Vet Handbook

Veterinary Manual
This veterinary manual is intended for use by Murphy-Brown service people and farm
managers as a guide for investigation, diagnosing and treating routine disease
conditions in our swine herds. Many of the disease challenges that we are presented
with on a daily basis are fairly routine and this manual should help sort and develop a
sound intervention plan.
Even though diseases are often named for a bacteria or virus involved, co-infections are
common and environmental stresses are often required for the pig to exhibit the
disease. Water and feed availability, ventilation, stocking, vaccine compliance and level
of individual pig treatment are all examples of management and environmental factors
that affect expression of disease and should not be discounted when investigating the
cause or the intervention of a disease. This guide does not include all possible swine
diseases and clinical expressions, but does focus on the most common and costly
diseases to swine.
Use the information in this manual to:
1. Gather a good history and information about what is occurring on the farm and in
the pig.
2. Collect the appropriate tissue samples to get good and helpful diagnostic
feedback.
3. Recognize some of the common or routine causes of disease or death in swine.
4. Formulate a treatment or intervention response that is appropriate and effective.
a. Please note that treatment options are suggestions and not listed in any
particular order based on preference or cost.
Following the guidelines outlined in the manual will also help you recognize disease
situations that are not routine. Communicate these to the veterinarian immediately.
More specific sample collection and diagnostic approaches may be needed to gain a
better understanding and develop a specific treatment or response plan. Several
Foreign Animal Diseases are reviewed in the manual. These are clearly not routine for
our system, but an awareness of what these may look like is important.
Sincerely,
Murphy-Brown, LLC East
Veterinary Services Team
Table of Contents
1. How Do I Work Up A Case?
2. Disease Flow Charts
3. Swine Disease Guide
4. Swine Necropsy Manual
5. Medication Treatment Chart
6. Glossary
How do I work up a case?

Questions you need to answer:
1) Age/parity of pigs?
2) Source of pigs?
3) Do I know source history? If not, contact department service representative that
would have that information.
4) What is the medication history?
5) What is the vaccination history?
6) What are the predominant clinical signs? (ie. cough, scour, abortion, neurologic,
or combinations of clinical signs)
7) What is the timeline of clinical signs? When did it start?
8) Are there multiple clinical signs and are they connected?
9) What percent of the animals are affected? Not number affected.
10) What is the percent mortality? Not number dead.
11) What is dying?
a. Fall-back pigs/sows that have not been treated.
b. Fall-back pigs/sows that have been treated.
c. Big, slab-sided pigs/sows that have not been treated.
d. Pigs/sows in good body condition that you wouldnt have treated.
e. Big, dead pigs/sows is NOT an acceptable description.
f. Bleach-outs
12) Select pigs that would be good candidates for diagnostic sampling. (For detailed
description see Pig Selection portion of Swine Necropsy Manual)
a. Observe gross lesions during necropsy
b. If the clinical signs and gross lesions are not clear enough to make an
accurate diagnosis, then:
i. Collect samples according to the Swine Necropsy Manual paying
close attention to additional sampling that may be needed due to
the clinical signs observed.
1. Respiratory = Lungs, Lymph Nodes
2. Enteric (Scours) = Intestines, Lymph Nodes, Fecal Swabs
3. Neurologic = Brain swab and Brain
4. Swollen Joints = Joint swab and/or Joint
5. Skin Lesions = Skin
6. Reproductive = Fetal tissues, Sow blood
All the information that will be collected from the work-up will be needed to narrow down
the potential causes of a problem.
Reproductive Failure
Possible clinical signs: Abortions, increased stillborns, mummies, and decreased liveborn
Abortion
Increased stillborns
Few, sporadic
abortions, all
stages of
gestation
Elevated numbers of
staged mummified feti
(esp. in gilts & P1s)
+/- Fevers +/- off

Increased Return Service
Increased Return Service
Late term abortions (+70 days)
Abortions at many
stages of gestation
Pseudorabies
Necropsy: +/late gestation

aborted fetus
may have small
gray to white
spots on the
liver and/or
spleen
Notify Vet and

Supervisor,
IMMEDIATELY.
Seasonal Change
Weak born pigs,

Unthrifty litters
PRRS
Necropsy: +/umbilical cord
segments that are
dark, swollen and
blood filled.
Other segments
with gelatinous
swelling. Lungs
may have tan
lesions.
Treat sick sows

with antiinflamatory.
Parvovirus
Bacterial
abortions
Leptospirosis
Necropsy:
No lesions
are visible.
Necropsy: +/culture positive
Check
Leptospirosis
vaccination
status.
Review sanitation
procedures in
farrowing,
breeding, and
with semen
handling.
Notify Vet and

Supervisor.
Autumn Abortion
Syndrome
Necropsy: No
lesions will be
found and all tests
will be negative.
Necropsy:
Brown
decomposed,
occasionally
dry feti. No
lesions will be
visible within
the fetus
Check Parvovirus
vaccination
status.
Farrowing House Enteric Disease

Possible clinical signs: Diarrhea (scours)
Diarrhea
Spreads through a pen

quickly,+/- Fever
Rotavirus
TGE
Spreads through
pen, unthrifty pigs
+/- sudden deaths
Pasty, creamy
yellow mixed with
watery yellow
E. coli
(enterotoxigenic,
hemolytic etc.)
Clostridium
perfringens
Type C
+/- Vomiting with

TGE
Necropsy: Thingut
walls w/ watery
fluid contents
throughout the
intestinal tract. +/reddened intestinal
tract if complicated
by bacterial
infection. All Ages.
Manure feedback.
Limit
Crossfostering.
Focus on farrowing
room sanitation.
Apply drying agents
to creep area.
Gentamicin or
Ceftiofur therapy.
Contact Vet and
Supervisor,
IMMEDIATELY.
Necropsy: Thin to
normal walled gut
w/ fluid conents or
pasty yellowish
diarrhea. +/gelatinous fluid
between the colon
loops and in the
intestinal mesentery.
Pigs <6 days old.
Necropsy:
Sections of small
intestine with
dark red stripes
+/- sections with
yellow tissue on
the intestinal
surface. Pigs <6
days old
Manure feedback.
Limit
Crossfostering.
Focus on farrowing
room sanitation,
temperature (drafts)
and humidity.
Apply drying agents
to creep area.
Gentamicin or
Ceftiofur therapy
Check sow
vaccination
status. Limit
Crossfostering.
Focus on
farrowing room
sanitation.
Apply drying
agents to creep
area.
Tylan therapy
Coccidia
Type A
And/or
difficile
Necropsy:
Yellow to
orangeyellow
scour.
Colonic
edema. Pigs
<6 days old.
Manure
feedback.
Limit
Crossfostering.
Focus on
farrowing room
sanitation.
Apply drying
agents to creep
area.
Tylan therapy
Necropsy:
Sections of
pasty diarrhea
+/- yellowish
white tissue
thickening on
the inside of
intestines. Pigs
>5-6 days old
Farrowing
room
sanitation.
Marquis
therapy
(prescription).
Nursery Enteric Disease

Diarrhea
Watery
Yellow, Green,
Gray-Brown
Dark, bloody tarry

feces.
+/- Cough
Spreads through a
pen quickly,
unthrifty pigs, +/sudden deaths
Spreads through a
pen quickly,+/Fever
Rotavirus
TGE
Necropsy: Thingut
walls w/ watery
fluid contents
throughout the
intestinal tract. +/reddened intestinal
tract if complicated
by bacterial
infection.
Notify Vet and

Supervisor.
Neomycin
+/-Electrolytes
Salmonella
typhimurium
E. coli
(enterotoxigenic,
hemolytic etc.)
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy: Swollen
spleen, +/- Liver
w/tiny white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse, Swollen
mesenteric lymph
nodes, +/- loose
feces
Necropsy: Thin to
normal walled gut
w/ fluid contents or
pasty yellowish
between the colon
loops and in the
intestinal mesentery.
+/- red inflamed
intestines.
Neomycin,
Gentamicin,
Ceftiofur
Review E. coli
and Salmonella
vaccination.
Pasty, creamy
yellow/gray mixed
with watery
yellow/gray
Bleached out skin
Gastric Ulcer
Coccidia
Necropsy: +/- dark

red/black blood
clots in
intestines/stomach.
+/- streaks of blood
near esophageal
opening into the
stomach. Crater in
esophageal region
of stomach. Look
for dark gray/black
feces in the
intestinal tract to
confirm bleeding
ulcer
Necropsy:
Sections of
pasty diarrhea
+/- yellowish
white tissue
thickening on
the inside of
intestines. Pigs
at placement.
Check for feed

interruptions.
Assess level of spot
treatment prior to
bleach outs. Check
for concurrent or
past disease.
Contact sow
serviceperson,
supervisor or
vet
Nursery Respiratory Disease

Possible clinical signs: Thump, cough, sneezing, ocular discharge, nasal discharge, fever
Cough
Dry, nonproductive
Low
prevalence at
any time, +/prolapses, late
in nursery
Mycoplasma
hyopneumonia
Persistent
sneeze and
cough
Wet, productive
CNS signs,
+/- sudden
deaths
Bordetella
Toxicgenic
Pasteurella
Fevers, Piling,
Thumping,
nasal discharge
Low/moderate
incidence in
each pen
beginning 1-3
weeks into
nursery
Pseudorabies
+/- Skin lesions

PRRS +
Pasteurella
multocida,
Strep. suis,
HPS, A. suis
Swine
Influenza
Necropsy:
Dark red- Necropsy:
purple cranialMultifocal tanventral
gray
consolidationdiscoloration
of lung. The +/- meaty
rest of the lung
cranial ventral
will fail to dark red
collapse. consolidation.
Check Ventilation.
Tetracyclines
Lincomycin
Necropsy: +/Yellow-gray
tissue adhered
to the throat
near the tonsil
tissue in throat.
Lungs often
fail to collapse
with reddish
discoloration.
Rarely see
small spots in
the liver.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor,
IMMEDIATELY
Necropsy:
Lungs fail to
collapse with
red to tan
uneven
discoloration.
If acute often
have reddish
tinged foamy
material in
airways when
cut across.
Aspirin Therapy.
Tetracylines and
Penicillin.
Sudden Deaths
Necropsy:
Cranial-ventral
dark red-purple
consolidation
+/-whitish
yellow tissue
on the lung
surface or other
organs. Rest of
lungs fails to
collapse with
tan-gray
discoloration.
Determine agents
involved.
Refer to Swine
Disease Guide for
treatment options.
+/Yellow/Brown
Diarrhea
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Swollen
spleen, +/Liver with tiny
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Gentamicin
and Ceftiofur
Nursery Sudden Death, Septicemia, CNS signs

Possible Clinical Signs: Sudden death, fevers,+/-skin lesions (red extremities, purple-red blotches of
skin), neurologic pigs
CNS Disease
Septicemia
Abnormal stance,
Paralysis, Rigidity,
Twitching, Paddling
Blindness
Discoloration of
extremities (belly, ears,
legs), Fever, Swollen
Joints, Lamesness
+/- Barking,
hacking cough
Edema Disease
(F18 E.coli)
Water
Deprivation
Pseudorabies
Necropsy:
Thin to normal
walled gut with
fluid contents
or pasty
yellowish
b/n the colon
loops and in
the intestinal
mesentery.
Begins around
3-4 weeks after
placement.
Necropsy:
Check water
flow. No
significant
gross lesions.
Clinical signs
will not be
present until
after water is
restored.
Necropsy: +/necrotic tissue

in throat.
Lungs often
fail to collapse
with reddish
discoloration.
Rarely see
small white
spots in the
liver.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor,
IMMEDIATELY
Gentamicin
and Ceftiofur
Review E. coli
vaccination.
Contact Vet
and Supervisor.
Strep. suis,
Haemophilus
parasuis,
Erysipelas
rhusiopathiae,
Pateurella
multocida,
Necropsy:
May not have
lesions. +/Spider web of
white tissue on
the surface of
organs in
abdomen or
chest. Heart
may adhere to
the heart sac.
Dark red meaty
sections of
Lung. Spleen,
Liver, and/or
Lynph nodes
may be
rounded and
swollen.
Contact your
supervisor ASAP.
Aspirin Therapy
for all pigs. Use
injectable antiinflammatory for
neurologic pigs.
Pulse back on
water (see
glossary).
Determine agents
involved.
Refer to Swine
Disease Guide for
treatment options.
Sudden Deaths, Unexplained

mortality
Frothy blood tinged fluid

from nose or mouth
+/Yellow/Brown
Diarrhea
APP
A.suis
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Dark red-black
dorsal cranial
lung lobes +/whitish yellow
tissue on the
surface. Lungs
are wet and
heavy with
lines of edema.
Necropsy:
Swollen
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Gentamicin
and Ceftiofur
Treat pens with

affected pigs
and adjacent
pens with
Ceftiofur.
Contact
Supervisor and
Vet.
Finishing Enteric Disease

Diarrhea
Wet puddly, gray to

brown, +/- streaks
of blood
Watery Yellow
or Green
TGE
Salmonella
typhimurium
+/- Vomiting
with TGE
Necropsy:
Thingut walls
w/ watery fluid
contents
throughout the
intestinal tract.
+/- reddened
intestinal tract
if complicated
by bacterial
infection.
Neomycin
+/-Electrolytes
Notify Vet and
Supervisor if
TGE
suspected.
Few pigs
affected at one
time, variable
incidence pen
to pen
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Swollen
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Neomycin,
Ceftiofur
Review
Salmonella
vaccination
Bleached out
skin
Mucous
+/-blood
Swine
Dysentery
Proliferative
Ileitis
Hemmorhagic
Ileitis
Necropsy:
Multifocal
thickening of
the gut wall
with
yellowish
rough red
tissue or
reddish
rough tissue
on the
intestines
inside
surface.
Necropsy:
Inflamed gut
wall with
dark red to
gray fluid
contents in
the intestine.
Tylan, Lincomycin
Necropsy:
Rapid weight
loss and poor
growth.
Mucous and
necrotic
material in the
large intestine.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor.
Dark, Tarry
Feces, +/- Puddly
to Watery
Gastric Ulcer
Necropsy: +/dark red/black

blood clots in
intestines/
stomach.
Crater in
esophageal
region of
stomach. Look
for dark
gray/black
feces in the
intestinal tract
to confirm
bleeding ulcer
Check for feed
interruptions.
treatment prior to
bleach outs. Check
for past or
concurrent disease.
Finishing Respiratory Disease

Possible clinical signs: Thump, cough, sneeze, fevers, nasal and ocular discharge
Cough
Dry/nonproductive cough
Low
prevalence at
any time, +/prolapses,
moving slow in
population
Mycoplasma
hyopneumonia
Necropsy:
Dark redpurple cranialventral
consolidation
of lung. The
rest of the lung
will fail to
collapse.
Wet/Productive Cough
Fevers, Piling,
Thumping,
Nasal
Discharge
CNS signs, +/sudden deaths.
Pseudorabies

in throat.
Lungs often
fail to collapse
with reddish
discoloration.
Rarely see
small white
spots in the
liver.
PRRS +/Pasteurella
multocida,
Strep. suis,
HPS, A.suis
Swine
Influenza
Necropsy:
Lungs fail to
collapse with
red to tan
uneven
discoloration.
If acute often
have reddish
tinged foamy
material in
airways when
cut across.
Necropsy: May not

have lesions. +/Spider web of white
tissue on the surface
of organs in
abdomen or chest.
Heart may adhere to
the heart sac. Dark
red meaty sections
of Lung. Spleen,
Liver, and/or Lymph
nodes may be
rounded and
swollen.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor,
IMMEDIATELY
Check Ventilation.
Tetracyclines
Determine agents
involved.
Refer to Swine
Disease Guide for
treatment options.
Aspirin Therapy.
Tetracylines and
Penicillin
Sudden Deaths
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Swollen
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Neomycin and
Ceftiofur
APP
A. suis
Necropsy:
Dark red-black
dorsal cranial
tissue on the
surface. Lungs
are wet and
heavy with
lines of edema.
Treat pens with

affected pigs
and adjacent
pens with
Ceftiofur.
Contact
Supervisor and
Vet.
Finishing Sudden Death, Septicemia, CNS signs

