Part V

Health management
for fattening pigs
Hygiene, prevention and treatment of
some common diseases of fattening pigs

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63

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Hygiene, prevention and treatment of some common

diseases of fattening pigs. (Training time: 1 day, 8 hours)
Objectives
The training aims:
1. To teach the training participants about the causes, symptoms, and methods
of prevention and treatment of some common diseases of fattening pigs, using
theory, observation, and practice.
2. To teach the training participants a range of veterinary skills and animal handling.

Table 23. Schedule and content of training.

Activity

Time

Responsibility

Opening, introduction of participants

Resource person, farmer trainers,

participants

Doing Pre-Test

Resource person, farmer trainers,

facilitators

Discussing pig health situation of the

sites of the participants

Resource person, farmer trainers,

farmer participants

8:30-9:30

Using medicines to treat some diseases

Resource person, farmer trainers,

participants

9:30-9:45

Tea break

9:45-11:30

Swine pasteurelosis,Hog cholera,

Salmonellosis, Erysipelas, Head and
face oedema, Leptospirosis

11:30-13:30

Lunch

13:30-15:00

Foot and mouth disease, Piglet

diarrhea, Piglet colibacillosis,
Mange in swine, Swine pox,
Swine enzootic pneumonia

15:00-15:15

Tea break

15:15-17:00

Practices
z Method of using veterinary facilities
z Introducing some vaccines,
medicines, storing, using and
managing medicines
z Some veterinary and surgery
activities, castrating pigs

Resource person, farmer trainers,

participants

17:00-17:30

Doing Post-Test
Closing

Resource person, farmer trainers,

facilitators

7:30-8:30

Resource person, farmer trainers,

participants

Resource person, farmer trainers,

participants

Health management for fattening pigs

65

Materials required
1 female growing pig weighing 25-30 kg liveweight
1 syringe, knife, suture needle, and thread
Some types of vaccines and medicines used for preventing and treating common
diseases.

1. Distinguishing healthy and sick pigs

Healthy pigs
z
General status: They are active, appear fine, move around, and actively search
for food. They squeal and may become agitated when they are hungry.
z
Average body temperature is around 38.50C, heart rate is 60-88 beats/minute,
while breathing rate is 8-18/minute. Body temperature, heart rate, and breathing
rate are slightly higher in piglets.
z
Eyes are open, shiny and dry, not swollen or have no discharge and the
membrane is pinkish, not yellow or purple or red.
z
Nose is wet, with no discharge, and is not ulcerated or twisted.
z
Legs: Pig walks normally, with no evidence of injuries or wounds, or no swelling
of joints or muscle.
z
Ears have normal pinkish color, with no injuries, wounds, or hemorrhage.
z
Skin is shiny, has typical color of the breed, free of parasites (mites and lice)
with no injury, wounds, or areas of hemorrhage.
z
Hair is soft and shiny, does not stand vertically or fall off.
z
Tail is curly and wiggles. It curls into a spiral when the back is touched.
z
Feces are soft, not watery, or hard when constipated. The color of feces
depends on color of ingested feed but should be greenish to brownish in color,
not black or red (this indicates hemorrhage in stomach and intestine). Feces
should not be covered with white mucous.
z
Urine: Pigs urinate often. Urine is usually clear to light yellow.
Sick pigs
z
General status: Pigs look tired, lie down quietly or dig into bedding material,
isolated from other pigs, have problems with walking, reluctant to move even
when they are stimulated and may be reluctant to stand up. Sick pigs have
poor appetite or do not want to eat. Raised back may indicate pain or defecating
with constipation.
z
Body temperature is usually above 400C (up to 420C). Heart and breathing
rates are either higher or lower than normal.
z
Eyes maybe closed or partly opened and may be blind in the daylight.
z
Nose is often dry. If the nose is twisted and discharge is present, it indicates
inflammation and atrophy (atrophic rhinitis). Ulcers on the nose may indicate
foot and mouth disease (FMD).

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z
z

Blisters and ulcers on toes and feet are caused by FMD. Ham and tail areas
covered with feces indicate pig has diarrhea. Lame and paralyzed pigs may
have mineral deficiency.
If ears are purple or red, pig has fever and may have cholera or other
septicaemia.
Color of feces is important. Abnormal color and smell of feces indicate disease.
White color indicates Colibacillosis, black indicates hemorrhage in stomach
and small intestine, red indicates hemorrhage in large intestine and bad smell
may indicate hog cholera.
Quantity and color of urine should be observed since this can indicate problems
in the urinary tract such as quantity is less than normal or color is abnormal.
Red-colored urine suggests hemorrhage; yellow color or flecks of pus suggest
infection. Yellow urine may also indicate liver disease.

