Navel Bleeding Syndrome

 

Clinical signs

 

At birth or within a few hours the piglet becomes extremely pale and in many cases dies. There is likely to be fresh blood on the floor of the farrowing pen.

Navel bleed normal 2

Navel bleed 1

Normal umbilical length

Short umbilical length associated with navel bleeding

Causes

1

Reduced oxygen during farrowing.  Piglets born very pale and anaemic.  More common in old sows or large litters.  Blood has not been pulled back into the piglet from the placenta.  Use of prostaglandins too early is also implicated

2

Haemorrhage into the cord – associated with premature farrowing or removal of the piglet from behind the sow.  As long as the piglets are breathing leave piglets to sort themselves out and move towards their mothers teats.  Provide heat lamps behind the sow to assist the newborn piglet.

3

Bleeding from the navel during the first few hours – associated with a clotting factor problem

Treatment

Individual

Attach a navel clamp 13mm from the skin using a children navel clamp.

Alternatives are nylon or plastic ties.  Ideally bend umbilicus back on itself in to a U

If the umbilicus is long enough it could be tied in a knot

Control

Some wood shavings have been associated with navel bleeding – change source or use paper

Avoid rat poisons – such as warfarin

Review farrowing management – do not move piglets away from rear of sow too quickly. Allow the cord to break naturally

Review use of prostaglandins and gestation lengths.  Avoid premature births

Check feed for mycotoxins

Avoid damage to the navel within 3 hours – this might occur if fostering excessive