Title: Keeping Show Pigs Healthy - What are some good practices?
Headings: Keeping Show Pigs Healthy
Keeping Show Pigs Healthy
Starting with Healthy Pigs
Isolating Pigs from the Farm
Following good health management Practices
Using Good Watering and Feeding Practices
Taking Care During and After Surgery
Recognizing Risks on the Farm
Vaccinating to Prevent Serious Diseases
Deworming Healthy Pigs
Diagnosing and Treating Sick Pigs Promptly
Using prescribed Drugs properly
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Content: Lincomix® and Denagard® are approved antibiotics commonly used in rations. For more information on feed medication for specific diseases, check these Extension publications: Diarrheal Disease in Show Swine,
Taking Care During and After Surgery
If the pig undergoes surgery such as castration, make sure that sanitized instruments are used and that the operation is done in clean conditions. After the surgery, house the recovering pigs in clean areas like a sanitized trailer, for example. If a veterinarian performs the operation, follow the post-surgical care instructions meticulously. Many veterinarians try to prevent complications after surgery by administering antibiotics and injecting a tetanus antitoxin. The highest risk for tetanus in pigs is after castration when the incision site is purposely left open for drainage and becomes contaminated with dirt containing tetanus spores, which are in substances like dirt and dust. Another possible complication is an abscess or cyst formation that creates an obvious skin enlargement at the castration site after healing. These usually must be removed surgically before you can exhibit a barrow. However, lack of healing time before a show is always a concern after abscess removal.