2. Managing sick pigs

A. When pigs show any sign of sickness, they must be separated from healthy
ones to prevent the spread of infection.
B. The pig house should be cleaned and opened during the summer to provide
fresh air and closed during the winter to provide warmth. During winter, there
should be bedding materials such as rice straw or hay on the floor.
C. Sick pigs should not be stressed. They should always be supplied with clean
drinking water. If they eat less, more digestible feeds with higher moisture
content like fishmeal and roasted soybean should be offered to stimulate their
appetite.
D. It is necessary to check their body temperature frequently. When they have a
fever, put a cloth soaked on icy water on their forehead. Give them hot sweet
tea or green tea.
E. If they have stopped eating and are depressed, call a veterinarian to examine
and treat them. Follow the veterinarian's instructions how to take care and
what medicines to give. Do not let them lie on the same side too long but move
them regularly and help them to eat by pouring feed and water into their mouth.

3. Hygiene and disease prevention of pigs

A. Sanitation or cleaning should be prioritized and must be done before pigs are
put into the pen. Clean the walls and floor thoroughly with soap and water
then let it dry.
B. Apply effective disinfectants against pathogens such as use 20% solution of
Ca(OH)2, 5% solution of cresol, or 10% solution of formalin (formalin contains
40% formaldehyde) to spray on the floor, walls, and equipment.
C. When buying piglets, make sure they are vaccinated before purchase and buy
them from a known source (preferably people you know).
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D. Before putting them in the pen, wash the piglets to remove feces and dirt.
Separate or isolate newly purchased pigs from the existing ones to observe
for any clinical manifestation of disease and treat them if sick. After a quarantine
period of one week, they need to be revaccinated and dewormed.

4. Timetable of vaccination for pigs

Diseases are more common during winter and spring. Therefore, it is best to vaccinate
pigs prior to these seasons. Table 23 presents the time table of the vaccination program.
Vaccinate piglets against hog cholera after they aged 20 days and while still being
suckled by the sow. Vaccinate pigs against Pasteurellosis and Erysipelas after the age
of two months.

Table 23. Timetable of vaccination for pigs.

Vaccine

Dosage

Location

Schedule*

Hog Cholera

- 1 ml/piglet, piglets from the

age of 20 days

Under the skin

2 times/year in MarchApr. and Sept.-Oct.

Erysipelas VR2

- 0.2 ml/piglet (piglets from the

age of 2 months)
- 1 ml/adult pig

Under the skin

2 times/year in MarchApr. and Sept.-Oct.

Swine
pasteurellosis

- 3 ml/piglet (piglets from the

age of 2 months)
- 5 ml/adult pig

Under the skin

2 times/year in MarchApr. and Sept.-Oct.

Erysipelas and
pasteurellosis
mixed

- 2 ml/piglet (piglets from the

age of 2 months)
- 3 ml/adult pig

Under the skin

2 times/year in MarchApr. and Sept.-Oct.

Salmonellosis

- Time 1: 2 ml/piglet at the age

of 20 days
- Time 2 (1 week after time 1): 2
ml/piglet
- Piglets after weaning (at the
age of 2 months): 2-3 ml/piglet

Under the skin

2 times/year in MarchApr. and Sept.-Oct.

Head and face

oedema

- 2-3 ml/piglet (piglets at the age

of 30 days)

Under the skin

* National vaccination program

Note: Vaccinate pregnant sows and piglets younger than 20 days only when outbreaks
occur.

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5. Some common diseases of pigs, their prevention

and treatment
5.1. Colibacillosis
Causes and symptoms
This disease, caused by E. Coli, is very common in Vietnam. It affects 70-80% of
newborn piglets of 3-5 days up to 25 days of the age. Disease may occur when pen
floors are always left wet, cold, and dirty.

