Paralyzed Pig- Is it Teschen Disease?

Teschen disease is an infection that can attack your pig’s motor and sensory nerves. This infection causes paralysis and, in severe cases, can result in complete paralysis of your pig’s hind area.

Strangely enough, even though your pig may be paralyzed in the hind area, they can still feel pin pricks and normal sensations. You must treat this disease early, as severe cases can result in irreversible damage.

Keep a careful lookout for any of these signs so you can diagnose your pig early and begin taking steps to manage the disease. Signs of Teschen disease include the loss of its rear legs, dragging its bottom, and paralysis in the back end. It may seem depressed and stop eating for a few days. Pigs with early stages of Teschen disease will appear unsteady on their feet. They may struggle to stand up. 

• The loss of the hind legs and rear end
• Dragging their limbs
• Depression
• Not eating for a day or two
• Unsteady on their feet when moving around
• Difficulty standing up out of a dog-sitting position

Steps to Take if Your Pig’s Hind Area is Paralyzed: 

Teschen disease mutates over time, and there is no effective treatment that can be given to your pig. The best thing for your pig is to take them to the vet for antibiotics if they have any infections and provide them with a preventative vaccination before symptoms arise.

You must ensure that piglets have consumed enough colostrum after birth to prevent them from catching this disease. Colostrum, or the sow’s first milk, is rich in antibodies, which can help prevent this disease in the piglets (if the sow has been vaccinated). Therefore, drinking colostrum will help boost the piglets’ immunity.