Possible clinical signs: Sudden Death, High Fevers, +/- Skin lesions (red extremities, purple red blotches)
CNS
Sudden Deaths +/- Septicemia
Abnormal stance,
Paralysis, Rigidity,
Twitching, Paddling,
Blindness
Pseudorabies

in throat.
Lungs often
fail to collapse
with reddish
discoloration.
Rarely see
small white
spots in the
liver.
Contact Vet
and Supervisor,
IMMEDIATE
LY
Frothy blood tinged

fluid from nose or
mouth. Open mouth
breathing.
Water
Deprivation
Necropsy:
Check water
flow. No
significant
gross lesions.
Clinical signs
will not be
present until
after water is
restored.
+/- Yellow/Brown
Diarrhea, +/cyanosis of ears and
belly.
APP
A. suis
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Dark red-black
dorsal cranial
tissue on the
surface. Lungs
are wet and
heavy with
lines of edema.
Contact your supervisor

ASAP. Aspirin Therapy
for all pigs. Use
injectable antiinflammatory for
neurologic pigs. Limit
water consumption until
Necropsy:
Swollen
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Treat pens with

affected pigs
and adjacent
pens with
Ceftiofur.
Contact
Supervisor and
Vet.
Discoloration of
extremities, (belly, ears,
legs), Fever, Swollen
joints, lameness
Strep. suis,
HPS,
Erysipelas
rhusiopathiae
Necropsy: May not

tissue on the surface of
organs in abdomen or
chest. Heart may
adhere to the heart sac.
Dark red meaty
sections of Lung.
Spleen, Liver, and/or
Lynph nodes may be
rounded and swollen.
Neomycin and
Ceftiofur
Erysipelas--Penicillin,
Strep. and HPS-ceftiofur
Gilt/Sow Enteric Disease

Diarrhea
Loose, gray to
brown, +/- streaks
of blood
Watery Yellow
or Green
TGE
Salmonella
typhimurium
+/- Vomiting
with TGE
Necropsy:
Thingut walls
w/ watery fluid
contents
throughout the
intestinal tract.
+/- reddened
intestinal tract
if complicated
by bacterial
infection.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor,
IMMEDIATELY
Few pigs
affected at one
time, variable
incidence pen
to pen
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Swollen
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Neomycin,
Ceftiofur
Review
Salmonella
vaccination
Bleached out
skin
Mucous
w/blood
Swine
Dysentery
Proliferative
Ileitis
Hemmorhagic
Ileitis
Necropsy:
Multifocal
thickening of
the gut wall
with
yellowish
rough red
tissue or
reddish
rough tissue
on the
intestines
inside
surface.
Necropsy:
Inflamed gut
wall with
dark red to
gray fluid
contents in
the intestine.
Tylan, Lincomycin
Necropsy:
Rapid weight
loss and poor
growth.
Mucous and
necrotic
material in the
large intestine.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor.
Dark, Tarry
Feces.
Gastric Ulcer
Necropsy: +/dark red/black

blood clots in
intestines/
stomach.
Crater in
esophageal
region of
stomach. Look
for dark
gray/black
feces in the
intestinal tract
to confirm
bleeding ulcer
Check for feed
interruptions.
treatment prior to
bleach outs. Check
for past or
concurrent disease.
Gilt/Sow Respiratory Disease

Cough
Dry/nonproductive cough
Fever, off-feed,
thump
Mycoplasma
hyopneumonia
Necropsy:
Dark redpurple cranialventral
consolidation
of lung. The
rest of the lung
will fail to
collapse.
Wet/productive Cough
Fevers, offfeed,
Thumping,
Nasal
Discharge
CNS signs, +/sudden deaths.
Pseudorabies

in throat.
Lungs often
fail to collapse
with reddish
discoloration.
Rarely see
small white
spots in the
liver.
PRRS +/Pasteurella
multocida,
Strep. suis,
HPS, A.suis
Swine
Influenza
Necropsy:
Lungs fail to
collapse with
red to tan
uneven
discoloration.
If acute often
have reddish
tinged foamy
material in
airways when
cut across.
Necropsy: May not

tissue on the surface
of organs in
abdomen or chest.
Heart may adhere to
the heart sac. Dark
red meaty sections
of lung. Spleen,
Liver, and/or Lymph
nodes may be
rounded and
swollen.
Contact Vet and

Supervisor.
IMMEDIATELY
Check Ventilation.
Tetracyclines,
Lincomycin
Determine agents
involved.
Refer to Swine
Disease Guide for
treatment options.
Anti-inflammatory
Therapy.
Tetracylines and
Penicillin.
10
Sudden Deaths
Salmonella
cholerasuis
Necropsy:
Swollen
white spots,
Lungs fail to
collapse,
Swollen
mesenteric
lymph nodes,
+/- loose feces
Neomycin and
Ceftiofur
APP
A. suis
Necropsy:
Dark red-black
dorsal cranial
tissue on the
surface. Lungs
are wet and
heavy with
lines of edema.
Treat pens with

affected pigs
and adjacent
pens with
Ceftiofur.
Contact
Supervisor and
Vet.
PCVAD/PRRS Diagnosis
Possible clinical signs: Fall-behinds, thumping, Non-responsive to antibiotics, increased mortality
Fallbehinds,
thumping,
increased
mortality, nonresponsive to
antibiotics
Necropsy: May not have lesions. +/- Spider web of

white tissue on the surface of organs in abdomen or
chest. Heart may adhere to the heart sac. Dark red
meaty sections of lung. Spleen, Liver, and/or Lynph
nodes may be enlarged. Lymph nodes may be
hemorrhagic.
PCVAD lesions AND IHC positive

for PCV on Lymph node, spleen,
tonsil, lung, liver, intestines.
SAMPLES
SUBMITTED TO
DIAGNOSTIC LAB.
PRRS PCR positive,

interstitial pneumonia on
histopathology
PRRS +/Pasteurella multocida, Strep.

suis, HPS, A.suis
PCVAD
Vaccination
Status?
Concurrent
Disease control
Consult with veterinarian for

control and treatment options
11
Skin Disease for all Phases

Skin Lesions
Black crust
covering head,
neck, and body
Red to dark
purple blotchy
lesions
anywhere on
body, namely
hams and belly
Pigs with or
without lesions
not rubbing the
penning.
Greasy Pig
Red, raised,
diamond-like
lesions
Pigs with or
without lesions
rubbing
penning
because they
are itchy.
Red, raised,
eraser-size
bumps on pigs
that may or
may not be
itching.
Insect Bites
Erysipelas
Find Source:
Fire Ants,
Mosquitoes,
etc.
Mange
PDNS
Check PCV2
vaccination
status.
Check
Ventilation.
Topical
Treatment
(Virkon S,
Nolvasan ,
Iodine/Mineral
Oil)
Taktic topical.
Call
supervisor.
Ceftiofur
AlbaDry
(prescription)
12
Check
vaccination
status.
Penicillin
injectable.
Premise
Insecticide
Treatment.
SWINE
DISEASE
GUIDE
Compiled by Veterinary Services Division, Murphy-Brown East
Table of Contents
Section I - Diarrhea
Causes of Diarrhea .......................................................................................................3
Neonatal Pig Diarrhea
Clostridial Enterotoxemia .................................................................................4
Coccidiosis.......................................................................................................5
E. coli ...............................................................................................................6
Rotavirus..........................................................................................................7
T.G.E./Transmissible Gastroenteritis ...............................................................8
Nursery Pig Diarrhea
Edema Disease................................................................................................9
Post-Weaning E. coli Diarrhea .......................................................................10
Grower/Finisher/Adult Pig Diarrhea
Ileitis...............................................................................................................11
PCV2 Enteritis ...............................................................................................12
Salmonellosis.................................................................................................13
Swine Dysentery ............................................................................................14
Section II - Respiratory
Causes of Respiratory Diseases .................................................................................15
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) ........................................................16
Atrophic Rhinitis .............................................................................................17
Haemophilus parasuis (HPS).........................................................................18
Mycoplasma...................................................................................................19
Pasteurella ....................................................................................................20
PCV2 and PCVAD/PMWS .............................................................................21
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)............................22
Salmonella cholerasuis ..................................................................................23
Streptococcus suis.........................................................................................24
Swine Influenza (SIV) ....................................................................................25
Section III Other Common Diseases of Interest
Other Diseases of Interest...........................................................................................26
Erysipelas ......................................................................................................27
Gastric Ulcers ................................................................................................28
Greasy Pig...................................................................................................29
Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS)............................................................30
Leptospirosis..................................................................................................31
Parvovirus......................................................................................................32
Roundworms..................................................................................................33
Water Deprivation/Salt Toxicity ......................................................................34
Section IV Foreign Animal Disease
Foreign Animal Diseases ............................................................................................35
African Swine Fever.......................................................................................36
Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) ............................................................37
Pseudorabies (PRv).......................................................................................38
Vesicular Diseases (Foot and Mouth, etc) .....................................................39
References..................................................................................................................40
Disease Guide
Page 2 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Causes of Diarrhea
Bacterial
E. coli
Salmonella sp.
Clostridium perfringens
o Type A
o Type C
Clostridium difficile
Brachispyra hyodysentery (Dysentery)
Lawsonia Intracellularis (Ileitis)
Viral
T.G.E.
Rotavirus
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2)
Protozoal
Coccidia
Parasitic
Ascaris suum (Round Worms) - See Other Diseases of Interest
Disease Guide
Page 3 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Clostridial Enteritis
Cause: Clostridium perfringens or C. difficile are bacteria.
Discussion:
There are two types of Clostridium perfringens:
o Type A: Causes mild clinical signs of diarrhea in pigs that are not milking well or pigs with
overwhelmed immune systems.
o Type C: Is fast acting causing severe signs of diarrhea and possible sudden death.
Clostridium difficile causes disease similar to C. perfringens Type A.
Severe outbreaks have been attributed to large numbers of gilts and over-treatment with antibiotics
Clinical Signs:
Type A and difficile
Mild to severe pasty diarrhea, typically 0-5 days of age
Yellow to orange-yellow colored diarrhea
Death within 12 hours to 3 days or survive but growth is stunted
Spiral colon edema on postmortem
Yellow watery scour
Edema in spiral colon
Type C
Sudden death
Reddish-brown to bloody diarrhea
Red to black colored intestines on postmortem
Inflamed, angry, bloody small intestine
Blood filled intestinal segment
Key Diagnostics:
Type A and difficile
Submit fresh and fixed intestine from pigs that just started to scour and have not been treated.
Type C
Blood and debris filled intestine.
Treatment:
Oral Medication: Tylan (Contact Vet Services)
Injectable Medication: Penicillin, Tylan, Lincomix
Disease Guide
Page 4 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Coccidiosis
Cause: Isospora suis an intracellular protozoan parasite.
Discussion:
Pigs between 7 to 14 days are highly susceptible. Mortality is usually low. This disease is self-limiting.
Clinical Signs:
Scour: Pasty/Creamy Yellow to grayish
Poor response to antibiotic therapy
Dehydration; weight loss; stunted growth
Pasty, creamy scour
Thick film lining small intestine
Key Diagnostics:
Prevention:
Proper sanitation and allowing the crates to dry is essential to preventing this disease.
Treatment:
Sanitation (Detergent and Disinfectant) is critical to controlling this disease. Flame crates if possible
Provide a clean, warm and dry environment for pigs.
Marquis Paste (PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED)
Disease Guide
Page 5 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
E. coli - Colibacillosis
Cause: E. coli are bacteria that affects many body systems.
Discussion:
General Periods of Manifestation
o Neonatal diarrhea (0-72 hours of age)
o Milk scours diarrhea (9 days-weaning)
Disease is usually triggered by poor sanitation, chilling of pigs or poor milking by dams
Many pathogenic E. coli exist in the intestinal tracts of healthy animals
Clinical Signs:
Scours: Yellow fluid diarrhea
Weak pigs
Dehydration
Shivering piglets
Inflamed (red) butt
Mild inflammation of small intestine on postmortem
Undigested milk curd in the small intestine on postmortem
Chilled, dehydrated piglets covered in diarrhea
Yellow diarrhea
Key Diagnostics:
Prevention:
Piglet manure feedback to sows pre-farrow
Pre-Farrow vaccination of E. coli bacterin
Prevent chilled pigs
o Provide adequate supplemental heat
o Eliminate ventilation drafts
Ensure pigs get adequate colostrum
Farrowing house sanitation
Use of drying agents in creep area
Treatment:
Oral Medication: Gentamicin Pig Pump, Spectam/Scour Halt
Injectable Medication: Ceftiofur (i.e., Naxcel, Excede, Excenel), Gentamicin
Disease Guide
Page 6 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Rotavirus
Cause: Rotavirus is a virus that more commonly affects the gut in newborn pigs.
Discussion:
Pigs are usually affected at one to five days of age.
Clinical signs similar to TGE, but less severe.
Death loss is usually low unless there are concurrent infections or stress such as chilling.
Tends to be more of a problem in the gilt population because they have less immunity.
Clinical signs:
Scour: Yellow or gray-black
Dehydration
Occasional vomiting
Key Diagnostics:
Prevention:
Feedback pre-farrow +/- gilt isolation
Farrowing house sanitation
Treatment:
There is no cure for rotavirus; clinical signs of this disease must be managed properly to reduce their
effects.
Piglet manure feedback to sows pre-farrow
Use drying agent in creep area
Antibiotics are used only to reduce secondary bacterial infections.
Disease Guide
Page 7 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
TGE - Transmissible Gastroenteritis

Cause: A highly infectious virus known as Coronavirus that affects the gut.
Discussion:
This disease can occur any time of the year, and is common in the winter.
There are two manifestations of this disease at the sow farm:
a) Acute - In a naive herd death loss is severe, approaching 100% in pigs <3 weeks of age.
b) Chronic - Gradual increase in PWM (18-25%) caused by a scour that does not respond to antibiotic
therapy.
Clinical signs begin within 24 hours after birth.
Can occur in nursery and finishing pigs.
Pigs at the sow farm and early nursery die due to dehydration and malnutrition. Clinical signs usually
subside within five to seven days.
Clinical Signs:
Scour: Severe (yellow, dark gray, or green) depending on age of pig affected, +/- odor.
Vomiting of undigested milk by suckling pigs and feed by adults.
High mortality in pigs less than seven days of age.
Occasional abortions in sows with fevers.
Stunted growth and poor performance in affected grow/finish pigs following outbreak.
Severely dehydrated and weak pigs
Thin, transparent small intestine

with water contents and foul odor.
Key Diagnostics:
PCR on fecal swabs
It is extremely important to select an animal that just began to scour that day.
CONTACT VET SERVICES IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SUSPECT TGE
Prevention:
BIOSECURITY dont let this disease get onto the farm
Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment with electrolytes
Keep warm and dry
Antibiotics (i.e. Neomycin, Gentamicin, Spectinomycin) to control secondary infection in the baby pigs and
severely affected adults. Antibiotics will not cure this disease.
Whole herd feedback with intestinal organs and fecal material from affected pigs.
Disease Guide
Page 8 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
F18 E. coli - Edema Disease

