Middle Ear Infections

(374) This disease occurs occasionally in the sucking pig from 7 to 10 days of age. The middle part of the ear is responsible for balance and infection causes the piglet to hold its head on the affected side and to lose its balance. Infection arises as a sequel to joint infections or septicaemia and the common organisms involved include; Haemophilus parasuis, streptococci, and staphylococci. Early identification of the condition is essential to allow prompt treatment. This should be carried out using daily antibiotic injections of penicillin/streptomycin, OTC or amoxycillin. It is more common in the weaned pig.