Piglets suffering from Colibacillosis develop soft to watery, white to yellow foul-smelling
dung (feces). Severely affected piglets become dehydrated, often shivers, stop suckling,
and die within 3-7 days.
The stomach is swollen and often contains coagulated milk and there is yellow fluid in
the small intestine. The large intestine is miasmal and contains much white feces. The
carcass is very thin, the heart muscles are flabby and the liver is pale.
Prevention and treatment
A. The pig pen must always be clean and warm and the floor must be dry. Use
bedding materials (rice straw) or a heating brood in winter for piglets to provide
more warmth. Reduce the diet of sows about 1-2 weeks before farrowing.
B. Use E.Coli vaccine with dosage of 10 ml for sows during the last period of
pregnancy (at least one month pre-farrowing).
C. Inject Fe Dextran (200 ml/l) to piglets between 3 and 10 days of age (2 ml/
piglet).
D. Feed Antidiarrhea (0.2 ml/piglet per day), mixing it with feed.
E. Provide drinking Scut solution (1 ml/piglet/day).
F. Treat piglets with Kanamycine 30-50 mg/kg LW/day (once a day),
Sulfaguanidine (500 mg/pig), Fuo-xit, Norfloxacin, Tiamulin, or Enrofloxaxin
(as recommended by the veterinarian).
5.2. Diarrhoea of weaned pigs
Causes and symptoms
A common disease that occurs in weaned pig during the first days of the fattening
period. It is associated with acute and chronic inflammation of the intestine. The main
causes are changes in nutrition (changing diet, feeding method, and feeding time) and
management. Pigs 2-3 month old are most likely to develop the disease if they are fed
with dry and solid roughage with high fiber content and are housed in dirty pens (bad
hygiene conditions) infected with parasite or have an infectious disease such as
Salmonellosis. In most cases, a large number of pigs are affected.

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The initial signs are reduced feed intake (eat much less), lie on their belly, develop
watery feces and diarrhea. Most pigs donot develop fever but rapidly lose weight,
have a pale face, glassy eyes, have difficulty walking and standing. They are reluctant
to stand up and often die within 10-15 days. Pigs that recover (did not die) are stunted
and their growth is very low.
In severely affected pig, the body is cold and very thin, the belly is pinched and the
skin is dry. The walls of the intestines are often reddish/purplish/black in color and may
be very thin and ballooned (swollen) with gas or constricted (very narrow) and empty.
Prevention and treatment
A. Pig pen must be cleaned and disinfected before new pigs are put in. Keep it
always clean and dry during fattening period.
B. Pigs must be well-managed and fed with high-quality feed after weaning. They
must be dewormed at weaning and be provided with clean drinking water at
all times.
C. Herb medicines such as a strong tea made from guava leaves and myrtle
leaves (10 ml) or juice from ground and squeezed mangosteen and sapodilla
plum can be given for treatment.
D. Use one of the following medicines for treatment after seeking advice from a
veterinarian:
z
Enrofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Sunfaguanidine, Fuo-xit, T.T.S. Carbotamine
5,000 mg/time, 3 times/day.
z
Chlorocide, garnidane 50 mg/kg LW /day for 3 - 5 days.
z
Antibiotics can be used in combination with Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and
glucose.
5.3. Swine Pasteurellosis
Causes and symptoms
Outbreaks of Pasteurellosis usually occur following changes in weather or
transportation. The disease is more frequent when pigs have not been vaccinated.

In acute cases, pigs have dyspnea, coryza, fever, and red eyes. They exhibit moodiness
and stopped eating. Infected pigs can die suddenly and the body is often black and
blue, with reddish foam around the mouth.
The skin is reddened over the chest, belly and back of legs. The area under the skin is
congested. The lungs are also congested or severely inflamed and the lung lymph
nodes are swollen. There is also red frothy fluid in the larynx and bronchi. The liver,
kidney and spleen are swollen and with hemorrhages on the surface of the organs.

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Prevention and treatment

A. Remove and isolate sick pigs from pens and treat them. Clean and disinfect
the pens and vaccinate healthy pigs if possible.
B. Treat the pigs with Streptomycin Sulphate, Gentamycine, Kanamycine,
Chlortetradesole, Pneumotic or Tetracycline, in addition to Vitamin B1, after
seeking advice from a veterinarian.
5.4. Hog cholera
Causes and symptoms
This disease still occurs when pigs are not vaccinated correctly. It is caused by a virus
and infection can spread very fast.

