ThePigSite Quick Disease Guide
Splaylegs
This is a condition where the newborn piglet is unable to hold the front and/or (more commonly) back legs together and up to 2 % of piglets can be affected. The mobility of the piglet is impaired which makes teat access difficult.
Symptoms
Piglets- The piglets are unable to stand with the hind legs deflected laterally.
- As a result they often adopt a dog sitting position.
- Death usually ensues either due to starvation or crushing because the pig cannot move away from the sow.
- Poor / low viable piglets.
- N/A
Causes / Contributing factors
- It is more common in the Landrace breed and in males.
- Disease is caused by immaturity of the muscle fibres in the hind legs, over the pelvis and occasionally in the front legs.
- The condition is exaggerated when piglets stand on very smooth or wet slippery floors.
Diagnosis
This is based upon the clinical signs.Further Reading
Click on the links below to find out more about this disease, including treatment, management control and prevention information. The top link is the main article on this disease.Our Sponsors
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