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. 

Weaned and young pigs most often show signs of Teschen disease. This virus multiplies in the intestines and leaves the body through the feces. Teschen disease is hardy, and you must keep the floor area sanitized to avoid spreading the disease to the rest of the herd. Isolating the infected pigs is a must.

Signs of Teschen Disease

When your pigs contract Teschen disease, they may lose their appetite and start dragging their hind legs and struggling to walk. The pig may also seem depressed and unenthusiastic to move around. Your pig may be unsteady on its feet and prefer to be in a dog-sitting position.

But, If your pig has sores on it’s back, it might be Dippity pig syndrome.

Pig hind leg paralysis treatment 

It’s best to administer preventative vaccinations against Teschen disease to prevent your pig or herd from becoming infected. A vet will also administer antibiotics to fight the infection.

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, so preventative measures are necessary (like keeping the sty hygienic and providing freshwater). Teschen disease can destroy the motor nerves of the pig, resulting in irreversible damage. 

• 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 no effective treatment 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 teschen. 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. (Note: if piglets’ legs are splayed, you’ll want to also check out the symptoms for Splayed Leg Syndrome)

References

Research Gate:

Teschen disease (Teschovirus encephalomyelitis) eradication in Czechoslovakia: A historical report