

Do not use expired medicine.

Use only a medicine that is still packed with label.

Do not throw used bottle, needles and syringes pell-mell. They should be

carefully wrapped and disposed properly.

Keep medicines away from children's reach.

6.6. Selecting medicine to treat the disease based on the symptomsIn some cases, animals are sick but it is difficult to determine the correct disease. Sick

animals must be treated early to avoid loss. Always check first with a veterinarian.

Example:

When the animal shows symptoms affecting respiratory system

Use one of the antibiotics: Oxytetracycline, Pen-strep or Tylosine

When the animal shows symptoms or problems with digestion

Use one of the antibiotics: Ampicilline, Colistine, or mixture of Trimethoprim

and Sulfamid or Pen-strep.


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Colibacillosis

The stomach is swollen and often containscoagulated milk and there is yellow fluid in thesmall intestine. The large intestine is miasmaland contains much white feces. The carcass isvery thin, with flabby heart muscles and paleliver.

Diarrhea of weaned pigsThe initial signs are reduced feed intake, lie ontheir belly, develop watery feces and diarrhea.Most pigs do not develop fever but rapidly loseweight, have a pale face, glassy eyes, andhave difficulty in walking and standing. Theyare reluctant to stand up and often die within10-15 days. Pigs that recover will be stunted

and their growth is very low.

Swine PasteurellosisThe skin is reddened over the chest, bellyand back legs. The area under the skin iscongested. The lungs are also congested or severely inflamed and the lung lymph nodesare swollen. There is also red frothy fluid inthe larynx and the bronchi. The liver, kidneyand spleen are swollen and withhemorrhages on the surface of the organs.


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Hog choleraSmall pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin and the kidneys.

SalmonellosisIn semi-acute cases, pigs breath rapidly, have diarrhea and may have some black and blue spots on the ears,mouth and legs. Ulcers are found in the ileum, ceacum and colon due to gangrene. There is no clear border tothe ulcers. They usually die 10 days after developing the symptoms.


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Foot and mouth disease (FMD)The foot and mouth become swollen andvesicles quickly develop. In the seriouscases, the nails fall off causing bleeding andlameness. Vesicles and ulcers develop on

the mouth, over the tongue and on thesurface of the snout, causing a thickdischarge from the mouth. There are alsoulcers on udders and feet.

Swine enzootic pneumoniaThe infected pigs are stunted, thin andweak but often die from a secondaryinfection with Pasteurellosis. The mainlesions are dark solid areas in the baseof each lobe of the lung.

Leptospirosis Affected pigs stop eating, have fever and oedemaaround the neck and face. The skin and mucousmembranes are yellow and the urine is dark yellow.Pigs may have convulsions and abnormal gait.Pregnant sows often abort. If the disease isprolonged, symptoms are not clear but the pigseat less and become thin and weak.


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86 Improving Pig Feed Systems Through Use of Sweetpotato

Swine poxFirst, the pigs have high temperature and stop eating. Pigs develop vesicles which may become infected andfilled with pus. The pox lesion is concave with pus in the middle. Lesions form on the belly and at the edge of ears

and mouth. Later the inflamed vesicles will scrab.

Head and face oedema of pigletsInfected piglets cannot stand, but lay or sit in a position like a dog. They may also have nervous signs (e.g.turning whole body around, plunging the head into front). The head, face and eyes are often swollen. Swellingof the larynx causes difficult breathing and abnormal squeal. Up to 30 - 40% of pigs can be affected and majority(100%) of the affected pigs die.

Documents

Health Management for Fattening Pigs