While some people consider consider to be a farm animal, others consider it as a pet as well. Although I haven't seen many of them as pets in my country, I am also not ignorant of their existence even in some homes. One of the common problems that pigs experience is gastrointestinal disorders, especially diarrhea in pigs.
There are different types of diarrhea and it varies all through the productive sages; we have neonatal diarrhea, post-weaning diarrhea, and gray fattening diarrhea. Different categories of viruses, bacteria, and parasites cause diarrhea in pigs.
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Bacteria Form.
Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli: Colibacillosis is a common disease caused by the colonization of the small intestine by the enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli, these strains have pili or fimbriae that give them room to adhere to the jejunum and ileum epithelium. These pathogenic strains will produce enterotoxins that make electrolytes and fluids get secreted into the intestinal lumen, leading to diarrhea.
Diarrhea in a newborn piglet usually begins 2-3 hours after an infection occurs, the feces could be yellowish, brown, or whitish, in a severe situation, we have situations of dehydration which could cause a mortality rate of over 70%, the smaller the infection, then the higher the percentage will be. Diarrhea could become a hemorrhagic situation and then result in sudden death.
The moment a piglet gets weaned, it faces a period characterized by digestive disorders, E.coli has a strong ability for infections. In this category, there is a possible visible sign of lethargy, drop in consumption, and disorientation.
Clostridial diseases: This disease is characterized by diarrhea in newborn piglets, the infection is often so fast that they get infected a few hours after birth, they could also have the appearance of being born with diarrhea. It can also be found in the intestine of pigs, and under a favorable condition, they will multiply at a high speed and produce toxins that could cause diarrhea.
Necrotic enteritis by Clostridium perfringes: This disease is common amongst sows and piglets, the etiological agent is Clostridium perfringens type A and C, and it can also be found in the intestine and soil of all pigs.
There is a possibility of an oral infection with C. perfringens from the feces of the sows, often during the first day of life. It is easier for piglets to be more susceptible to enteritis when they are yet to consume colostrum. When the bacterial infection is caused by type C of C. perfringens, piglets also have an unpleasant-smelling diarrhea usually a bloody one that could make them die very fast if possible.
- Proliferative enteropathy: At the beginning of the phase of this disease, there is a proliferation of the immature intestinal epithelial cell, which contains a large amount of Lawsonia intracellular injuries. Intestinal changes range from hyperemia and edema with the redness and thickening of the mucosa to brain-like mucosa. Fattening pigs are affected, and they generate heterogeneous litters where a variable percentage of low-weight animals appear, having chronic gray diarrhea.
Parasites: The most common cause of parasitic diarrhea in piglets is Coccidiosis, which usually appears on the 5th day of the piglet's existence, with the most etiological agent of Cystoiospora suis and yellow, odorless diarrhea.
The traditional treatment of this infection is often focused on the control of Cystoisospora suis, and the most used drugs are trimethoprim-sulfonamide, and toltrazuril.
When a pig is exposed to the pathogens that cause diarrhea, it is linked to the practice of hygiene and bacterial growth in the survival of an immediate environment. Poor hygiene will give bacteria's and other pathogens the chance and space to proliferate.
When the infection is still at an early stage, it can be reduced through good hygiene practice and farrowing accommodation management. Amongst farrowing paddocks, huts need to be disinfected amongst litters, keeping each bed fresh, clean, and dry.
Feeding the sows excessively or inappropriately could further exacerbate infections. Proteins rich in fiber and high protein diets are often advisable.
Incomplete digestion of starch creates consequences in the small intestine, and it may include large intestinal fermentation which could lead to diarrhea, and dehydration.
Viruses.
Pigs of all ages are susceptible to infection that comes as a result of a virus. Rotaviral enteritis is a common disease in piglets.
Adenoviral infection affecting the intestine is not a common situation but can destroy villous epithelium in a nursing pig.
Enteroviruses are occasionally demonstrated in diarrheic piglets.
Virtually, all diarrhea will lead to dehydration, and having control of increased mortality and morbidity could be prevented through the introduction of timely rehydration with glucose-based fluids.
Certainly, to treat diarrhea outbreaks in a herd, diagnosing the cause of infection is very necessary.
Controlling diarrhea in piglets has a lot to do has to do with assessing farm animals and farmlands to determine associated risks and to help determine if there is a swift need for the development of a reduction plan. The farmer needs to focus on the following;
Supervise the process of farrowing and suckling to ensure an adequate intake of colostrum.
Maintain a positive antibody and immune status.
Limiting exposure to pathogens through the disinfecting of huts between litters, and keeping the bedding that exists in each hut fresh, clean, and dry.
Stress can be reduced by protecting litter from bad weather.
Piglets should at least get to six weeks old before they get weaned.
The associated stress of weaning can also be reduced by giving a chance for piglets to mix before they are weaned.
If there is a continuous issue with scours, or there is an outbreak, the causative agent needs to be identified with an immediate commenced treatment.
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I would never have thought that pigs also undergo the fraustration of passing through diarrhea, interesting knowledge.
Appreciate your response, it's funny how many medical issues these animals can also experience.
I had no idea about the parasites and viruses that can cause diarrhea in pigs. Thanks for educating us on this topic!
Thank you for reading.