Cause: Toxigenic F18 E. coli bacteria
Discussion:
Triggered by changes in gut flora caused by changes in diet, inadequate vaccination, decay of colostral
immunity, stress of weaning and/or other infectious agents.
Usually seen in the first four weeks after weaning in larger healthy looking pigs. Usually 15-25 days post
placement
Clinical Signs:
Yellow diarrhea in fall behinds
Inflamed butt
Lack of coordination (i.e. staggering, knuckling, paddling)
Head and eye lid swelling
Sudden death
Fluid around the stomach and gall bladder and spiral colon on postmortem
Swelling of forehead and eyelids
Edema/Fluid in stomach walls
Key Diagnostics:
Brain tissue and brain swabs
Clinical signs
Treatment:
Contact Veterinary Services
Prevention:
Vaccination of nursery shortly after placement with F18 E. coli vaccine
Good sanitation
Smooth transition to solid diets.
Disease Guide
Page 9 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
F18/K88 E. coli Post Weaning E. coli Diarrhea

Cause: Toxigenic F18 and/or K88 E. coli bacteria
Discussion:
Triggered by changes in gut flora caused by changes in diet, inadequate vaccination, loss of milk
antibodies, poor environment, stress of weaning and/or other infectious agents.
Usually seen in the first two weeks after weaning in variable sized pigs. 5-10 days post placement.
Clinical Signs:
Increase fall-behind pigs
+/- Scour: Gray pasty to watery
Prominent backbone, hip bones
Dehydration
Chronic development to lethargic, wasting, fuzzy, blue ears in 2-3 weeks post placement.
Gray pasty scour
Classic Fall-behind pig
Chronic appearance 2-3 wks post placement
Key Diagnostics:
Prevention:
Vaccination of nursery shortly after placement with F18 and K88 E. coli vaccine
Good sanitation
Smooth transition to solid diets.
Treatment:
Oral Medication: Gengard, Neomycin
Injectable Medication: Ceftiofur (Naxcel, Excede, Excenel)
Disease Guide
Page 10 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Ileitis
Cause: Lawsonia intracellularis is a spirochete bacteria.
Discussion:
Clinical signs range from poor growth performance to high death losses depending on age of the pig,
antibiotic used, and environmental stress on the pig.
Two manifestations of disease:
Chronic: usually seen in pigs weighing less than 150 lbs (grow-finish)
Acute: usually seen in pigs weighing more than 150 lbs (gilts and sows)
Clinical Signs:
Chronic
Overall poor performance
Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, size variation and slow growth rate
Scour: ranges in color and consistency, Cow-pie looseness
Thickening of the ileum and spiral colon on postmortem
Cow-pie diarrhea
Acute
Rough folds inside the ileum that will not flatten out
Sudden death, dead and live pigs may be pale in color

Moderate to severe thickening of the ileum and spiral colon on postmortem
Stool may be brick red-black in color or bloody. Intestine may be filled with long blood clot
Outbreak can occur with stress events (feed outs, temperature fluctuation, concurrent disease)
Bloody diarrhea in bred gilt
Intestine filled with clotted blood strands
Key Diagnostics:
Postmortem: thickened surface of the ileum, cecum and colon. Often referred to as Garden Hose Gut.
PCV2 can cause similar lesions
Prevention:
Reduce stress
Early diagnosis and treatment
Acute: controlled exposure +/- vaccination of replacement stock
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Tylan
Oral Medication: Lincomycin, Tylan, Denagard/Tiamulin
Disease Guide
Page 11 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
PCV2 Enteritis
Cause: Disease caused by Porcine Circovirus Type 2.
Discussion:
Porcine Circovirus type 2 is nearly ubiquitous in the swine population with nearly all herds testing
positive.
PCV2 rarely causes disease by itself. It is usually complicated by other triggers that stimulate the
immune system (stress, PRRS, Mycoplasma, vaccination, etc.)
PCV2 can cause diarrhea similar to ileitis

Clinical Signs:
Most commonly affects pigs between 8 and 16 weeks of age
Chronic diarrhea (2-6 weeks), that is unresponsive to antibiotics
Can be associated with other symptoms of PCVAD: Poor thrift or wasting, respiratory distress (thumping)
and less frequently jaundice (yellow skin)
Scour in finishing pig
Thickened ileum and small intestine with enlarged lymph node
Key Diagnostics:
Ileum samples and lymph nodes
Lesions occur in the lymphoid tissues (lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, intestine) as well as lungs and liver.
Must confirm presence of lesions and virus for PCV2-enteritis diagnosis

Treatment:
There is no treatment
Control secondary diseases
Identify sick pigs early and remove from general population
Euthanize pigs that do not respond to treatment rapidly

Prevention:
Vaccination
Reduce Stress
Minimize Concurrent diseases (PRRS, SIV, Mycoplasma, etc)
Disease Guide
Page 12 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Salmonella sp. - Salmonellosis

Cause: Salmonella is a bacteria. Two main types affecting pigs are Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella
typhimurium.
Discussion:
Salmonella choleraesuis is responsible for causing severe signs of diarrhea and septicemia.
Salmonella typhimurium is responsible for causing mainly clinical signs of diarrhea.
Clinical Signs:
Scour: dark diarrhea to bright yellow diarrhea (occasionally with blood)
Cyanosis (blue coloring of the skin) of the extremities
Coughing and thumping
Icterus (yellow coloring of body organs) on postmortem
Fever (103-106 F)
Sudden death to slowly wasting away
Emaciation/poor doing pigs
Blue ears, nose indicating septicemia
Key Diagnostics:
Intestine may be filled with long blood clot
Intestinal Lymph nodes are important especially if pigs have been treated with antibiotics.
Postmortem: enlarged spleen, liver, lymph nodes and/or wet heavy lungs. Ulcers in the large intestine.
Multiple sections of small intestine, cecum, colon, spleen, liver and lymph nodes.
Prevention:
All-in/all-out groups, sanitation
Reduce stress
Vaccination
Prevent access to flush gutters
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Ceftiofur
Water Medication: Neomycin, Gentamicin (not in finishing)
Disease Guide
Page 13 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Swine Dysentery
Cause: Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is a spirochete bacteria.
Discussion:
Pigs in the grow-finish period are most commonly affected, but can be seen in pigs of any age, including
sows.
Replacement gilts most likely to show clinical signs 3-4 weeks post-arrival
Causes severe diarrhea (reddish-orange) with mucous and blood 3-4 weeks post-infection, with recurrent
breaks in the same animals at 3-4 week intervals.
The same animal can re-break with dysentery 3-4 times before becoming immune.
Clinical Signs:
Reddish-orange diarrhea with strings of bloody-mucous in severe breaks
Occasionally see mucous in normal manure in animals that were previously infected
May also see yellow diarrhea with flecks of undigested feed (commonly known as Rice Water Diarrhea)
in previously infected animals exposed to stress
Poor feed conversion and ADG, along with double the mortality of a similar unaffected flow
Often see tail necrosis and a pink, hairless area between hams (see picture)
Key Diagnostics:
At necropsy:
a) Mucous and necrotic material may be present in the large intestine
b) Severe cases may have red bands present in the spiral colon/cecum.
Submit multiple fecal samples collected with culture swabs, along with LARGE pieces of spiral colon and
cecum (FIXED and FRESH for both.)
Contact Vet. Services IMMEDIATELY if you suspect you have Dysentery!
Prevention:
Strict rodent control program in and around the farm.
Excellent sanitation/disinfection between groups to minimize infective dose to incoming pigs
Treatment:
DO NOT MEDICATE without prior approval from Vet. Services
Disease Guide
Page 14 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Primary Causes of Respiratory Diseases
Bacterial
Haemophilus parasuis (HPS)

Streptococcus suis
Salmonella choleraesuis
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP)
Actinobacillus suis
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Pasteurella multocida
Viral
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2)
Swine Influenza
Pseudorabies (PR) - see FAD section
Parasitic
Ascaris suum (Roundworms) see other diseases of interest
Disease Guide
Page 15 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP)

Cause: Bacteria called Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. This is the old Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae.
Discussion:
There are several serotypes of APP that vary in severity of clinical signs and mortality. The ones of most
concern are 1, 5 and 7.
Organism can be transmitted by air and nose-to-nose contact
More typically spread by mixing negative animals with carrier animals
Outbreaks can be seen with improper sanitation of buildings and transportation
Clinical Signs:
Fever (106-107F)
Per-acute, Acute death (good looking pigs) frothy blood discharge from nose
Open-mouthed breathing, wet/productive coughing, dog-sitting, blood-tinged discharge from the nose and
mouth
May start in a few pens and spread from there
Note areas of hemorrhage and necrosis on back-side of lung.
Key Diagnostics:
Necrotic lung surface with abscesses, clot-like hardened knot, back-side of lung
Blood may run from cut surfaces of lungs
Fibrin and adhesions can be associated with affected area
Culture and histopathology on lung tissue
Treatment:
Note: Must be treated early and aggressively, which can help control the outbreak. Treat affected animals,
animals in the same pen and adjacent pens.
Contact vet and/or supervisor prior to beginning treatment
Injectable Medication: Penicillin, Ceftiofur (Naxcel, Excede, Excenel), Draxxin (PRESCRIPTION

REQUIRED)
Water Medication: Tiamulin/Denegard
Prevention:
BIOSECURITY
Proper ventilation
Proper sanitation
Disease Guide
Page 16 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Atrophic Rhinitis
Cause: Two bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica and toxigenic Pasteurella multocida work together to cause
this disease
Discussion:
The severity of this disease is greatly determined by ventilation, dust, noxious gases, humidity and
secondary pathogens.
Clinical Signs:
Severe sneezing
Mucous to bloody nasal discharge
Blunted or deviated snouts
Can affect growth rate and feed conversion
Deviated nose
Normal nasal septum
Nasal septum affected by Atrophic Rhinitis, note destruction of spirals and deviation of middle septum
Key Diagnostics:
Deviated snouts
Turbinate atrophy and deviation of the septum Cut nose in half, 2/3 way toward eyes
Nasal swab culture and turbinate samples
Treatment:
There is no treatment for deviated noses
Because of the number of animals affected, it is usually best to establish a vaccination program.
Prevention:
Vaccination
Proper ventilation
Disease Guide
Page 17 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Haemophilus parasuis (HPS)

Cause: Gram-negative bacteria called Haemophilus parasuis
Discussion:
Also known as Glassers Disease
Transmitted by carrier sows.
Present in practically all herds.
Gilt litters are more susceptible.
Disease triggered by stress (high temperature or humidity, weaning, overcrowding).
Clinical Signs:
Slow wasting disease
Fever
Neurological signs: Down and paddling unable to get up
Swollen joints, unable to walk
Coughing and thumping respiration
Acute mortality to death in 2-5 days (Good-looking pigs, replacement gilts and boars)
Fibrin (Cheese-like material, spiderwebs) on heart, lung, and intestines on postmortem
Polyserositis - Fibrin accumulation around the heart, lungs, liver and intestine
Down and paddling pig
Key Diagnostics:
HPS is difficult to culture samples should be collected from acutely affected euthanized pigs NOT PIGS
FOUND DEAD
Culture of fresh tissue.
Brain swabs, brain tissue in neurological (paddling, head-tilt) pigs
On necropsy, Haemophilus parasuis and Strep suis are indistinguishable from each other
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Ceftiofur, Oxytetracycline - with Anti-inflammatory
Water Medication: Chlortetracycline, Sulfamethazine, Tiamulin/Denagard, Aureo-Sulmet, Nuflor
(PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED)
Prevention:
Vaccination of pigs and/or adult females
Reduce stress on pigs (Ventilation, mixing, etc.)
Minimize PRRS circulation
Disease Guide
Page 18 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Mycoplasma
Cause: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a bacteria
Discussion:
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is transmitted from older pigs to younger pigs by direct contact.
Signs may be seen in pigs as young as three weeks of age.
Most pigs do not show clinical signs until 10 weeks to 6 months of age.
Clinical signs may be mild and transient to severe and chronic.
Clinical Signs:
Dry non-productive cough to a moist productive cough lasting six to eight weeks
May see thumping
Bottom section of the front two lung lobes are firm to the touch, consolidated, fish-flesh appearance
Off-feed with bleach-outs
Poor performance, weight loss, size variation
Cranio-ventral lung lobe consolidation
Key Diagnostics:
Standard necropsy submission
Treatment:
Note: Penicillin and Ceftiofur (Naxcel, Excede, Excenel) DO NOT work against Mycoplasma
Injectable Medication: Lincomix, Oxytetracycline, Draxxin (PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED)

Water Medication: Lincomix, Chlortetracycline
Prevention:
Vaccination
Proper ventilation
Control of other diseases at vaccination (PRRS, PCV2)
Control of other diseases in early finishing (PRRS, PCV2, SIV, etc.)
Disease Guide
Page 19 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Pasteurella
Cause: Bacteria called Pasteurella multocida.
Discussion:
This bacteria is present in all herds and a common inhabitant of nasal passages
By itself, Pasteurella multocida does not affect healthy pigs.
It can be very devastating in an already compromised lung (PRRS, SIV, Myco, worm migration, poor
ventilation).
Clinical Signs:
Productive coughing +/- Thumping
Off-feed
Variable death loss
Bottom section of the front two lung lobes are firm to the touch (cranial ventral consolidation)
Key Diagnostics:
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Penicillin, Oxytetracycline, Ceftiofur (Naxcel, Excede, Excenel)
Water Medication: Tetracyclines
Prevention:
Proper ventilation
Control other respiratory diseases (PRRS, Mycoplasma, SIV, PCV2)
Reduce stress (mixing, poor ventilation)
Disease Guide
Page 20 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
PCV2 and PCVAD/PMWS

