Author Topic: unwell weaner (Read 2884 times)

marali · « **on:** July 01, 2011, 09:39:32 am »

My GOS sow had a litter of 7 on the 5th June. All born healthy and been very active until this week. I have noticed that one of them has become very withdrawn/docile and does not mix with the rest but stands hunched up on her own. She often stands with her nose in the water trough blowing bubbles. When picked up she still fights and squeals. I have injected her for the last 3 days with a penicillin but nothing seems to be working.
If Anyone has any idea what the problem could be i would be very grateful.
thanks,
Marali

robert waddell · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2011, 09:53:01 am »

worms internal injuries from mother standing on it the runt of the litter etc etc

Tiva Diva · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2011, 05:27:49 pm »

Internal injuries or some congenital problem is most likely if the other piglets are fine. Is she passing dung, and if so does it look normal? Does her abdomen look blown up, or feel hard, and is it tender? Has she got a temperature? Most infections would have responded to the penicillin but she might have a urinary tract infection. If her temperature's up I'd speak to your vet about trying an alternative antibiotic. Another possibility is she's eaten/swallowed something that's causing her to have gut problems. Are they living outside? Could she have swallowed a bit of wire or binder twine? That may respond to a laxative (check with your vet). Internal injuries or congenital problems you can't do much about.

marali · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2011, 09:09:42 pm »

Hi,
i havent seen her pass dung at all and yes she looks and feels very blown up around the abdomen. She sleeps loads and when is awake seems to prefer standing in the water. I noticed today that she was sick a couple of times, throwing up a very small amount of yellow fluid.

HappyHippy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2011, 11:10:12 pm »

I would either get your vet to come to you, or (making sure you use movement licences) take her to the vet asap - yellow fluid is either stomach bile or puss, either way you're better to get her checked out.
Did you worm the sow prior to her farrowing ?
Does the piglet have a temperature ? (it should be 102.5 F)
Does her nose seem okay ? No discharge, twisting of the snout etc ?
Is she eating and drinking ? (either from mum or on her own)
It could be any number of things - but the penicillin doesn't seem to be working (and I would have thought it should have by now) so time for the vet me thinks

HTH
Karen

Tiva Diva · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2011, 08:13:58 am »

Sounds like intestinal obstruction, I'm afraid. I would agree with Karen: get the vet out, but it doesn't sound good. If it is obstruction the only cure is surgery.....