Affected pigs have fever, stop eating, and develop diarrhoea or constipation. The eyes
become red with rheum (discharge). Small pinpoint hemorrhages (black and blue) are
found inside the mouth, helix, the skin over the belly, legs and in the kidneys and
urinary bladder when dissected. The spleen is swollen, with triangular shaped areas of
infarct in the side of spleen. Button-shaped spots or ulcers are common in the caecum
and colon. Infected pigs can die eventually.
Prevention and treatment
A. Antibiotics are not effective so it is important to follow the program of vaccination
for sows and piglets strictly.
B. Try to remove and isolate all infected pigs or cull them out.
C. The pens must be cleaned and disinfected with a solution of 20% Ca (OH)2 or
2% cresol before new pigs arrive.
5.5. Salmonellosis
Causes and symptoms
The disease mostly affects piglets of 25 days of age to post-weaning.

In semi-acute cases pigs breathe rapidly, have diarrhoea and may have some black
and blue spots on the skin. They usually die 10 days after developing the symptoms.
In acute cases, pigs have fever, hemorrhages in the internal organs, with diarrhea, and
vomiting.
In chronic cases pigs are weak, with prolonged diarrhoea, and bloody, foul-smelling
feces. Ulcers are found in the ileum, caecum, and colon due to gangrene. There is no
clear border to the ulcers.

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Prevention and treatment

A. Follow the vaccination program for piglets strictly. Clean and disinfect pens
with solution of 20% Ca(OH)2 or 2% cresol.
B. Use one of the following medicines for treatment on the advice of a veterinarian:
z
Chloramphenicol: 1-2 ml/10 kg LW/day, 2 times/day
z
Gentamycine: 0.4 ml/kg LW/day, 2 times/day
z
Colistil: 1-2 ml/10 kg LW/day, 2 times/day
z
Tiamulin, Colivit, Fuoxit, Norfloxaxin, or Erofloxaxin added to Vitamin
B1
5.6. Leptospirosis
Causes and symptoms
A disease spread by mice, pigs of all ages can be affected by Leptospirosis.

Affected pigs stop eating, have fever, with oedema around the neck and face. The skin
is yellow, the urine is dark yellow. Pigs may have convulsions and an abnormal gait.
Pregnant sows often abort.
Carcasses have a distinct odor, mucous members and the fat layer underneath are
yellow. The liver is soft with a color of clay, the gall bladder is swollen and the kidneys
are pale. The heart muscle is flabby.
If the disease is prolonged, symptoms are not clear but the pigs eat less and become
thin and weak.
Prevention and treatment
A. Clean pig pens carefully. Do not leave leftover feed in the feeder over night.
B. Eliminate mice. Vaccinate pigs for Leptospira, 2-3 ml/kg LW.
C. Use one of the following medicines for treatment on the advice of a veterinarian:
z
Chlotetradexol: 1 ml/kg LW/day, 2-3 times/day
z
Oxytetracycline: 250-500 mg/15-30 kg LW/day
z
Tetracycline: 1 ml/5 kg LW/day, 2 times/day
z
Streptomycin injection combined with Penicillin 2 times/day
z
Leptoxine
z
Combined Vitamin B1 and Urotropin 20% to inject on muscle
5.7. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Causes and symptoms
FMD is a viral disease that spreads quickly among pigs, cattle, and buffalos. Pigs
infected with the FMD stop eating, often shiver, and develop fever. Incubation time is
from 1-5 days.

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The foot and mouth become swollen and vesicles quickly develop. In serious cases,
the nails fall off causing bleeding and lameness. Vesicles and ulcers develop in the
mouth, over the tongue and on the surface of the snout, causing a ropey discharge
from the mouth.
Prevention and treatment
A. Early detection is important and infected pigs must be isolated or killed.
Quarantine infected areas.
B. Pens must be cleaned and disinfected with 20% Ca(OH)2 or 5% cresol. Follow
vaccination programs strictly.
C. Clean the ulcers with 0.1% potassium permanganate. Then rub the ulcers
with lemon or sour star fruit and put antibiotics and alum.
D. Inject a combination of Urotropin (20%) and Vitamin B1 into the muscle.
5.8. Swine enzootic pneumonia
Causes and symptoms
This is a common pig disease caused by an organism called Mycoplasma. It commonly
occurs where there is a high density of fattening pigs and when fattening farms obtain
pigs from several sources.