Cause: The complete cause is still unclear, however a virus known as Porcine Circovirus Type 2 is present in
all cases.
Discussion:
Porcine Circovirus type 2 is ubiquitous in the swine population with nearly all herds testing positive for the
virus.
PCV2 rarely causes disease by itself. It is usually complicated by other triggers including infections with
PRRSV, Mycoplasma, and influenza as well as stimulating the immune system with vaccine.
Clinical Signs:
Most commonly affects pigs between 8 and 16 weeks of age
High acute mortality
Poor thrift, wasting, emaciation
Respiratory distress (Thumping)
Chronic diarrhea (see PCV2-enteritis)
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and muscle tissue)
Porcine Dermatopathy and Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS) Skin Lesions
Enlarged bronchial lymph nodes
Sever, patchy lung lobe consolidation
PDNS on hind quarters
White spotted kidneys
Enlargement of inguinal lymph nodes
White streaks on cut surface of kidney
Key Diagnostics:
For a PCVAD diagnosis ALL of the following have to be shown:
Clinical signs,
Hallmark lesions of lymph tissues
Presence of virus in lesions
Lymph Tissues: Lymph Nodes (inguinal, bronchial, thoracic, internal iliac, mesenteric), Tonsil, Spleen
Lungs, Liver and Kidney
PDNS Skin and Kidney
Treatment:
Although many have been tried, there has been no successful treatments for PCVAD
Prevention:
Vaccination
Reduce Stress
Minimize Concurrent diseases (PRRS, SIV, Mycoplasma, etc)
Disease Guide
Page 21 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Cause: American and European strains of the PRRS virus
Discussion:
There are many strains of PRRS virus and immunity to each is not cross-protective to all others
Can present itself in multiple syndromes:
o Reproductive Abortions (mid-late term), poor conception rates, low born alive, increased still
born, mummies and low viable pigs, sow and piglet mortality, fever, off-feed
o Respiratory Nursery or grow/finish phase, cough, thumping, fever, off-feed, poor performance,
mortality
o PRDC possible component of Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex with other bacteria
(Mycoplasma, Pasturella) and viruses (SIV, PCV2)
o Ill-thrift any age pig, general poor performance and growth rate
Impairs the pigs immune system, decreasing the pigs ability to fight off secondary infections
Clinical Signs:
Abortions, increased stillborns and/or mummies, low viable piglets, increased PWM
Ill-thrift pigs of any age
Coughing, thumping
Fevers, off-feed
Fuzzy appearance, domed head
Overall poor performance
Increased appearance or complication of secondary diseases (Strep. suis, HPS, E. coli, Mycoplasma, etc)
Key Diagnostics
Diagnostics vary at different stages of production
Serology on negative herds, PCR on blood or tissues from affected pigs/sows
Lungs, lymph nodes, tonsil
Abortion: sow blood, fetuses and placenta
Treatment:
There is no treatment for the virus
Treatment should be aimed at secondary bacterial infections and fever reduction
Prevention:
BIOSECURITY (Semen, Animals, Transportation, Supplies, People, etc.)
Reduce stress
Minimize cross-fostering
Minimize continuous flow, multiple sources, multiple ages
Minimize number of animals shot with the same needle
Disease Guide
Page 22 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Cause: Bacteria called Salmonella choleraesuis
Discussion:
Salmonella usually begins as a scour then progresses to a septicemia if left untreated
Mostly occurs in the nursery and finishing phases
Clinical Signs:
Wet/productive coughing and thumping
Acute death
Cyanosis (blue coloring of the skin) of the extremities (ears, nose, legs, bellies)
Enlarged spleen and/or liver and red spots on the kidney.
Bright yellow diarrhea
Fever
Cyanosis of the extremities (ears, nose, tails)
Enlarged spleen
Edema of the spiral colon and inflamed intestinal walls
Key Diagnostics:
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Ceftiofur (Naxcel, Excede, Excenel)
Water Medication: Neomycin, Gentamycin (Not in finishing)
Prevention:
Vaccination
Reduce stress
Disease Guide
Page 23 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Streptococcus suis
Cause: Bacteria called Streptococcus suis
Discussion:
Transmitted by carrier sows
Present in practically all herds
Severe outbreaks can be associated with PRRS flare-ups
Clinical Signs
All ages of pigs affected; especially in young, growing pigs.
Fever
Swollen joints and unable to walk
Down and paddling unable to get up
Coughing and thumping
Polyserositis
Spider-webbing (fibrin) in abdomen
Fibrin accumulation around the heart, lungs, liver and intestine
Down and paddling pig
Key Diagnostics:
Brain swabs, brain tissue in neurological (paddling, head-tilt) pigs
On necropsy, Strep suis and Haemophilus parasuis are indistinguishable from each other
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Penicillin, Ceftiofur - with Anti-inflammatory
Water Medication: Sulfamethazine, Aureo-Sulmet, Tiamulin/Denegard, Potassium Penicillin
(PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED)
Prevention:
Vaccination of pigs and/or adult females
Reduce stress on pigs (Ventilation, mixing, etc.)
Understand PRRS status and minimize circulation
Disease Guide
Page 24 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Swine Influenza (SIV)

Cause: Multiple types and strains of Swine Influenza type A virus.
Discussion:
Influenza can be transmitted from humans to pigs, but porcine strains do not easily transmit to humans.
Influenza can also be spread from poultry and water fowl to pigs.
More commonly transmitted by introducing naive animals into the herd or by air from farm to farm.
Outbreaks usually occur in the fall or early winter but can occur any time of the year.
Clinical Signs:
Sudden onset +/- death
In outbreaks, entire group affected simultaneously
Fever (>104F)
Nasal discharge, conjunctivitis (tear-staining, crustiness around eyes), eartip necrosis
Off feed, lethargic
Loud, dry, goose-honking cough to thumping cough
Recovery maybe as soon as 5-7 days, depending on population dynamics
Chronic infections occur in continuous flow populations
A dry cough can be seen after a break due to damage of the airways
Febrile abortions may occur
Conjunctivitis
Ear tip necrosis
Key Diagnostics:
Samples need to come from acutely affected pigs with active fevers +/- nasal discharge
Nasal swabs
Treatment:
Note: Antibiotic therapy is only to control secondary infections.
Improve ventilation and keep affected pigs warm
Injectable Medication: Penicillin, Oxytetracycline

Water Medication: Aspirin (reduce fevers), Tetracyclines
Prevention:
Vaccination (people and pigs): Replacement breeding stock, sows pre-farrow, at-risk growing pigs
Proper ventilation
Separation of pigs from poultry or water fowl
Disease Guide
Page 25 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
OTHER DISEASES of INTEREST
Bacterial
Leptospirosis
Erysipelas
Staphylococcuc hyicus (Greasy Pig)
Viral
Parvovirus
Parasitic
Ascaris suum (Roundworms)

Other
Gastric Ulcers
Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS)
Water Deprivation/Salt Toxicity
Disease Guide
Page 26 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Erysipelas
Cause: Bacteria called Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
Discussion:
It is a bacterial disease that can affect all ages, but is uncommon in suckling pigs. It can be transmitted by
healthy carriers or contaminated soil or buildings.
Two forms:
a) Acute: classic signs including fevers, sudden death and skin lesions
b) Chronic: few signs other than arthritis
Clinical Signs:
Sudden death
Fever (104-106 F)
Sore arthritic joints; trouble walking
Diamond-shaped, red skin welts
Purple ears and underbelly
Febrile abortions are possible
Classic Diamond shaped lesions
Key Diagnostics:
Diagnosis can usually be made by classical skin lesions and rapid response to injectable penicillin
Include fresh and fixed skin samples from affected areas
Include swollen joints if affected
Treatment:
Injectable Medication: Penicillin, Ceftiofur (Naxcel, Excede, Excenel)
Vaccination during outbreak
Prevention:
Isolation of incoming breeding stock
Vaccination of replacement gilts, boar and sows
Good sanitation
Treatment/Elimination of carrier animals when signs appear
Disease Guide
Page 27 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Gastric Ulcers
Cause: Ulceration of non-glandular part of pig stomach, usually due to high gastric pH.
Discussion:
Most pigs have minor gastric ulcers and are sub-clinically affected
Highest prevalence is seen in finishing pigs
Usually results from a feed-out event, either involuntary (emergency feed-out, blocked feeder) or
voluntary (anorexia, SIV break).
Clinical Signs:
Pale pigs, Bleach-outs
Dark tarry stools may be seen
Acute death may occur
Key Diagnostics:
Ulcer in esophageal region of stomach (have to open stomach nearest diaphragm)
Pale appearance to major organs
Digested blood in stomach (coffee-grounds)
Treatment:
There is no treatment for gastric ulcer
Prevention:
Prevent feed-out events (feeder blockage, feed auger, feed motor, bin bridges, feed delivery issues)
Reduce stress
Provide adequate water
Prevent disease outbreaks that may result in animals off-feed (SIV, PRRS, etc)
Disease Guide
Page 28 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Greasy Pig Exudative Epidermitis

Cause: A bacteria called Staphylococcus hyicus.
Discussion:
One of many forms of generalized skin infections affecting growing pigs.
Tends to be more of a problem in poorly ventilated buildings.
Occurs when skin lacerations become infected.
More common in gilt litters (i.e., start up herds, parity production).
Clinical Signs:
Affected areas feel greasy to the touch.
Skin lesions start on face, shoulder, and flank.
In severe cases the entire pig may be covered.
Lesions appear as bumps that ooze material and becomes crust-like.
Depression, emaciation and possible death in four to eight days.
Crusts usually start on the face
Pustules and crust-like lesions covering pig
Severe cases where entire pig is covered with greasy crust
Key Diagnostics:
Culture affected sections of skin and histopathology of skin
Treatment:
Topical Medication: Virkon S, Chlorhexadine, Iodine/Mineral Oil, Albadry (PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED)
Injectable Medication: Ceftiofur
Prevention:
Properly ventilate: Low humidity and a dry environment.
Prevent fighting (mixing, stress, etc.)
Sanitation of farrowing house processing equipment
Disease Guide
Page 29 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS)

Cause: Unknown
Discussion:
Acute death in finishing animals and possibly breeding stock cause by bleeding-out into intestinal tract
Must be differentiated from gastric ulcers
Clinical Signs:
Acute death
Pale appearance
Animals may appear bloated even shortly after death
Black to red diarrhea
Key Diagnostics:
Large sections of intestinal tract are hemorrhagic and filled with watery, unclotted blood
Diagnosis of HBS is by ruling out all other possible causes (twisted gut/torsions, ileitis, gastric ulcers,
dysentery, etc.), so complete enteric diagnostic workup is needed
Treatment:
There is no treatment for HBS
Some suggest changing feed or water source
Provide electrolytes
Prevention:
Since there is no known cause, prevention is based on reducing stress
Disease Guide
Page 30 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Leptospirosis
Cause: Leptospira are bacteria.
Discussion:
There are six types of leptospira (pomona, bratislava, canicola, icterohemorrhagica, grippotyphosa,
hardjo).
The disease is transmitted by urine-contaminated water, rodents, wild animals or swine.
Two forms of the disease:
a) Acute Form: abortion storms, weak pigs, stillbirths
b) Chronic Form: long-term loss of reproductive efficiency
Clinical Signs:
Abortions, stillborns, and/or mummies depending on time of infection
Key Diagnostics:
Identification of Leptospira from fetal tissues (PCR)
Paired serum samples demonstrating high titers above vaccine levels
Treatment:
Re-vaccinate affected group
Oral Medication: Chlortetracycline
Prevention:
Good sanitation
Rodent control
Total confinement
Proper vaccination protocol
Disease Guide
Page 31 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Parvovirus
Cause: A virus called Porcine Parvovirus.
Discussion:
The disease is present on all farms and most animals in the breeding herd have been exposed.
The disease goes unnoticed in non-pregnant animals.
It is transmitted from the sow to the pigs in utero.
Typically it is more of a problem in gilts. Adult animals are sufficiently immunized due to vaccination and
to repeated natural exposure.
Sows exposed prior to 65 days of gestation may experience reproductive failure.
Clinical Signs:
Mummification of fetuses at different sizes.
Increase in the number of NIPs.
Increase in stillbirths.
Increase in small litters.
Key Diagnostics:
Submit several mummified fetuses
Affected and unaffected gilt blood
Treatment:
There is no treatment for Parvovirus
Review vaccination program
Prevention:
This disease is easily controlled and outbreaks are usually associated with failure to follow vaccine
protocols.
Good vaccination protocol
Acclimation and good exposure to breeding stock pre-breeding
Disease Guide
Page 32 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Roundworms
Cause: An internal parasite called Ascaris suum.
Discussion:
Large worm seen in growing pigs.
Transmitted by ingestion of eggs in manure or contaminated facility.
The eggs hatch in the intestine and the young worms migrate through the liver and lungs where they
cause damage.
Migration through liver causes scar tissue (Milk-Spots) that lead to liver condemnation at packing plant
Clinical Signs:
Coughing, thumping followed by swallowing
Rough hair coat
Stunted growth
Worm migration in major airways in lungs
Worm impaction in small intestine
Milk-spots on liver are areas of scar tissue after larval migration
Key Diagnostics:
Fecal float examination on feces.
Observation of worms in feces.
White spots on the liver (milk spots).
Treatment:
Treatment for worms may require multiple deworming as young migrating worms may not be affected by
wormer. Consult your veterinarian for optimal response with deworming protocols.
Water Medication: Piperazine (Wazine), Levamisole (Tramisol)
Prevention:
Good sanitation
Good deworming program on challenged sites
Sow herd oral deworming programs (Atguard, Safequard)
Disease Guide
Page 33 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Water Deprivation/Salt Toxicity

Cause: Water being shut off or no access to water for long periods of time
Discussion:
Even in our modern systems, water deprivation is very common
Water deprivation is usually directly related to management error
When a pig does not have access to water, salt builds up in the pigs brain. When the pigs gain access to
water and drinks too much, too fast. The water is absorbed into the brain where the salt is concentrated.
The swelling of the brain causes neurological signs, similar to those seen with bacterial meningitis (Strep
suis, HPS) and Edema disease.
Causes may include water not being available or turned back on after:
Medicator hookup
Fixing broken pipes or hoses
Issues with well pumps
Plugged water nipples
Undetected broken water lines
Reduction of water flow
Frozen water source/pipes
Clinical Signs:
Clinical signs usually occur after access to water is restored to the pigs
Signs are neurological:
Paddling
Ataxia: Staggered gait, walking in circles
Head pressing
Blindness
Dog-sitting, head and nose raised up, flipping
Key Diagnostics:
History of water being off
Brain samples must be collected fresh and fixed
Treatment:
Once recognized, water should be provided to pigs for 15 minutes, then removed for 15 minutes. Repeat
this process until pigs appear to no longer have much interest in water.
Affected pigs usually do not recover and either die or are euthanized
Affected pigs may respond to reduction of brain swelling with an anti-inflammatory
Prevention:
Check water availability every day
Make sure water is turned back on to pigs when shut off
Have plan for supplying water in an emergency
Disease Guide
Page 34 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Foreign Animal Diseases

The following diseases are considered Foreign Animal Diseases that are important to the
swine industry and the US meat market. These diseases have been eradicated from the
United States, have been eradicated from the domestic pig population or have never been
documented in the US. It is important to recognize the signs of these diseases promptly
because there would be a huge economic impact if these diseases were to enter the US.
Failure to report any of these diseases promptly could result in the rapid spread of
pathogens to susceptible species across the US.
If you suspect any of these diseases contact your veterinarian immediately.
Viral
Vesicular Diseases
o Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
o Swine Vesicular Disease
o Vesicular Exanthema of Swine
o Vesicular Stomatitis
Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera)
African Swine Fever
Pseudorabies (PRv)
Disease Guide
Page 35 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
African Swine Fever

Cause: African Swine Fever is caused by a virus. In affected areas the virus can be spread by infected ticks.
Discussion:
This disease resembles Classical Swine Fever in its clinical appearance.
This disease has never been in the US, however outbreaks have occurred as close as Haiti, the
Dominican Republic and the Caribbean islands.
Clinical Signs:
Acute morbidity and mortality (can approach 100%)
Fever (>106F), piling
Depression
Off-feed
Conjunctivitis
Neurological signs (uncorrdination, hind leg paralysis)
Hemorrhages on the skin (ears and flank)
Cyanosis of ear
Enlarged spleen
Hemorrhagic lymph nodes
Key Diagnostics:
If you suspect African Swine Fever, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Tissue collection will be conducted by a state/federal diagnostician
Enlarged spleen, +/- infarcts

Enlarged and hemorrhagic lymph nodes
Treatment/Control:
There is no treatment for Classical Swine Fever
Rapid identification and regional control efforts are essential to control the spread of these diseases
Prevention:
NATIONAL BIOSECURITY
FARM BIOSECURITY
Do not bring un-approved meat products onto the farm
Follow Murphy-Brown, LLC International Travel Policy
Disease Guide
Page 36 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera)

