My Circling Pig: Pig Walking in Circles Has A Serious Infection

Walking in Circles Can Signal An Infectious Condition

It may look funny if you notice your pig walking in circles, but it is a serious condition. 

Pigs walk in circles due to a middle ear infection, a brain stem infection, or a bacterial infection. If they are circling you, it may be a display of extreme aggression. Depending on the age of your pig, it’s one of three main infections: Listeriosis, Vestibular syndrome, or Actinobacillus.

Listeriosis affects mainly sows and can cause disorientation and stillbirths. 

Vestibular syndrome, or an inner ear infection or brain stem infection, mainly affects young, growing pigs and causes a head tilt and circling.

Actinobaccillus usually affects preborn pigs and piglets, causing shaking, tremors, and sudden death. 

All of the above diseases must be diagnosed as early as possible to administer the correct medication. Otherwise, death is prevalent as the diseases progress, often very quickly.

Steps to Take if Your Pig Walks in Circles: 

If your pig appears to have developed listeriosis or actinobacillosis, you will need to take your pig to the vet as soon as possible.

First, the vet may inject your pig with penicillin and aminoglycosides. Next, identify what caused the infection and prevent it from spreading further. A blood smear test should help in this regard.

1. The vet may inject your pig with penicillin and aminoglycosides.
2. Identify what caused the infection and prevent it from spreading further. A blood smear test should help in this regard.