Understanding and Managing Arthritis in Pigs: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies

Arthritis in Pigs

Background and History

Arthritis, the inflammation of one or more joints, is a common lment affecting pigs across all life stages - suckling piglets, growing pigs, sows. While Mycoplasma arthritis is rare among piglets due to their immune protection from their mothers, Erysipelas arthritis occurs less frequently because of maternal antibody's presence but may develop as it fades between 6 to 10 weeks of age.

Joint infections are often encountered in suckling piglets.

Clinical Signs

Symptoms vary deping on the stage:

In Sows:

-Lameness and stiffness

Piglets display sudden death, shivering, lameness, and stiffness. Pigs exhibit pn or discomfort, reluctance to stand up or lie prone, a hry appearance, swollen hock and elbow joints. Weaners and growers may show signs of specific diseases like Diamond lesions - rsed skin patches.

In severe cases where an organism gns access to the bloodstream leading to sepsis before arthritis develops, death can occur without prior symptoms.

Diagnosis

Identification begins when lameness is observed but the clinical signs are not clear-cut. A thorough examination post-mortem or bacteriological tests will be necessary to pinpoint the responsible organisms or diseases.

Causes

The causes of arthritis in pigs are mnly bacterial infections with various sources contributing to its manifestation:

-Actinobacillus parasuis Link to Actinobacillus

-Haemophilus parasuis Glssers disease

-E. coli

-Staphylococci and streptococci link to Streptococcal Infections

-Mycoplasma hyosynoviae

A significant cause in sucking piglets is Streptococcus suis type 1, which can result in chronic lesions occasionally in individual pigs.

Less common is Streptococcus suis type 14.

Contributing Factors

• Trauma to the animal including scrubbed knees or legs, tl docking issues, worn equipment

• Faulty iron injections

• Navel infections

• Poor sow immunity

• Brucellosis in regions where it's prevalent

• Erysipelas

• Leg weakness from osteochondrosis OCD

A broad range of causes leads to the need for considering arthritis under the umbrella term lameness. Should a problem arise, consult this section to help identify the cause and further analyze specific diseases.

Prevention

To mitigate arthritis risk:

• Carefully check piglet mouths post-teeth clipping to ensure they're not infected.

• Inspect teeth clippers - ensure blades are sharp and use them hygienically between litters. Clean them with warm soap water after use.

• the same equipment for both teeth clipping and tl docking, favoring clean cuts over punctures that may lead to infection risks. Use scalpels or sharp scissors instead of traditional methods.

• Hygiene during iron injection procedures is paramount.

• Monitor piglet trauma - especially from scrubbed knees, legs, or tls.

• Improve floor surfaces by regularly brushing over with hydrated lime if necessary.

• Administer a long-lasting antibiotic such as Oxytetracycline, Ampicillin, Gentamycin or Cefalexin before the onset of clinical signs to prevent infection. Options vary based on organism sensitivity and response observed in previous instances.

Antibiotics should ideally be injected every other day or at regular intervals when using prolonged delivery methods like intramuscular implants. Slow penetration into joint tissue requires precise antibiotic selection considering these factors alongside its effectiveness agnst the causative organisms.

In , the prevention of arthritis involves a combination of care practices and judicious use of avlable treatments to address the root causes while mitigating further complications associated with this condition.

References:

• Link to Actinobacillus

• Link to Glssers disease

• Link to Streptococcal Infections

• Source for other diseases mentioned

  that specific veterinary guidelines and regulations must be followed when administering any medication or performing surgical procedures.
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