<%@LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.3"%> Swine Diseases - Clinical Exam Procedure

Follow a set procedure to examine the animal ? there are few differences with other animals.
 

1. Make contact both vocally and physically. Assess the body condition. Check breathing rate 2. Pigs like to be scratched particularly behind the ear and along the back 3. Check the head of the pig for any discharges from the nose, eyes, mouth 4. When handling the head watch that the pig does not try and bite
 
5. Take the rectal temperature normal 39C (102.5F) 6. Examine the external genitalia. Note the mucosa color 7. Palpate the lumbar muscles of the pig 8. Some pigs may allow abdominal palpation.
 
9. Examine the mammary glands. Pigs also like to be rubbed. 10. Look for any abnormalities to the abdomen and chest 11. It may be possible to examine the legs starting at the hind legs and moving to the fore. Pigs do not like having their feet touched
 

12. Palpation of the limbs should start at the top and work down the limb

13. Other examinations are possible after the initial examination is complete
 
 
14. Examination of the feet may require additional restraint. If the animal is lying down examine feet first 15. Collect any samples as required