Cause: Classical Swine Fever is caused by a virus.
Discussion:
This disease is extremely economically important to the US swine industry.
Hog Cholera was eradicated from the United States. The last case was seen in 1978.
Classical Swine Fever is present in the near-by countries of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
The disease is highly contagious and infection can spread rapidly.
Outbreaks were usually associated with garbage fed swine.
Clinical Signs:
Acute morbidity and mortality
Fever (>106F), piling
Depression
Off-feed
Conjunctivitis
Neurological signs (uncoordination, hind leg paralysis)
Tonsil necrosis
Infarcts on the spleen
Spotted kidneys, Turkey Egg kidney
Key Diagnostics:
If you suspect Classical Swine Fever, contact your veterinarian immediately!
The USDA has a CSF surveillance program for swine. This involved testing tonsil samples from routine
diagnostic cases.
Tonsil
Treatment/Control:
There is no treatment for Classical Swine Fever
Prevention:
FARM BIOSECURITY
Disease Guide
Page 37 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

and other vesicular diseases
Cause: All vesicular diseases are caused by viruses.
Discussion:
These diseases are extremely economically important to the US swine industry
Clinical signs for these diseases are the same and are covered as Foot and Mouth Disease
Other species can be affected with similar signs (Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Horses)
Clinical Signs:
Vesicles (blisters) on the nose, lips, tongue, teats and the hoofs. Affected tissue may slough off and
result in raw areas
Hoofs/claws separate from toes
Severe lameness
Key Diagnostics:
If you suspect any vesicular disease, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Treatment:
There is no treatment for Vesicular diseases
Prevention:
FARM BIOSECURITY
Disease Guide
Page 38 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Pseudorabies
Cause: Pseudorabies is caused by the pseudorabies virus. PRV has been eradicated from commercial swine
and is now considered a foreign animal disease. This disease still exists in some feral populations of swine.
Clinical Signs:
Pneumonia in grow/finish pigs
Foaming at the mouth in baby pigs, high mortality rates
Fever (103-105 F)
Off-feed
Mummified fetuses
Necrosis of the tonsils
White foci on spleen and liver of young pigs
Key Diagnostics:
If you suspect Pseudorabies, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Treatment/Control:
If you suspect Pseudorabies, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Prevention:
Eradication
BIOSECURITY prevent contact of domestic swine from feral swine populations
Disease Guide
Page 39 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
REFERENCES
AASV Website. http://www.aasv.org/
Cowart, R.P., Casteel, S.W. 2001. An outline of swine diseases. 2nd Ed.
Foreign Animal Diseases (The Gray Book). 1998. United States Animal Health Association.
Guillamon, M.D.H, Garcia de Jalon, J.A. 2007. A guide to necropsy diagnosis in swine pathology.
Iowa State University - College of Veterinary Medicine - Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animals
Medicine Website. http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/departments/vdpam/
Jackson, P.G.G., Cockcroft, P.D. 2007. Handbook of Pig Medicine.
Schwartz, K.J. 2004. Swine Disease Manual. 3rd Ed.
Straw, B.E., Zimmerman, J.J., DAllaire, S., Taylor, D.J. 2006. Diseases of Swine. 9th Ed.
Taylor, D.J. 1999. Pig Diseases. 7th Ed.
Disease Guide
Page 40 of 40
Revised 11-13-07
Pig Selection
Pig Selection
Represent the disease
Not the cull pigs
Not the dead pigs
Animals not treated
Swine
Necropsy
Manual
Compiled by Veterinary Services Division, Murphy-Brown East

Revision Date: 11-20-07
The pigs chosen to take samples from are the most important step in obtaining an accurate and
timely diagnosis. Therefore it is critical that ample time be spent observing the population of pigs
and gaining a complete understand of the history prior to collecting samples or performing
euthanasia.
This guide is intended as a step-by-step guide to the necropsy of

pigs.
It is not independent of hands-on training by an
experienced professional.
At least 2-3 pigs should be sampled from each affected age group to get a clear understanding of
the problem. The pigs must be representative of the whole affected population. It is best if the
pigs are in the general population and are just starting to exhibit clinical signs.
Selection of the right pigs is important. Diagnostics need to represent the disease affecting most
of the animals. These are NOT chronic poor pigs in the cull pens, the dead pigs from this
morning, or the repeatedly treated pigs that did not get better. Sampling only pigs that are in the
cull pens will skew the diagnostic picture, resulting in isolation of common secondary pathogens
or finding lesions masked by scarring.
In addition the pigs chosen for sampling should not be have been administered an antibiotic
either injectable or in the water.
3 Golden Rules of Necropsy
Quality
Trash In = Trash Out
Biosecurity and Sanitation (clean bags)
Proper Labeling
Do it the right way and same way each

time.
If youre not sure ASK!
Quantity - Sample size
Guide Lines and Tips
Thumbnail for Fixed tissues

Palm sized for Fresh tissues
Keep it cool!
Be sure to keep all equipment, bags and samples clean. Dont get bags excessively
dirty. Rinse off or wipe down any bags with blood, tissue or fecal material on the
outside.
The golden rule of diagnostics is Trash In, Trash Out, meaning if we

supply poor quality samples then the lab will report a poor quality
diagnosis.
Label the bags with enough information for the veterinarian and laboratory to
match bags between pigs and with any paperwork. Usually this is Veterinarian
specific, but at a minimum Farm ID, Animal number and date of collection should
be recorded.
Sample size is very important. Fixed samples must be small (thumbnail)

to allow the formalin to soak into the center of the tissue. Large samples
fix on the outside, but the center rots and is of no value. Fresh samples
should be large (palm size to whole organ), but not so large you cant fit
all the organs in the same bag. Also, be sure to collect enough samples.
If the lab doesnt want the tissue they can throw it away we cant go
back and get it from the pig.
Most veterinarians and laboratories necropsy pigs differently, with different

methods and tricks. The general idea is to follow good technique, establish an
acceptable routine and repeat this same process each time you necropsy a pig.
If you are not sure of what to collect or how to collect it, contact your veterinarian
and ask for assistance and training.
Place samples on ice and keep cool during collection and delivery to
lab/office. Keeping samples cool improves isolation of pathogens and
keeps tissues from rotting.
Bag 1 Fixed (Formalin)
Euthanasia
CO2 Gas Euthanasia

Captive Bolt
Gun Shot
Blunt Trauma
Technique-Nursery/Finish-Landmarks
Murphy-Brown
Euthanasia Policy
Euthanasia of pigs is necessary to obtain a good quality submission. Valuable

necropsies, and thus diagnostics, come from freshly euthanized pigs. Consider the
method of euthanasia, as some can cause lesions that may be confused with a
disease process.
Tonsil
Heart
Lung (5 pieces)
Liver
Small
Spleen
Sample Size
Kidney
Thumbnail
Lymph Nodes
0.5-1cm, etc
Inguinal
Thoracic
Bronchial
Iliac
Mesenteric
Ileum + Cecum
Colon
Small Intestine (5 pieces)
Bag 2 Fresh Organs

Tonsil
Heart
Large
Lung
Sample Size
Liver
Palm sized
Whole organ
Spleen
Kidney
Bag 3 Fresh Intestine
Ileum
Large
Sample Size
Cecum
Palm sized
Colon
Whole organ
Small Intestine
w/ lymph nodes
Other - Bags/Swabs/Tubes
Brains
Fluids
Tonsil
Joints
Skin
Most diagnostic workups require 3 sample bags:

1 Fixed Tissue with Formalin Fluid
1 Fresh Major Organs
1 Fresh Intestines
1. CO2 gas This is the best method available to us for preserving

tissue in a diagnostic case, but size of the animal or availability of a CO2 chamber
are the limiting factors.
This keeps contamination of organs to a minimum. Additional

bags may be required for specific collection of fresh and fixed
samples of tonsils, liver, joints, brain, skin or other tissues.
These collections should be discussed with your veterinarian
first.
2. Captive bolt/gun shot This can also destroy the brain in pigs with
neurological disease
3. Blunt Trauma This causes hemorrhages and air bubbles to form in
the lungs of pigs. In addition, it destroys the target tissue in pigs with neurological
disease.
Utilize approved method of euthanasia based on the current Murphy-Brown
Euthanasia Policy.
Tools
Safety
Required Tools
Sharp Knife
Knife sharpener
Forceps (rat-tooth)
Sharp Scissors
Formalin
Sample Bags (Whirl-Pak)
Gloves
Sharpie or Pen
Euthanasia method
Knife
PPE gloves and glasses
Zoonosis
Strep suis
Salmonella spp.
Etc
Other Tools
Culture Swabs
Blood tubes
Hacksaw
Keeping your knifes blade sharp is one of the most key processes when
posting pigs. Dull knives tear tissue, rather than cut. This results in a
longer time to effectively collect samples, frustration and the handler is
more likely to cut themselves with a dull knife.
As with any project, the proper tools are required. Each of

the above items helps make the necropsy procedure
easier and proper sample collection more efficient.
There are a few diseases that can be transmitted from pigs to people
when performing a necropsy, namely Strep suis, Salmonella, etc. Care
should be taken to prevent cuts or skin punctures when cutting samples.
Gloves should be worn during the necropsy process. Hands should be
washed after completion of the necropsy to prevent accidental ingestion
of blood, tissues or fecal material. In the event someone cuts
themselves, wash the area with soap and water, apply proper first aid
and follow the current accident reporting protocols.
Overall External Appearance
Opening the Animal
Overall external appearance of the animal can help diagnosis

and tissue collection. Examine the pigs body for cyanosis (blue
color), skin lesions, evidence of diarrhea, swollen joints, blood
pooling from mouth and/or nose, sores, ruptures, abscesses,
etc.
Start by cutting down through the underarms of the pig. Cut far
enough so that the arm lays back on the ground. Repeat for
both arms.
Tip: To keep your knife blade sharp, dont cut down against the
hair and skin. Poke into the skin with the knife point and cut
from the inside out.
10
Cut the underside of the hip (from the flank to just below the
anus) on one of the hind legs. Cut down so that the hip joint is
cut. Reflect the leg back.
The pig should be laid out with both front legs reflected and at
least one hind leg reflected.
Note: Repeating this for both legs is optional, one leg is

sufficient.
11
12
The skin is separated at the neck to provide a handle and to

allow location of the notch (yellow angle) to cut open the
ribcage.
Find the notch just behind the top point of the breast bone. This
will allow you to cut through the softer cartilage on the ribs,
rather than the hard bone, which will quickly dull your knife and
leave sharp edges of bone.
13
14
Keeping the blade of the knife level and parallel to the chest and
belly of the pig, cut through the rib cage along the cartilage
joints. Using the top flap of skin, pull up on the rib cage to make
it easier to visualize organs and cut with the knife.
Continue your cut through the rib cage to the belly of the pig.
Extend your cut all the way to the base of the belly.
Caution: Be careful not to cut any intestinal sections while
cutting. This will contaminate your major organ samples.
15
16
Tonsil
After the pig has been opened, but before taking any other
tissue, collect the tonsil. Locate the inside ridge of the lower jaw
bone (yellow line). Cut down deep along the inside of this bone
on both sides of the jaw.
The tonsil is an important immune system organ. It is also the

main organ used for Classical Swine Fever surveillance.
It is difficult to find the first few times, but once you know what
you are looking for it is simple.
Note: you can extend your cut from the one used to reflect each
front leg.
17
18
If you have cut deep enough, you should be able to work your
thumb and index finger into the inside of the pigs mouth, around
the base of the tongue.
Carefully, lift the skin and underlying tongue up and cut across
and down into the mouth to separate the tongue.
Caution: Be careful when cutting through the tongue so that you
do not cut your fingers.
19
20
Tongue
Trachea
Roof of mouth
Tonsil
Location of Tonsil
The Tonsil is located on the roof of the mouth and at the back.
The tonsil looks kind of like a butterfly and its surface is pitted
like a golf ball (see picture insert). Run your finger along the
hard ridges on the roof of the mouth from front to back. When
you fall-off the hard ridges your finger should be right on top of
the tonsil.
Pull the tongue back and cut between the back of tongue and
roof of the mouth. This will expose the tonsil for easier collection.
Your goal is to reflect back the tongue, trachea (windpipe) and
larynx (voice box), away from the tonsil.
21
22
Larynx
(voice box)
Tonsil
After the tongue, trachea and larynx have been pulled back, use
the forceps to grasp the tonsil. Use scissors to cut under the
tonsil and lift it off the roof of the mouth.
Once the tonsil has been removed, cut half of the tonsil and
place in a fresh bag and fix the other half in formalin.
Note: Your vet may require the tonsil samples be collected in
bags separate from the other tissue samples.
23
24
Thoracic
Lymph Node
Heart
Thoracic Cavity
Major Organs
Lungs, Heart, Thoracic and
Bronchial Lymph Nodes
Lungs
Abdominal Cavity
Diaphragm
The major tissues in the thoracic cavity are the, Lungs, Heart,
Thoracic and Bronchial Lymph nodes.
Note: The diaphragm separates the Thoracic cavity from the
Abdominal cavity
25
26
The Lungs
Palpate (feel) the Lung for its texture. It should feel spongy and
full of air. Hard or firm lung tissue is a sign of disease.
Lift up the trachea and cut underneath the lungs and heart (the
pluck). Pull up on the pluck and cut/peal them away from the
back of the pig. Cut the pluck away from the diaphragm.
Observe the lung for differences in color or patterns. A healthy

lung is light pink without a pattern.
Flip the pluck over and examine the back side of the lungs for
any lesions.
Estimate the percentage of the lung affected.

Note: Be sure to collect the Bronchial Lymph Nodes before you
cut the lungs apart!
27
28
Note margin line created by healthy and

diseased tissue. Fixed samples should be
collected to include this margin
5 sections of lung for Fixed Tissues
Once the lung has been evaluated, collect samples for fresh and
fixed. For samples, identify areas that have lesions and/or do not
feel healthy. Collect approximately 5 lung pieces from different
lobes of the lung for fixed tissue.
For fresh tissue, collect large pieces of lung about palm sized.
In young nursery pigs, one whole half of the lung can be
collected. In larger pigs, collect 2-3 large pieces from different
lobes (top, middle, bottom) of the lung.
Tip: For fixed samples, collect along margins of healthy and

affected tissue (yellow boxes).
Tip: Take fixed samples from one side of the lung and submit the
other side for fresh tissue.
Reminder: Cut small samples (thumbnail) for fixed tissues.
29
30
Bottom or Point
of the heart
The Heart
Cutting the heart long ways and
submitting the left side for fresh tissue
(this also allows inspection of the
valves and interior of the heart)
Cutting the bottom half of the heart

and submit for fresh tissue
Area for fixed tissue
collection
Atrium of heart
For the Heart focus on the left side of the heart. This will be on
your right when you open the pig. In most pigs, this is the
thicker, more firm side of the heart.
For fresh tissue submission, the entire heart can be submitted if

small enough, or half of the heart can be submitted. Opening
the heart can help identify problems with the valves or interior of
the heart chambers.
About 2/3 of the way up the heart there usually is a band of

white/yellow fat tissue. This is approximately the point where the
left heart valve is located. Cut your fixed tissue section from
here.
31
32
Thoracic
Lymph Node
Heart
Lymph Nodes
Trachea
Lungs
Bronchial
Lymph Nodes
The Thoracic and Bronchial Lymph Nodes are located in the

thoracic cavity (see slide 26).
The lymph node is a center for immune system processes.