Pigs have a dry cough that may be continuous for long periods. Infection rate is 3080% though mortality is low. Coughing is more noticeable after feeding and moving.
The infected pigs are stunted, thin and weak but often die from a secondary infection
with Pasteurellosis. The main lesions are dark solid areas in the base of each lobe of
the lung.
Prevention and treatment
A. Isolate and treat sick pigs as soon as they are observed. Clean and disinfect
pens with solution of 20% Ca(OH)2 or 5% cresol.
B. Vaccinate piglets at the age of 7 days. Cull out the infected sows and boars.
C. Use one of the following medicines for treatment:
z
Tetramuline: 1 ml/10 kg LW/day
z
Tylosine: 3 ml/5-6 kg LW/day
z
Tylan: 10 ml/20-30 kg LW/day combined with vitamins and Prednisolon
(against inflammation)
Antibiotics are used to control and treat secondary bacterial pneumonia Tyamuline: 1
ml/8-10 kg LW/day.

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5.9. Mange in swine from itchy mite

Causes and symptoms
The disease is common in places where pig density is high.

The pigs rub and scratch their skin against the walls or cages thus becoming rough.
Pigs have itchy sores and vesicles on the face and the ears that spread to the shoulders,
the belly, and the legs. After scratching, the vesicles may break, bleed, and become
ulcerated. Normally, the disease from Sacroptic mange is easier to treat than that of
Demodectic mange.
Prevention and treatment
A. Clean the entire pig house and isolate the infected pigs.
B. Treat pigs by injecting them with Ivermectin (0.5 ml/25 kg LW/day) once.
Repeat injection 3 weeks later.
C. Wash the skin then apply Dimethyl Photalate (40%) ointment or solution of
1% Dipterex on the itchy sores.
5.10. Swine pox
Causes and symptoms
Swine pox is a viral disease where virus enters the body through breaks in the skin
and infection can spread very fast when pig houses are dirty, wet, and draughty. The
disease mostly affects younger pigs.

First, the pigs have high temperature and stop eating. Pigs develop vesicles which may
become infected and filled with pus. The pox lesions are concave with pus in the
middle. Lesions form in the belly and at the edge of ears and mouth. Later, the inflamed
vesicles will scab.
Also, suckling piglets can get diarrhea or pneumonia and die in serious cases. The
disease can last 10-28 days.
Prevention and treatment
A. Maintain the floor dry and the pens clean. Avoid skin injury and treat pigs for
mange.
B. Inject Ampicillin (250 mg/25-30 kg) intra-muscularly twice a day or Penicillin
to prevent bacterial skin infections. Wash pox lesions with 0.1% KMnO4, dry
it then apply Penicillin ointment to avoid infection. Use Urotropin 20% for
muscle injection to improve health.

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5.11. Erysipelas
Causes and symptoms
Erysipelas is common in pigs 3 months of age. Pigs develop high temperature (up to
400C), stop eating, and often have swollen joints. Red, square-shaped lesions develop
on the skin. Skin may also develop gangrene and slough off.

In acute cases, the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are swollen. There is hemorrhage in
stomach and intestines. In chronic cases, pigs have arthritis and inflammation and fibrin
deposits on the heart valves.
Prevention and treatment
A. Clean and disinfect pens with solution of 20% Ca(OH)2 or 5% cresol. Ensure
pigs are vaccinated.
B. Use Penicillin Pencana or Kanamycine for treatment.
C. Use Vitamin B1 and Urotropin 10% to improve health.
5.12. Head and face oedema of piglets
Causes and symptoms
This disease is caused by a toxin of E. Coli resulting to haemolysis. It is associated
with a sudden change of diet. Piglets 6-8 weeks are most commonly affected.

Infected piglets cannot stand, but lay or sit like a dog. They may also have nervous signs
(e.g. turning whole body around, plunging the head to the front). The head, face and
eyes are often swollen and swelling of the larynx causes difficult breathing and abnormal
squeal.
Prevention and treatment
A. Keep pig house clean, cool and airy.
B. Do not change feed drastically. Feed pigs with more green roughage.
C. Vaccinate piglets of age 21-30 days and pregnant sows 2 weeks before farrowing.
D. Pigs die due to toxin so antibiotics are not effective. However, antibiotics given
early can reduce number of bacteria and toxin levels. Therefore, for minor illness,
a combination of antibiotics, adjusting and controlling diet (reducing protein
feeds, increasing fibrous feeds), enhancing detoxication, and using anti-stress
agents can be 30-40% effective.

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6. Procedure of using medicines for disease treatment

6.1. Groups of commonly used medicines
The groups of medicines used to treat pig diseases are the following:
z
Antibiotics
z
Antiphlogistic (Anti-inflammatory),
z
Antiparasites
antipyretic, analgesic
z
Vitamins and minerals
z
Transfusion solutions
z
Local antiseptics, disinfectants
6.1.1. Antibiotics
Types of antibiotics
Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial diseases, not for viral and fungal ones.
Antibiotics should only be used on the advice of a veterinarian.

