This is a condition in which shortly after farrowing blood vessels inside the vulva rupture, due to stretching or trauma to the tissues. Always consider this as a serious condition that is life threatening. It requires frequent monitoring over 24 hours. It is often seen in gilts.

Symptoms

Piglets, Weaners & Growers

• N/A

Sows

• The vulva fills with blood and becomes swollen and dark blue.
• When this occurs the tissues become very fragile and if they are crushed the vulva splits with severe haemorrhage which may not stop.
• The animal becomes anaemic and may bleed to death.
• Pale pigs.

Causes / Contributing factors

• Trauma.
• Assisted farrowings.

Diagnosis

A blood filled vulva at farrowing.