Lymph tissue is located throughout the entire body, either as
nodes or imbedded within organ tissue. This tissue is essential
for diagnosis of systemic diseases like PCVAD, PRRS and
Salmonellosis.
The Thoracic Lymph Nodes are located just inside the first rib
and above the heart and lungs.
The Bronchial Lymph Nodes are located in the back of the lungs
on either side of the trachea. The pluck usually needs to be
completely removed to identify these lymph nodes. There are
several that run next to the trachea, between the two lung lobes.
Collect 5 lymph nodes; Thoracic, Bronchial, Inguinal, Iliac, and

Mesenteric.
Note: If the lymph nodes are easy to find, they are enlarged and
there is a disease process occurring.
33
34
Rectum
Inguinal Lymph Node
Iliac Lymph Node
Inguinal Lymph Nodes are found in the groin region of the

animal. They can sometimes be seen as large lumps just under
the skin between the legs. If you reflected the leg correctly at the
beginning, the inguinal lymph node should lay near the cut
surface, just under the skin.
The Iliac Lymph Nodes lay on the back body wall in the lower
abdominal cavity. Move the intestines, urinary bladder and
uterus (if present) out of the way. The lymph nodes lay on either
side of the middle of the back, along the center vessels.
Note: The lymph node may be buried in large amounts of fat, but
you should be able to palpate and feel them slip between your
fingers.
35
36
Abdominal Cavity
Major Organs
Mesenteric Lymph Node
Liver, Spleen, Kidneys, Iliac

Lymph Nodes
Small Intestine
Mesenteric (intestinal) Lymph Nodes are found in the bands of

tissue connecting the small intestinal loops.
37
38
Diaphragm
The Liver
Thoracic Cavity
Liver
Stomach
Gall Bladder
Spleen
Kidney
Intestines
Inguinal Lymph Node
Gall Bladder
Urinary Bladder
The major tissues in the abdominal cavity are the, Liver, Spleen,
Kidneys, and Iliac Lymph Nodes.
The Liver is the largest organ in the abdominal cavity and is

located just under the diaphragm. It is made up of several lobes.
Note: Intestines are covered in a separate section.
Caution: DO NOT cut the gall bladder, as the bile inside will
contaminate your samples. The gall bladder is located on the
underside of the liver, usually the lobe farthest on your left.
39
40
The Spleen
Cut a bread slice out of one lobe of the liver and place in the
fixed sample bag. Place a palm sized piece of liver in the bag for
fresh samples.
The Spleen is located on the pigs left side under the stomach. It
is connected to the stomach by a series of vessels and band of
tissue. Inspect the spleen for any signs of disease; enlarged,
thickened, dark spots. Cut a small bread slice from the spleen
for the fixed sample. Place the remainder in the bag for fresh
sample.
Note: Your vet may require fresh liver samples to be placed in a

separate bag.
41
42
The Kidneys
The Kidneys are located on the back body wall in the abdominal
cavity (see slide 39). Move the intestines out of the way to
visualize the kidneys.
The kidney can be sliced in half long ways to visualize the

interior of the kidney. Infection, fluid filled cysts, or white stripes
on the cut surfaces can indicate disease processes.
Remove the kidneys, either by cutting free or by pulling out with

your hands. Cut the kidney on one of the ends. The fixed
section should include a 0.5cm slice through the center. Either
end can be submitted for fresh samples.
43
44
Spiral Colon
Stomach
Intestines
Stomach, Small intestines, Ileum,
Cecum and Spiral Colon.
Cecum
Caution: Intestinal samples should be collected after all other

tissues have been collected. Fecal material from the intestines
will contaminate the major organs.
The intestines can be confusing. Before cutting the intestines,

familiarize yourself with the main parts of the intestines.
Otherwise you will be fishing through an unorganized mess.
Example: Salmonella grown from the intestines may or may not

be significant from a disease standpoint. Salmonella grown from
lungs is significant, but was it just contamination?
Locate the Cecum first. The cecum is a blind-end pouch with a

band down the middle.
45
46
Cecum
Ileum
Mesenteric
Lymph Nodes
Cecum
Ileo-cecal band
Ileum
Next, lift the end of the cecum. Below the cecum there is a band
of tissue (ileo-cecal band) that connects the cecum to a portion
of the small intestine, the Ileum. The ileum is the end of the
small intestine where it joins the large intestine.
Tip: When taking fixed samples for ileum and cecum, make a cut
that includes a section of cecum, ileum and mesenteric lymph
nodes attached by the bands of tissue. This allows collection of
3 major tissues with one cutting.
Note: The ileum is an important piece of intestine for diagnosing

diseases such as ileitis and PCV2 enteritis.
Be sure that all pieces are small enough for fixed tissue.
47
48
The Spiral Colon

Spiral Colon
Cecum
The Spiral Colon, is the major large intestinal section in the pig.
It forms a spiral and looks like a honey bun.
Open a few sections of the spiral colon. Note the consistency of

the fecal material inside. Is there evidence of blood, mucous or
a necrotic lining in the contents? Is there evidence of ulcers on
the inside surface of the colon?
In small pigs, a corner of the colon can be submitted (see above)

as a fixed sample and the remainder of the colon can be
submitted for fresh.
In larger pigs, collect several (2-3) window sections (yellow

boxes) of the spiral colon for fixed samples. Cut a large piece
for collection in the fresh intestinal sample bag.
49
50
Joint Collection and Swabs
After the ileum, cecum and spiral colon are collected, small
intestinal sections should be collected. Multiple samples should
be collected, particularly if diarrhea is your major concern.
Sample from different sections and between areas that look
different (size, color, wall thickness, fecal consistency yellow
circles). Many times disease can be isolated to sections of the
intestinal tract.
Sampling swollen joints is sometimes necessary for diseases

like Strep suis, HPS and Erysipelas.
For fixed samples, collect lengths of small intestine no more than

1 inch long. This allows the formalin to get into the entire inside
length of the piece. This is important as most disease processes
take place on the inside wall of the intestinal loops and intestinal
tissue decays rapidly.
51
52
Brain Collection and Swabs
To sample the joint, cut the skin around the joint and reflect from
the area. Find the point where the joint bends and cut across
the joint while flexing and/or rotating the joint. The joint should
pop open. Once open, in a sterile manner, use a culture swab
to swab the joint.
Collection of brain tissue or swabs can be a challenge.

Collection of these samples is necessary when there is evidence
of neurological disease (head tilt, ataxia, walking in circles,
paddling).
Note: If a swab is not available, leave the joint intact. Cut the leg
below and above the joint (yellow lines) with a hacksaw and
place the entire joint in a separate bag. Or dislocate the joint
above and below the affected joint and submit the entire leg.
53
54
Spinal cord
Towards Nose
Skull joints
Spinal cord
Continue to cut down through the joint to the back of the neck.
The skull will separate from the backbone.
Once the tonsils and pluck have been removed, tilt the head
back and forth to find the joint where the skull and spinal column
meet. Use your finger to feel the joint.
Once separated, the spinal cord can be visualized. A culture

swab can be inserted around the spinal cord, into the brain
cavity.
Cut between the joint, while tilting the pigs head backwards.
Using a table edge or block to lift the neck can help
Note: Brain swabs do not provide the best chance at diagnosis,

particularly if antibiotics were used in the pig or the cause is
Edema disease (F18 E. coli) or Water Deprivation. Brain tissue
is required for the best diagnosis.
55
56
Brain
This method can be used in small pigs up to about 35-40 lbs.
Once the skull is completely cut in half, spread the two halves of
the head apart and visualize the brain sections. If done
correctly, there should be equally sized parts on both sides.
To remove the brain, place the tip of the knife at the top of the skull with the blade
facing the nose. Tap the hilt of the knife so that the blade cuts straight down
through the skull. Extend the blade so that it goes all the way through the skull and
past the roof of the mouth.
Caution: Do Not hold the pigs nose while cutting the skull. The knife can come
down on your hand, or when pushing back, the point can slip and poke through
your palm.
Pull the handle of the knife down toward and through the center of the head and
nose. Reposition the blade further down the nose to complete the cut if necessary,
staying in the same line as the previous cut. Complete the cut through the nose
and upper jaw.
Reposition the knife blade at the start of the cut, this time with the blade facing the
back of the pig. Carefully, push the knife back and down through the back of the
skull.
57
58
Nerve attachments
Tonsil halves
Nasal Turbinates
Using the blunt end of the forceps, gently slide behind one of the brain
halves and separate it from the skull. The brain will need to be cut from
the spinal cord at the back of the brain. Also, there are several major
nerve attachments (yellow arrows) that run along the bottom of the brain.
These can be bluntly cut with the forceps to allow the brain to be
removed.
Tip: If the brain needs to be collected, the tonsils can easily be

taken as well. Once the skull is cut in half, look at the roof of the
mouth, just above the base of the tongue. Take one half of the
tonsil for fixed and one half for fresh samples.
Note: The half of the brain used for fixed samples does not have to be
cut into small pieces.
Tip: When the head is cut in half, nasal turbinates can easily be
collected for fixed and fresh tissue collection for diagnosis of
Atrophic Rhinitis and other upper respiratory diseases.
Tip: If the half of brain you remove first breaks apart into several pieces,
use this half for the fresh sample. Try for an intact brain for fixed
samples on the other half.
59
60
MEDICATION
TREATMENT
CHART
Medication Treatment Chart
Revised: 11/20/07
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Anthelmintics
Levamisole Soluble
Marquis
Safe-Guard EZ Scoop
Wazine-34, Piperazine
Antibiotics - Injectable
2
2
2
3
Antibiotics - Oral
Amoxicillin
Aureomycin Sulmet
Denagard, Tiagard
Gentamicin Sulfate
Gen-Gard Soluble Powder
Lincomycin Hydrochloride
L-S 50
Neo 325, Neo-Med
Nuflor 2.3% Concentrate
Oxytetracycline HCI SP - 343,
Tetraoxy-HCA 280
Penicillin G Potassium
Pennchlor 64, Aureomycin
SpectoGard
Sulmet
Tet-Sol 324, Duramycin 324
TMZ, Sulfamethoxazole,
Trimethoprim Oral
Tylan
3
3
4
5
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
Draxxin
Duo-Pen, BP-48, Combi-Pen
Excede for Swine
Excenel
Gentamicin Piglet Injection
Lincomix 25, 100, 300
Naxcel
Nuflor
Penicillin G Procaine
LA-200, Duramycin 72-200,
Pennox, Maxium 200
Polyflex
Tylan 50, 200
Obstetric/Reproductive Agents
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
15
Lutalyse, Prostamate
Matrix
Oxytocin
PG 600
19
20
20
21
Stabilizers/Water Line Cleaner

Bleach, Nu-clo
Citric Acid
Stablevac, Vac-Pac
21
21
22
Sedatives
Acepromazine, Promace
22
Antibiotics - Topical
Oral Electrolytes
Albadry Plus
Virkon-S
Iodine 1%
Chlorhexidine Liquid
16
16
16
16
Electrolytes, Skylytes, Aqualytes
22
Vitamin Supplements
Anti-Inflammatory
Asper-Sol, Pro-Prin
Aspirin, Uni-Sol, Liqui-prin
Banamine-S
Dexamethasone Azium
Predef 2X
17
17
18
18
19
C:\Documents and Settings\jeremy\Desktop\DX Guide\Diagnostic Guide\Medication Treatment Chart.doc08/30/07
Iron Dextran-100,200
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B Complex
ZinPro 180
23
23
23
24
Page 1
Anthelmintics
Brand
Name
Levamisole
Hydrochloride Soluble
Pig Wormer (AgriLabs)
Levasole Soluble Pig
Wormer (Schering
Plough)
Active ingredient:
levamisole
Dosage
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Add water to the powder in
the bottle up to the 500 mL
mark and mix thoroughly
Mixing
Directions
# head X avg. body weight
5,000 lbs. of pork
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time
Treatment used to kill roundworms,

nodular worms, lungworms, and
intestinal threadworms.
5 days
Treatment baby pig diarrhea due

to Coccidia
100 days
Treatment used to kill adult and

larvae roundworms, nodular worms,
small stomach worms, kidney worm
and whipworms.
21 days
= # of bottles needed each time

Administer over 12 hour period
One bottle treats 5000 lbs.

of pork
Anthelmintics
Label:
For use in Swine
Marquis (Bayer)
Active ingredient:
Ponazuril
1 ml of diluted paste orally

to baby pigs
When diluted, one syringe
will treat 627 pigs
Mix one Marquis syringe (127 g)

with 500 ml of sterile water.
Administer 1 ml directly into the
mouth of all pigs at 1-4 days of age.
Medicate 1 time only
Label:
For use in Horses
Refrigerate after diluting with water.
Anthelmintics
Veterinary Prescription
Required
Safe-Guard EZ Scoop
Swine Dewormer
(Intervet)
Active ingredient:
Fenbendazole
Label:
For use in Swine
One 10 lb. Package treats

50-400 lb. sows or 20,000
lbs. of pork
For individual 400 lb. sow, place 1

level scoop of premix into an
individual sow ration
Three consecutive days of treatment

is required for the removal of
whipworms.
Page 2
Anthelmintics
Brand
Name
Wazine 34
(Fleming)
Piperazine
Dosage
1 oz. per 1 gallon
One gallon treats 25,600
lbs. of pork
Active ingredient:
Piperazine
Mixing
Directions
25,600 lbs. of pork
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment Used to kill adult
roundworms
= # of gallons needed each time
Withdrawal
Time
21 days
Use only after worms have

been diagnosed
Administer over 12 hour period
Antibiotics - Oral
Label:
For Use in Swine and
Poultry
Amoxicillin
(Apothecon)
Active ingredient:
Amoxicillin
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Mixing rate is over 24 hours
1 bottle treats 3,250 lbs. of

pork
# pigs X avg. body weight

3,250 lbs. of pork
Treatment- Severe respiratory and

neurological disease due to:
Streptococcus suis
Haemophilus parasuis
14 days
Treatment - Severe pneumonia due

to:
Streptococcus suis
15 days
It is extremely critical that no

animals be sold until 14 days
after the last treatment
= # of bottles / day
Label:
Human Pharmaceutical
Product
Medicate for 5 consecutive days
Antibiotics - Oral
Required
Aureomycin
Sulmet (Fort Dodge)
Active ingredients:
Chlortetracycline and
Sulfamethazine Bisulfate
1 oz. per 1 gallon

One 4 oz. pack treats 2,500
lbs. of pork
Mixing rate is over 24 hrs Meter out

at 1:128 gals
2,500 lbs. of pork
= # of packs / day
Label:
For Use in Swine,
Poultry, and Cattle
Treat for 5 consecutive days
Persistent diarrhea due to:

E. coli
Salmonella

Do not use in Finishing pigs
without consulting Vet
Services
Page 3
Antibiotics Oral
Brand
Name
Denagard
(Novartis)
(Boehringer Ingelheim)
TiaGard (Phoenix)
Active ingredient:
Tiamulin Hydrogen
Fumarate
Label:
For Use in Animals Only
Dosage
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Liquid Concentrate:
For swine dysentery:
1 bottle (1 quart) treats
33,256 lbs. of pork
For pneumonia:
11,086 lbs. of pork
Water Soluble Powder:
1 pack (2.28 oz) of powder
treats 8,314 lbs. of pork
Mixing
Directions
Liquid Concentrate:
# pigs x avg. weight
33,256 lbs. of pork
= # bottles/day
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment- Diarrhea caused by:
Swine dysentery
Pneumonia caused by:
Streptococcus suis
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Withdrawal
Time
14 days
Do not use in swine
weighing more than
250 lbs.
CAUTION: This product is very

irritating to the eyes and skin
For pneumonia:
11,086 lbs. of pork
= # bottles/day
For pneumonia:
1 pack (2.28 oz) of powder
Note: 4 packs (2.28 oz each)

of TiaGard soluble powder
= 1 bottle liquid concentrate
(1 quart)
Water Soluble Powder:

8,314 lbs. of pork
= # packs/day
For pneumonia:
2,771 lbs. of pork
= # packs/day
Page 4
Antibiotics - Oral
Brand
Name
Gentamicin Sulfate Pig
Pump
(Am Tech)
Garacin Pig Pump
(Schering-Plough)
Dosage
1 full pump per pig
1 pump delivers 1 ml of
gentamicin solution
Mixing
Directions
Administer 1 full pump (1 plunger
depression) directly into the mouth
of each affected pig.
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time
Treatment - Use for baby pigs with

bacterial diarrhea due to:
E. coli
Salmonella
14 days
Treatment - Use for post weaning