Common antibiotics:
z
Penicillin
z
Streptomycin
z
Trimethoprim

z
z

Ampicillin
Oxytetracycline

z
z

Colistine
Tylosin

Two antibiotics can be combined together.

For example: Penicillin and Streptomycin
Ampicilline and Colistine
Sulfamid and Trimethoprim
Principles of using antibiotics
z
Correct dose: The correct dose (amount) of antibiotics kill bacteria. If less
than the correct dose is used, the bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and
the next treatment will not be as effective.
z
Use antibiotics for treatment as soon as possible: Antibiotics should be used in
correct dosage as soon as the disease was identified.
z
Give full course of antibiotics: Antibiotics must be used for at least for 3 days
or until 1-2 days after the symptoms disappear.
z
Check and control the progress of using antibiotics: If the pig has not recovered
after 5-6 days treated antibiotics, use another antibiotic or check the diagnosis.
z
Use one type of antibiotics at same time: Use only 1 type of antibiotic or a
recognized combination of antibiotics as recommended by a veterinarian. Using
more than 1 or 2 antibiotics at the same time is dangerous.
z
Do not overuse antibiotics: Do not use antibiotics to prevent diseases or a
routine part of management and husbandry.

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Guarantee safety and hygiene of food: All antibiotics have a withholding period.
This is the time between the last treatment until the meat is safe to eat. This is
to make sure that no antibiotic residue is left on the meat. Therefore, do not
slaughter animals before the end of the withholding period. The withholding
period is according to the recommendation of the manufacturers.
Combining different methods for treatment: Combining use of antibiotics with
supplementing vitamins, good feeding, and management will help hasten the
animals' recovery.

Factors affecting effectiveness of antibiotics

Reasons why antibiotics sometimes do not work effectively:
z
Inappropriate antibiotic is selected.
z
Dose of antibiotic is too low or period of treatment is too short.
z
Poor quality of antibiotic.
z
Antibiotic is used too late or when animal is too weak.
z
Bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
z
Treating diseases caused by viruses or poisoning.
6.1.2. Antiparasites (medicines against parasites)
Commonly used antiparasiticides:

Medicines against internal parasites

z
Medicines against Nematodes:
Levamisol
Ivermectin
Menbendazol
z
Medicine against Taenia, tapeworms:
Fenbendazol
z
Medicines against flukeworms:
Dertil B
Tolzan D (oxyclozanid)
z
Medicines against blood parasites:
Azidin
Berenil

Faciolid (Nitroxinil 25%)

Fasinex
Trypazen
Trypamidium

Medicines against external parasites

Use one of the following medicines to eradicate ticks, acaroids, mites, and scabs:
Dipterex (Trichlorphon)
Hantox (Amitraz)
Ivermectin (injection under skin)

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6.1.3. Antiphlogistic (Anti-inflammatory), antipyretic, analgesic

Analgin: for reducing fever and killing pain.
Dexamethasone: against inflammation and for killing pain.

Note: These medicines should be used in combination with antibiotics and sulfonamides.
Do not use for pregnant animals.
6.1.4. Vitamins and minerals
Importance of vitamins and minerals
While vitamins and minerals are required for normal growth and development, they
also support treatment. They are also medicines for treating vitamin and mineral
deficiencies.

Main vitamins
z
Vitamin A: Supports treatment of eye diseases. It heals wounds faster. It is
found in vegetables, carrot and orange-fleshed SP.
z
Vitamin B1: Important tonic for nervous conditions and stimulates digestion.
Rice bran is rich in Vitamin B1.
z
Vitamin C: Important in increasing resistance of the body to disease and
detoxification. Often used in combination with other medicines for treating
infectious diseases. It is found in vegetables.
z
Vitamin D: Important against rickets and stimulate growth. It is found in bones.
z
Vitamin E: Stimulates cell repair, important for the immune and nervous systems.
It is found in rice and bean sprouts.
Note: Ensure balanced vitamins in diets. Do not overuse Vitamins A, D, and E as it
can poison animals.
Minerals
Very small amounts are essential for animals.
Supplement minerals in the following cases:
z
Against diarrhea: Allow the animals to drink Orezon solution (6 spoons of salt
and 1/2 tablespoon of glucose in 1 litre of warm water).
z
Newborn piglets: Inject Fe-dextran to piglets 3 and 10 days.
z
Pregnant and nursing sows: Supplement minerals.
6.1.5. Transfusion solutions
Two types of transfusion solutions are physiological solution and Glucose 5% solution.
z
Physiological (salty) solution (0.9% Sodium chloride, NaCl) is used when

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animals bleed and lose too much blood, have diarrhea, vomit, or are poisoned.
5% glucose (sweet) solution is used for detoxification and increasing blood
sugar.

