Navel Bleeding Syndrome
Clinical
signs |
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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. |
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Normal umbilical length |
Short umbilical length associated with navel bleeding |
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Causes |
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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 |
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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. |
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3 |
Bleeding
from the navel during the first few hours – associated with a clotting factor
problem |
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Treatment |
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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 |
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If
the umbilicus is long enough it could be tied in a knot |
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Control |
Some wood
shavings have been associated with navel bleeding – change source or use
paper |
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Avoid
rat poisons – such as warfarin |
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Review
farrowing management – do not move piglets away from rear of sow too quickly.
Allow the cord to break naturally |
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Review
use of prostaglandins and gestation lengths.
Avoid premature births |
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Check
feed for mycotoxins |
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Avoid
damage to the navel within 3 hours – this might occur if fostering excessive |
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