E. coli
Salmonella
17 days
Treatment of Swine Dysentery and

Proliferative Ileitis
6 days
Medicate 1 time only
This product is ONLY for use

in suckling pigs.
Store at room temperature
Active ingredient:
Gentamicin Sulfate
Antibiotics - Oral
Label:
Gen-gard Soluble
Powder (AgriLabs)
Garacin WS (Schering
Plough)
Active ingredient:
Gentamicin Sulfate
1 scoop treats 6,000 lbs. of

pork
1 scoop = 18 g
Mixing rate is over 24 hour period

6,000 lbs. of pork
Water soluble gentamicin is

the only gentamicin product
that can be used in the nursery
= # 18 g scoops/day
1 jar treats 120,000 lbs. of
pork
1 jar (360 g) = 20 scoops
Lincomycin
Hydrochloride
(AmTech)
LincoMed (Bimeda)
1 oz. per 1 gallon
One 40 g pack treats 4,300

lbs. of pork

51,600 lbs. of pork (480 g)
Active ingredient:
Lincomycin

lbs. of pork
= # packs/day (480 g)
Label:
For Use in Swine
One 5.64 oz jar treats

17,200 lbs. of pork
Label:
Antibiotics - Oral
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Treatment and control of respiratory

disease caused by Mycoplasma
hyopneumoniae
One 480 g (16.92 oz) jar or

pack treats 51,600 lbs. of
pork
Page 5
Antibiotics - Oral
Brand
Name
Dosage
L-S 50 (Pfizer)
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Active ingredients:
Lincomycin and
Spectinomycin

lbs. of pork
Mixing
Directions
2,272 lbs. of pork
Key Points &

Indications
to:
Streptococcus suis
Withdrawal
Time
30 days
= # 75 g packs/day
Label:
For Use in Chickens Only

E. coli
Salmonella
Treatment Diarrhea due to:
Required
Antibiotics - Oral
Supervisors Permission
Required
Neomycin 325
(AgriLabs) (Duravet)
Neo-Med (Bimeda)
Active ingredient:
Neomycin Sulfate
Label: For use in Cattle,
Sheep, and Swine
1 oz. per 1 gallon

One 200 g pack treats
14,300 lbs. of pork

14,300 lbs. of pork
6 days
E. coli
Salmonella
= # 200 g packs/day
Page 6
Antibiotics Oral
Brand
Name
Nuflor 2.3%
Concentrate Solution
(Schering Plough)
Active ingredient:
Florfenicol
Label:
For Oral Use in Swine
Drinking Water Only
Required
Dosage
1 bottle (1 gal) treats 11,132
lbs. of pork
Fill the bottle of Nuflor
Concentrate Solution with
water to the fill line. Place
the contents of the bottle in
the proportioner tank. Mix
thoroughly. Set the
proportioner to 1:128.
Mixing
Directions
Mixing rate is over 24 hr period.
Meter out at 1:128 gals
11,132 lbs. of pork
= # bottles/day
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment Pneumonia due to:
Streptococcus suis
Actinobacillus
pleuropneumoniae
CAUTION: This product is very

irritating to the eyes and skin
Treatment - Pneumonia due to:

Actinobacillus suis
Withdrawal
Time
16 days
DO NOT overfill as extra

water will cause
crystallization.
Antibiotics Oral
CAUTION: Bottle will

heat up when water is
added.
Oxytetracycline HCl
Soluble Powder - 343
(AmTech)
Tetraoxy-HCA 280
(Bimeda)
Active ingredient:
Oxytetracycline HCl
Label:
For Use in Swine,
Chickens, Turkeys, and
Calves
1 oz. per 1 gallon

AmTech: 1 pack (9.6 oz)
Tetraoxy: 1 pack (9.87 oz)

20,480 lbs. of pork (AmTech)
= # packs/day(AmTech)
14 days Because of product

shipment to Japan increase
withdrawal to 14 days

10,240 lbs. of pork (Tetraoxy)
= # packs/day (Tetraoxy)
Page 7
Antibiotics Oral
Brand
Name
Penicillin G Potassium,
USP (Vetoquinol)
(Duravet) (AgriLabs)
(AGRIpharm)
Dosage
1 oz. per 1 gallon
1 bottle will treat 16,700
lbs. of pork
Active ingredient:
Penicillin G Potassium
Mixing
Directions
16,700 lbs. of pork
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time

Streptoccocus suis
28 days Because of extra

label use increase withdrawal
time to 28 days

Actinobacillus suis

= # of bottles/day
Label:
For Use in Poultry
Antibiotics - Oral
Required
Pennchlor 64
(PennField)
Aureomycin
(Fort Dodge)
Chlortet Soluble O
(ADM)
Active ingredient:
Chlortetracycline
Hydrochloride
1 oz. per 1 gallon

1 pack (25.6 oz) treats
10,240 lbs. of pork

10,240 lbs. of pork
= # packs/day
Label:
For Use in Swine,
Chickens, Turkeys, and
Calves
Page 8
Antibiotics - Oral
Antibiotics - Oral
Brand
Name
SpectoGard (Bimedia)
Active ingredient:
spectinomycin
Label:
Sulmet (Fort Dodge)

SMZ-Med (Bimedia)
Dosage
Pigs under 10 pounds: 1 full
pump per pig twice daily
Administer directly into the mouth of

each affected pig.
Pigs 10-15 pounds: 2 full

pumps per pig twice daily
Medicate twice daily for 3-5 days
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Label:
For Animal Use Only
1 gallon treats 8,500 lbs. of

pork
1 pack (16 oz.) treats 8,500
lbs. of pork
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment - Use for baby pigs with
E. coli
Withdrawal
Time
21 days

in suckling pigs.
For use in pigs under 4 weeks of

age
Mixing rate is over 24 hrs

to:
Streptococcus suis
15 days

E. coli

without consulting Vet.
Services
Treatment- Bacterial pneumonia

caused by:
Staphylococcus

1 pump delivers 1 ml of
spectinomycin solution
1 oz. per 100 lbs.

Active ingredient:
Sulfamethazine Sodium
Mixing
Directions

8,500 lbs. of pork

= # of gallons / day
Double the dosage on Day 1 for
severe cases
Antibiotics - Oral

Tet-Sol 324 (Alpharma)
Duramycin 324
(Duravet)
Active ingredient:
Tetracycline
Label:
For Use in Swine, Calves,
and Poultry
1 oz. per 1 gallon

One pail (5 lb) treats
162,000 lbs. of pork
One pack (2.5 lb) treats
81,000 lbs. of pork

= # of pails/day
81,000 lbs. of pork
= # of packs/day
Page 9
Antibiotics - Oral
Brand
Name
TMZ (Alpharma)
Sulfamethoxazole and
Trimethoprim Oral
Suspension (Hi-Tech)
Dosage
1 oz. per 1 gallon
One bottle (16 oz) treats
15,000 lbs. of pork
Mixing
Directions

15,000 lbs. of pork
Antibiotics - Injectables
Antibiotics Oral
Label:
Human Pharmaceutical
Product
Required
Tylan
(Elanco)
Active ingredient:
Tylosin
1 oz. per 1 gallon

One jar treats 15,000 lbs. of
pork
Mixing rate is over 24 hrs.
Withdrawal
Time
28 days
Mixing rate is over 24 hrs.
Active ingredients:
Sulfamethoxazole and
Trimethoprim
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment - Severe respiratory
disease caused by:
Streptococcus suis
Severe diarrhea caused by:
E. coli
Clostridium perfringens
Salmonella

This drug is only to be used in
the nursery
without consulting Vet.
Services
Treatment -Diarrhea caused by:

Proliferative ileitis

Treatment of swine respiratory

diseases associated with:
- Actinobacillus
pleuropneumoniae (APP)
- Pasteurella multocida
- Haemophilus parasuis
- Bordetella bronchiseptica


15,000 lbs. of pork
= # of jars / day
Label:
For Use in Cattle and
Swine
Draxxin
(Pfizer)
Active ingredient:
Tulathromycin
1 ml per 88 lbs.
Maximum of 2.5 ml per

injection site
Inject intramuscularly
One treatment lasts for 6 days
Maximum of 2.5 ml per injection site
Label:
Swine
One treatment provides 6 days

coverage
Required

10
Page
Brand
Name
Duo-Pen (AgriPharm)
BP-48 (AmTech)
Combi-Pen (Bimeda)
Dosage
ml per pig
Active ingredient:
Penicillin G Benzathine
and Penicillin G Procaine
Mixing
Directions
Inject 0.5 ml intramuscularly at less
than 24 hours of age.
Treatment and prevention of

wound and joint infections
It is critical that the first dose is

administered before pigs are 24
hours old.
May cause hypersensitivity

reactions (convulsions, vomiting,
and reddening of the skin) that may
result in death. If signs of a
reaction should occur, stop injecting
pigs and leave them alone.
Inject 0.5 ml intramuscularly again at

processing at 3-5 days of age.
Label:
Horses
Key Points &

Indications
Shake well before using
Withdrawal
Time
60 days
in suckling pigs
One treatment provides 48 hours

of coverage.
Warm to room temperature before

injection
Required
Keep Refrigerated
Excede for Swine

(Pfizer)
Active ingredient:
Ceftiofur crystalline free
acid
Label:
For use in swine
1 ml per 44 lbs.
Maximum of 2 ml per
injection site

One treatment lasts for 7 days
Maximum of 2 ml per injection site
Treatment of swine respiratory

diseases associated with:
- Actinobacillus
pleuropneumoniae (APP)
- Pasteurella multocida
- Haemophilus parasuis
- Streptococcus suis
Has same spectrum of activity as
Naxcel and Excenel
71 days
Do not use product beyond
expiration date
One treatment provides 7 days

coverage

11
Page
Dosage
Excenel (Pfizer)
1 ml per 30 lbs.
Active ingredient:
Ceftiofur
Hydrochloride
1 ml per 100 lbs. for

treating APP or Pasteurella
Brand
Name
Gentamicin Piglet
Injection (AgriLabs)
Label:
Swine
Active ingredient:
Gentamicin
Mixing
Directions
Inject intramuscularly every other
day.
Cases of APP and Salmonella
choleraesuis will require daily
injections for 3 days.
Warm to room temperature for
syringability or store at room
temperature
1 ml per pig
Inject intramuscularly in piglets one

time only.
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment- Use for pneumonia
caused by:
Actinobacillus
pleuropneumoniae
Streptococcus suis
Withdrawal
Time
10 days
Severe diarrhea caused by:

E. coli
Salmonella
Treatment of farrowing house

scours due to
E. coli
Do not use more than once in each

piglet.
40 days
in suckling pigs
Administer one time only.

Label:
For Use in Swine

12
Page
Brand
Name
Lincomix 25
Lincomix 100
Lincomix 300
(Pfizer) (AmTech)
LincoMed 100
LincoMed 300 (Bimeda)
Dosage
Mixing
Directions
1 ml per 5 lbs.
1 ml per 20 lbs.
1 ml per 60 lbs.
For pigs over 30 lbs;

day.
Inject intramuscularly for 3 days
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time
Treatment of severe respiratory and

systemic diseases including joint
infections and lameness due to:
Mycoplasma
hyopneumoniae
Mycoplasma hyosynoviae
4 days
Dilute when treating baby pigs.
10 days
Active ingredient:
Lincomycin
Label:
For Use in Swine
Naxcel
(Pfizer)
1 ml per 30 lbs.
Active ingredient:
Ceftiofur Sodium
Label:
For Use in Cattle, Swine,
Sheep, and Horses
1 ml per 100 lbs. for

treating APP or Pasteurella
For pigs 15-30 lbs.;
1 ml per 15 lbs. of the 160
ml dilution
For pigs under 15 lbs.;
1 ml per 7 lbs. of 250 ml
dilution.
OR
1 ml per 6 lbs of 400 ml
dilution
Cases of APP and Salmonella

choleraesuis will require daily
injections for 3 days.
Once reconstituted, keep product
refrigerated for 7 days or keep frozen
For pigs weighing over 30 lbs.
reconstitute a 4 gram vial with 80
mls of sterile water
Treatment- Pneumonia caused by:

Actinobacillus
pleuropneumoniae
Streptococcus suis
Severe diarrhea due to:
E. coli
Salmonella
For pigs weighing less than 30 lbs.,

mix with 160 mls of sterile water
For pigs weighing less than 15 lbs:
OR

13
Page
Nuflor
(Schering Plough)
Brand
Name
(Anthony Products)
Dosage
1 ml per 45 lbs.
Mixing
Directions
Product can only be diluted with
propylene glycol to treat pigs less
than 60 lbs.
Active ingredient:
Florfenicol
Keep refrigerated
Label:
For Use in Cattle Only
Warm up gradually prior to using to

help improve syringability
Required
Inject intramuscularly twice two

days apart
Active ingredient:
Label:
Sheep, and Horses
Required
(Extra label use)
1 ml per 20 lbs.
Keep refrigerated
Do not exceed
recommended dose
especially in pigs less than
20 lbs.

Must be injected daily for 3 days
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment- Very severe pneumonia
caused by:
Withdrawal
Time
30 days
Do not exceed dosage
May cause hypersensitivity

reactions (convulsions, vomiting,
and reddening of the skin) that may
result in death. If signs of a
reaction should occur, stop injecting
pigs and leave them alone.

time to 28 days
Maximum of 5 ml per
injection site
Do not inject more than 5 ml in

one site
Treatment - Down and paddling

pigs caused by:
Streptococcus suis
Bacterial pneumonia caused by:
Streptococcus suis
APP
Erysipelas caused by:
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
Generalized infections of unknown
cause

14
Page
Dosage
1 ml per 25 lbs.
LA 200 (Pfizer)
Duramycin 72-200
(Duravet)
Pennox (Pennfield)
Maxim 200 (AmTech)
Brand
Name
Polyflex
(Fort Dodge)
Pigs weighing less than 100

lbs. use 1 ml per 20 lbs.
Active ingredient:
Ampicillin
Pigs weighing more than

100 lbs. use 1 ml per 80 lbs.
Maximum of 5 ml per
injection site
Mixing
Directions
day for two treatments
Key Points &

Indications
Treatment Bacterial pneumonia
caused by:
Withdrawal
Time
30 days
Wound and joint infection

Vaginal discharges and

reproductive tract infections
Do not inject more than 5 ml

in one site
Treatment:

time to 14 days.

Maximum of 5 ml per injection site
Active ingredient:
Oxytetracycline
Label:
Swine
Label:
For Use in Cattle, Dogs,
and Cats
For pigs less than 100 lbs.,

reconstitute a 25 gram bottle with
200 mls of sterile water
For pigs more than 100 lbs.,
reconstitute a 25 gram bottle with 40
mls of sterile water
Inject intramuscularly for 3
consecutive days
Required
Down and paddling pigs caused by:

Streptococcus suis
Joint infections caused by:
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus suis
Do not inject more than 5 ml in one

site
Antibiotics Injectables
Good for up to 12 months if kept

refrigerated
Tylan 50
Tylan 200
(Elanco)
1 ml per 12.5 lbs.