6.1.6. Local antiseptics and disinfectants

Importance of local antiseptics and disinfectants
Antiseptics and disinfectants are important in eliminating pathogens on skin, mucous
membrane, and wounds.

Commonly used local antiseptics and disinfectants

z
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4): Use 1% Potassium permanganate solution
to clean and disinfect wounds or pump into reproductive organs of females.
z
1% Methylene blue solution: apply it to wounds on the skin.
z
70% alcohol: for disinfecting wounds.
z
2-5% iodine alcohol: for disinfecting wounds.
z
H2O2 solution: for disinfecting shallow and deep wounds.
z
Mixed solution of iodine alcohol and H2O2 (in 1:1) for cleaning and disinfecting
deep wounds. Use syringe without needle to pump it into the wounds.
z
1-3% solution of boric acid: use for cleaning and disinfecting eye wounds.
z
If there is no local disinfectant available, use:
Salty water: Dilute 1 tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1 L of clean
water, bring to boil while stirring to dilute and allow cooling. Salty
water can be used as a disinfectant. It is cheap and can easily be
made, but it can be used only at the beginning of treatment. Later,
local disinfectants must be used.
Sour fruit juices: Lemon or star fruit juice can also disinfect wounds
or ulcers.
6.2. Techniques in applying medicines
The main ways for treating animals are listed below:
z
Injection
z
Applying on skin
z
Thru feeding or drinking z Giving enema, pumping, spraying

Injection
Three main methods of injection: into the muscle (intramuscular), under the skin
(subcutaneous), and into the vein (intravenous).

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Position of injection:
z
Injection in muscle or under the skin: near and behind ear.
z
Vena injection: injection into the vein of the tail or ears but farmers should not
give the injections, only the veterinarians or technicians can do that.
Feeding or drinking
Tablet or pill: Place it deep in the mouth at the root of tongue so that the animal can
swallow easily, avoiding medicine to go to trachea and lungs, which will cause choking
and death.
Powder or liquid: Dilute it with drinking water to drink or mix it with feed to be given
to animal.
Applying on skin or topical application
Liquid medicine: used for cleaning the wounds or ulcers on skin against infection.
Powder medicine: to sprinkle onto the wounds.
Greasy medicine: to grease on the wounds.
Giving enema, pumping or spraying
Giving an enema of medicine: used for treating diseases in reproductive organs and
placental retention.
Spraying or pumping medicine: to use for treating inflammation in udders.
6.3. Information on the label of medicines
Read the label carefully before using medicine.

Information on the label includes:

z
Name of medicine
z
Composition
z
Amount (mg, g, ml) or unit (IU)
z
Indications

z
z
z
z

Dose and administration

Expiry date
Manufacturer and lot number
Other recommendations

6.4. Calculating the dosage of medicine

Steps in calculating the necessary amount of medicine from a dose
Step 1: Estimate liveweight of the animal (kg).
Step 2: Identify the dose of pure medicine for 1 kg LW.
Step 3: Calculate the amount of pure medicine for the animal for 1 day.
Step 4: Calculate the amount of commercial medicine (in liquid or powder form) for
the animal for 1 day.
Step 5: Calculate the amount of commercial medicine for the animal for the entire
treatment period.

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Example: Calculate the necessary amount of Oxytetracycline in liquid required for 5

