While bathing my pig using the hose, I noticed that the hip joint had become swollen and inflamed. Additionally, my pig was keeping one foot lifted off the ground.
This behavior, where the pig’s hind legs are stretched out in front of them while sitting, is often seen when there is a sudden dysfunction in the back leg caused by skeletal diseases like osteochondrosis.
Witnessing your pig hobbling around and struggling with leg mobility can be distressing.
Osteochondrosis is a skeletal disease that specifically affects the pig’s cartilage, resulting in weakness and leg stiffness. Trauma is often a contributing factor to the development of this condition. Osteochondrosis affects approximately 10% of finishing pigs and is more commonly observed in young breeding pigs.
Boars and gilts (female pigs under the age of 1) that experience leg lameness are often culled, as the disease is progressive and causes irreversible damage.
Signs of Osteochondrosis Syndrome
Symptoms of Osteochondrosis include issues walking, possible lameness, walking in a swaying motion, or trying to walk on three legs with the infected leg raised. Joints become inflamed, such as the hip, knee, and elbow. Genetics are the main cause of Osteochondrosis.
Treating Osteochondrosis Syndrome
Move the pig to a pen with soft bedding, which will help the pig achieve a better grip when attempting to stand.
Make sure the floors are not slippery and are pressure-washed often to avoid infection if the pig should fall or suffer trauma that may expose the skin and allow bacteria to penetrate.
Pigs that have injured hooves that spread out may have bush foot. But, if your pig is favoring a specific leg, it may have a torn muscle.
My Most Used Pig Supplies
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Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.
A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.
Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.
A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.
When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.
You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.
Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.