1 ml per 50 lbs.
Inject intramuscularly for 3 days
Treatment -Diarrhea caused by:

Proliferative ileitis
28 days
Do not inject more than 5 ml per site
Active ingredient:
Tylosin
Label:
Swine

15
Page
Antibiotics Topical
Brand
Name
Albadry Plus
(Pfizer)
Dosage
One 10 ml tube per liter of
mineral oil
Mixing
Directions
Mix one tube in 1 liter of mineral oil
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time
Treatment Greasy Pig Disease due

to Staph infections
20 days

to Staphylococcus hyicus
infections
0 days

infections
0 days

infections
0 days
Mix thoroughly
Active ingredients:
Novobiocin Sodium
Procaine G Penicillin
Spray pigs until covered in mixture

Treat pigs once daily for 3 days
Label:
For Udder Instillation in
Dry Cows
Topical
Required
Virkon-S (Dupont)
Active ingredients:
Potassium
peroxymonsulfate,
sodium chloride
Mix 0.65 oz of powder to 1

gallon of water to make a
0.5% solution (1:200)
Mix thoroughly
1 scoop (included in bucket)

= approximately 1.08
ounces
Mix 2 cups of iodine into 1

gallon of mineral oil.
Mix thoroughly
Topical
Label: For use in

industrial, animal, and
agricultural facilities
Iodine 1%
Active ingredients:
iodine

Topical
Label:
Chlorhexidine Liquid
Active ingredients:
chlorhexidine
Mix 2 cup of chlorhexidine

liquid into 1 gallon of
mineral oil.
Mix thoroughly
Label:
16
Page
Anti Inflammatory
Brand
Name
Asper-Sol (Trouw
Nutrition)
Pro-Prin (Ani-Med)
Active ingredient:
Sodium Salicylate,
anhydrous caffeine, citric
acid
Anti Inflammatory
Label:
For use in swine and
poultry only
Aspirin Liqui Prin
(Priority Care)
(AGRIpharm)
Uni-Sol (Animal Science
Products)
Active ingredient:
Sodium Salicylate
Label:
For Animal Use Only
Dosage
High Dose Antiinflammatory
Stock solution metered at 1
oz. Per gallon
Mixing
Directions
Bucket:
1 bucket (6 lb) treats

Scoop:
5,200 lbs. of pork
1 scoop treats 5,200 lbs. of

pork
Prepare fresh solutions daily
Each bucket contains 22.5

scoops
Low Dose Fever Reducer
8 oz. per 1 gallon of stock
solution
DO NOT treat for more than 3

consecutive days
Low Dose
Stock solution metered at

1 oz. per 1 gallon
High Dose Antiinflammatory doses pain
relief
47 oz. Per 1 gallon of stock
solution
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time
Treatment - Used to:

Relieve pain
Reduce fever
0 days

Relieve pain
Reduce fever
0 days
Do not treat the day of

slaughter
Do not treat the day of

slaughter
High Dose
20,000 lbs. of pork
Prepare fresh solutions daily
DO NOT treat for more than 3
consecutive days
Stock solution metered at 1

oz. Per gallon
20,000 lbs. of pork

17
Page
Anti - Inflammatory
Dosage
Banamine-S
(Schering Plough)
Banamine-S 1 ml per 50
lbs.
Active ingredient:
Flunixin Meglumine
Banamine-S is the only

flunixin product allowed
for use in swine
Anti - Inflammatory
Brand
Name
Dexamethasone
Azium (Butler)
Mixing
Directions
Key Points &

Indications
Anti-inflammatory, anti-itch
Aspirin-like drug.
Withdrawal
Time
28 days
Give once daily for two days

For use in pregnant sows.
Relieve pain
Label:
For Use in Swine
Active ingredient:
Dexamethasone
Label:
For Use in Cattle &
Horses Only
1 ml per 50 lbs.
Do not exceed 8 mls per
animal
Inject intramuscularly for 1 day
Anti-inflammatory
5 days
Treatment - Use to reduce swelling

due to inflammation especially in
pigs that are down and paddling
Do not use in pregnant

animals
Inflammation due to insect bites and

muscle injuries
Required

18
Page
Anti - Inflammatory
Predef 2X (Pfizer)
Obstetric/Reproductive
Brand
Name
Lutalyse (Pfizer)
Prostamate
(Phoenix)
Dosage
4 ml per 500 lbs.
Mixing
Directions
Inject intramuscularly one injection
per day
Anti-inflammatory, anti-itch
Withdrawal
Time
7 days
For use in pregnant sows
Active ingredient:
Isoflupredone acetate
Treatment used to relieve pain,

reduce fever, and increase feed
intake.
Label:
For Use in Cattle, Horses
and Swine
Active ingredient:
Dinoprost Tromethamine
(Prostaglandin F2)
Key Points &

Indications
1 ml/sow in the vulva
2 ml per sow in the neck
Inject intramuscularly in the crease

of the vulva (always use 20 gauge
needle and 3cc syringe)
Inject intramuscularly in neck
Treatment: Use to induce farrowing

on day 116 if sow has not farrowed
and is without milk
1 day
Do not use prior to day 114
CAUTION: Pregnant women or

women who may become
pregnant should not handle this
product.
Label:
and Horses

19
Page
Matrix (Intervet)
Brand
Name
Oxytocin
(Western Veterinary
Supply)
Dosage
6.8 ml/ gilt on the feed
Active ingredient:
Altrenogest
Mixing
Directions
Top Dress product on feed at 6.8 ml
per gilt once daily for 14 consecutive
days
Key Points &

Indications
For synchronization of estrus in
sexually mature gilts only.
Withdrawal
Time
21 days
Results in estrus 4 to 9 days after

completion of the 14 day treatment.
Label:
For use in gilts only
CAUTION: Pregnant women or

women who may become
pregnant should not handle this
product.
Required
Production Specialist
Permission Required
0.5 ml per treatment in the

vulva
Inject intramuscularly in the crease

of the vulva (always use 20 gauge
needle and 3cc syringe)
Do not exceed 1 ml per hour
Treatment - Use to:

Induce or enhance uterine
contractions
Induce milk let-down
Help expel afterbirth
2 ml per sow in the neck
Inject intramuscularly in the neck

Do not exceed 2 ml per hour
See training manual for further

details
Active ingredient:
Oxytocin
Label:
Sheep, Dogs, and Cats
0 days
Check birth canal to make certain

passage way is clear

20
Page
Bleach
Stabilizer/Water Line Cleaner
PG 600 (Intervet)
Brand
Name
Dosage
5 ml per gilt/sow
Active ingredient:
Pregnant Mare Serum
Gonadotropin and Human
Chorionic Gonadotropin
Mixing
Directions
Keep refrigerated
Once reconstituted, must be used
immediately
Key Points &

Indications
Indicated for the induction of fertile
estrus in healthy prepuberal gilts
over 5.5 months of age and
weighing at least 185 pounds
Withdrawal
Time
0 days
Also indicated for the induction of

estrus in healthy weaned sows
experiencing a delayed return to
estrus.
Mix 4 oz. of liquid bleach per 1

gallon of water
Treatment Used to clean water

lines and to encourage water
consumption
0 days
Used to keep medication in

solutions and prevent water nipples
from becoming clogged
0 days
Label:
For Use in Swine
Production Specialist
Permission Required
1 oz. per 1 gallon
4 oz. per 1 gallon of stock
solution
Nu-clo concentrated
granules
(Alden Leeds Inc.)
Nu-clo 8 oz. Per 20

gallons stock solution
Mix 8 oz of Nu-clo per 20 gallons of

water
Citric Acid (Ag

Provision)
To Improve Solubility:
1/2 - 1 pack (8 oz.) per
gallon of stock solution.
Add the required number of packs to

the medicated solution and stir
properly
To Clean Water Lines:

3-4 packs (8 oz.) per gallon
of stock solution.
Add to fresh water and run for 24 hrs

21
Page
Dosage
Stablevac
Vac-Pac (Animal Science
Products)
1 oz. per 1 gallon
Sedatives
Brand
Name
Acepromazine
(AmTech)
Promace
(Fort Dodge)
1 ml per 100 lbs.
1 pack (4 oz.) to 2 gallons

of stock solution
Mixing
Directions
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time

medicated solution and meter out at
the required rate
Used to stabilize vaccines
0 days
Treatment- Aggressive animals or

animals that are stressed
7 days Because of extra label

use increase withdrawal time
to 7 days
Treatment - Used to help replace

fluids, electrolytes, and provide
energy
0 days
Allow 15 min for drug to take affect
Active ingredient:
Acepromazine Maleate
Label:
For Use in Dogs Only
Oral Electrolytes
Required
Electrolytes (Ag
Provision)
Skylytes
Aqualytes
Acid 4 Way (Alltech)
Active ingredients:
Electrolytes, Minerals,
Glucose

1 oz. per 1 gallon
For water medication:
1 pack (410 g) per gallon of
stock solution

the stock solution and meter out at
the required rate
Administer for 3 - 5 consecutive
days
Acid 4 Way = 1 pack per 5

gallons stock solution
For wet feeding:
1/2 tsp. Per gallon of wet
feed
Mix tsp. with wet feed every time

a new batch is made

22
Page
Vitamin Supplement
Brand
Name
Iron Dextran-100
(Durvet)
Iron Dextran-200
(Durvet)
Active ingredient :
Elemental iron
Vitamin Supplement
Vitamin Supplement
Label :
Dosage
Iron Dextran-100
2 ml per pig
Mixing
Directions
Key Points &

Indications
Withdrawal
Time
Prevention or treatment of baby pig

anemia due to iron deficiency
Do not use in animals over 4

weeks of age
For use as an aid in the management

of vitamin B12 deficiency
0 days
Iron Dextran-200
1ml per pig
If more than a dime size
amount bleeds back, then
inject another 1 ml
Vitamin B12
1 ml per 100 lbs.
Active ingredient:
Cyanocobalamin
Do not exceed 2 ml per

animal
Inject no more than 1 time in 7 days.
Vitamin B Complex
5 ml per 100 lbs.
Active ingredient:
Thiamine HCl (B1),
Niacinamide, Pyridoxine
HCl (B6), d-Panthenol,
Riboflavin (B2),
Cyanocobalamin (B12)
Do not exceed 5 ml per

injection site
Inject no more than 1 time in 5 days.
Do not exceed 2 ml per animal
Label:
For Use in Cattle, Horses,
Swine, Sheep, Dogs, and
Cats
Source of supplemental B complex
vitamins
0 days
Label:
and Sheep

23
Page
Vitamin Supplement
Brand
Name
ZinPro 180 (ZinPro)
Active ingredient:
Zinc Methionine
Dosage
2.5 packs (6.67 oz pack) of
Zinpro mixed with 5 gallons
of warm water will treat a
2600 head nursery
Mixing
Directions
2.5 packs of Zinpro mixed with 5
gallons of warm water will treat a
2600 head nursery
Mix fresh daily
Label:
For Use in All Poultry
and Other Livestock
Administer for 5-7 days
Key Points &

Indications
Used when F-18 E. coli is
diagnosed at a nursery site
Withdrawal
Time
0 days
Administered in the water during

days 18-25 to prevent the spread of
F-18 after a diagnosis has been
made at an adjacent nursery
DO NOT increase the dose

24
Page
Glossary
Acute Animal showing clinical signs for less that 1 week that is still in good body
condition
Ceftiofur Naxcel, Excenel, Excede
Chronic - An animal that has been sick for greater that one week that is in poor body
condition and may or may not be showing clinical signs
CNS - Central Nervous System
Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the eyelids and
portions of the eyeball
Consolidation - Dark red and meaty, more solid than normal
Caudal Towards the rear
Cranial Towards the head
Dorsal - Towards the spine
Cranial Dorsal - Cranial = toward the head; Dorsal = toward the spine
Cranial Ventral - Cranial = toward the head; Ventral = toward the chest/belly
Cyanotic A blue/purple color to the skin due to lack of oxygen
Edema Excessive fluid accumulating in body tissues
Enterotoxogenic Producing a toxin specific for the cells of the intestine
Febrile Feverish
Fever Body temperature above normal
Boars 102F
Sows (gestation) 102F
Sows (farrowing up to 24 hours after farrowing) 104F
Sows (1 week after farrowing up to weaning) 102.5F
Suckling piglet 103F
Nursery pig 103F
Finishing pig 102.5F
Fibrin White spider web looking strands or a white film that may be seen on organs
such as the heart, lung, liver, and in body cavities such as the chest or abdomen.
Histopathology A branch of pathology that looks at the changes in tissues
characterized by certain diseases
Incidence/prevalence - Rate, percent affected by disease and showing clinical signs
Infarct Area of necrosis in an organ or tissue resulting from the obstruction of the
local circulation.
Intestinal - Part of or within the intestines
Lethargic Drowsy, lazy, sluggish or indifferent
Meningitis Infection or inflammation of the lining of the brain
Mesentery - The thin semi-transparent fan-shaped tissue netting that is attached along
the length of the intestines and stomach and holds them in place
Morbidity Incidence of disease in a population
Mortality - Number of deaths in a population
Multifocal - Arising from more that one location
Necrotic - Dead tissue
Neurologic Abnormalities of the Central Nervous System (CNS)
Common Abnormalities:
Abnormal stance
Paralysis
Rigidity
Twitching
Paddling
Blindness
Head Pressing
Polyserositis - Fibrin deposition and excess fluid accumulation in the thorax and
abdomen.
Pleuritis - Fibrin deposition on the lungs
Pluck Trachea, heart and lungs
Preacute - Very acute, happening in several hours to days
Pericarditis -Fibrin deposition on the heart and heart sac with the sac stuck to the
heart.
Prolapse Slippage of a tissue or organ from its normal position (rectal, uterine,
cervical, vaginal)
Sanitation - Involves removing all organic and fecal material from the previous group of
animals with the use of misting rooms, fire hosing, soaping, pressure washing
(preferably hot water), and disinfection. For effective sanitation all of these have to be
employed.
Scours Diarrhea
Septicemia - When bacteria have infected the blood and are circulating throughout the
body
Slough Dead tissue separating from living tissue
Stomatitis - Inflammatory disease of the mouth
Thumping Labored breathing due to respiratory disease
Transient Existing temporarily
Rhomboid Diamond shaped
Vesicular Blisters

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Veterinary Manual

How do I work up a case?

+/- Fevers +/- off

Late term abortions (+70 days)

Necropsy: +/late gestation

Notify Vet and

Weak born pigs,

Treat sick sows

Notify Vet and

Farrowing House Enteric Disease

Spreads through a pen

+/- Vomiting with

Nursery Enteric Disease

Dark, bloody tarry

Notify Vet and

Bleached out skin

Necropsy: +/- dark

Check for feed

Nursery Respiratory Disease

+/- Skin lesions

Contact Vet and

Nursery Sudden Death, Septicemia, CNS signs

Necropsy: +/necrotic tissue

Contact Vet and

Sudden Deaths, Unexplained

Frothy blood tinged fluid

Treat pens with

Finishing Enteric Disease

Wet puddly, gray to

Contact Vet and

Necropsy: +/dark red/black

Finishing Respiratory Disease

CNS signs, +/sudden deaths.

Necropsy: +/necrotic tissue

Necropsy: May not

Contact Vet and

Treat pens with

Finishing Sudden Death, Septicemia, CNS signs

Sudden Deaths +/- Septicemia

Necropsy: +/necrotic tissue

Frothy blood tinged

Contact your supervisor

Treat pens with

Necropsy: May not

Gilt/Sow Enteric Disease

Contact Vet and

Contact Vet and

Necropsy: +/dark red/black

Gilt/Sow Respiratory Disease

CNS signs, +/sudden deaths.

Necropsy: +/necrotic tissue

Necropsy: May not

Contact Vet and

Treat pens with

Necropsy: May not have lesions. +/- Spider web of

PCVAD lesions AND IHC positive

PRRS PCR positive,

PRRS +/Pasteurella multocida, Strep.

Consult with veterinarian for

Skin Disease for all Phases

Compiled by Veterinary Services Division, Murphy-Brown East

Ascaris suum (Round Worms) - See Other Diseases of Interest

Yellow watery scour

Edema in spiral colon