days of treating one sick pig of 30 kg LW.
Information written on the label:
Dose of pure Oxytetracycline at 10 mg/kg live weight.
Oxytetracycline 5,000 mg in 100 ml.
Calculations:
Step 1: Identify LW of pig: 30 kg
Step 2: Dose of pure Oxytetracycline: 10 mg/kg LW
Step 3: Dose of pure Oxytetracycline for the pig for one day
For 1 kg LW of the pig, 10 mg of pure Oxytetracycline is needed
For 30 kg LW of the pig, X mg of pure Oxytetracycline will be needed?
X = LW of pig (kg) x amount of pure medicine for 1 kg of LW (mg)
X = 30 kg x 10 mg = 300 mg
Step 4: Amount of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid is needed for one day:
5000 mg of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid of 100 ml
300 mg of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid of Y ml
Y (ml) = (Amount of pure medicine for pig (mg) x Amount of commercial
medicine (ml) on label)/Amount of pure medicine (mg) in commercial liquid
amount on label
Y = (300 mg x 100 ml)/5,000 mg = 6 ml
Step 5: Amount of pure Oxytetracycline in liquid needed for 5 days of the whole
treating time period is:
Amount of liquid medicine (Y ml) x number of days of treating time period
6 ml x 5 days = 30 ml
6.5. Notes for storage and use of medicines
Medicine is a chemical or biological product so it needs to be stored and used in a
proper way following these recommendations:
z
Protect medicine from direct sunlight.
z
Keep it at room temperature in a dry and cool place, or in a refrigerator.

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z
z
z
z
z

Read the label and instruction carefully before use.

Do not use expired medicine.
Use only a medicine that is still packed with label.
Do not throw used bottle, needles and syringes pell-mell. They should be
carefully wrapped and disposed properly.
Keep medicines away from children's reach.

6.6. Selecting medicine to treat the disease based on the symptoms

In some cases, animals are sick but it is difficult to determine the correct disease. Sick
animals must be treated early to avoid loss. Always check first with a veterinarian.

Example:
z
When the animal shows symptoms affecting respiratory system
Use one of the antibiotics: Oxytetracycline, Pen-strep or Tylosine
z
When the animal shows symptoms or problems with digestion
Use one of the antibiotics: Ampicilline, Colistine, or mixture of Trimethoprim
and Sulfamid or Pen-strep.

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Colibacillosis
The stomach is swollen and often contains
coagulated milk and there is yellow fluid in the
small intestine. The large intestine is miasmal
and contains much white feces. The carcass is
very thin, with flabby heart muscles and pale
liver.

Diarrhea of weaned pigs

The initial signs are reduced feed intake, lie on
their belly, develop watery feces and diarrhea.
Most pigs do not develop fever but rapidly lose
weight, have a pale face, glassy eyes, and
have difficulty in walking and standing. They
are reluctant to stand up and often die within
10-15 days. Pigs that recover will be stunted
and their growth is very low.

Swine Pasteurellosis
The skin is reddened over the chest, belly
and back legs. The area under the skin is
congested. The lungs are also congested or
severely inflamed and the lung lymph nodes
are swollen. There is also red frothy fluid in
the larynx and the bronchi. The liver, kidney
and spleen are swollen and with
hemorrhages on the surface of the organs.

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Hog cholera
Small pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin and the kidneys.

Salmonellosis
In semi-acute cases, pigs breath rapidly, have diarrhea and may have some black and blue spots on the ears,
mouth and legs. Ulcers are found in the ileum, ceacum and colon due to gangrene. There is no clear border to
the ulcers. They usually die 10 days after developing the symptoms.

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Leptospirosis
Affected pigs stop eating, have fever and oedema
around the neck and face. The skin and mucous
membranes are yellow and the urine is dark yellow.
Pigs may have convulsions and abnormal gait.
Pregnant sows often abort. If the disease is
prolonged, symptoms are not clear but the pigs
eat less and become thin and weak.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD)

The foot and mouth become swollen and
vesicles quickly develop. In the serious
cases, the nails fall off causing bleeding and
lameness. Vesicles and ulcers develop on
the mouth, over the tongue and on the
surface of the snout, causing a thick
discharge from the mouth. There are also
ulcers on udders and feet.

Swine enzootic pneumonia

The infected pigs are stunted, thin and
weak but often die from a secondary
infection with Pasteurellosis. The main
lesions are dark solid areas in the base
of each lobe of the lung.

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Swine pox
First, the pigs have high temperature and stop eating. Pigs develop vesicles which may become infected and
filled with pus. The pox lesion is concave with pus in the middle. Lesions form on the belly and at the edge of ears
and mouth. Later the inflamed vesicles will scrab.

Head and face oedema of piglets

Infected piglets cannot stand, but lay or sit in a position like a dog. They may also have nervous signs (e.g.
turning whole body around, plunging the head into front). The head, face and eyes are often swollen. Swelling
of the larynx causes difficult breathing and abnormal squeal. Up to 30 - 40% of pigs can be affected and majority
(100%) of the affected pigs die.

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