Discospondylitis in swine.

Gross and microscopic lesions of discospondylitis in swine are described. Gross lesions were characterized by areas of destruction and cavitation involving intervertebral discs and adjacent structures. Microscopically, acute lesions had hemorrhage and necrosis with infiltration of granulocytes and mononuclear cells. In chronic cases intradiscal structures were replaced by vascular connective tissue which contained plasma cells and lymphocytes. These lesions were most frequently associated with chronic erysipelas polyarthritis.     

Physical examination of swine.

Swine may be examined to evaluate a disease state or a lowered economic performance or as a herd health consultation. As much of the examination as possible should be performed without handling the animal. A thorough history, evaluation of herd records, environmental examination, and herd examination should be performed prior to the evaluation of an individual animal. All necessary equipment should be available when starting the individual examination. The animals is then restrained and examined, and necessary samples are taken. Post-mortem examinations or slaughter house evaluations are a very frequent part of a health examination on swine. All samples taken should be in accordance with the standards of the laboratory that you use. You should work closely with the laboratory to obtain the best results. Physical examination of swine can be rewarding for the veterinarian as well as the producer. The most important aspect to remember is to have enough information and the proper equipment available to handle the animals for the minimal amount of time to gain the maximum benefits. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are similar to domestic swine in terms of their diseases and health but are dissimilar in management; pot-bellied pigs are frequently brought to the veterinarian for individual examinations. History is the most valuable part of the examination, followed by observation. Pot-bellied pigs prefer to be held securely with a hand under the chin and rump. The examination is conducted similarly to the examination of any companion animal. Chemical restraint often is necessary for sampling or minor surgical procedures. Owners should be consulted prior to the use of any restraint. This will help win their approval and confidence when working on their pets. While performing the physical examination, look at the pig's overall health as well as specific breed characteristics. Try to stay abreast of swine vaccination recommendations; you may be consulted in this regard. Most importantly, never forget even though they are pigs, pot-bellied pigs are companion animals and should be handled as such.     

Diarrhea in growing-finishing swine.

Regardless of the etiology of an enteric disease in nursery age to finisher swine, making a prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Eliciting a complete history, assessing clinical signs and pathology, and selecting and interpreting laboratory tests are essential components in achieving this. Early detection and diagnosis of enteric disease is particularly critical in the nursery through finisher phase because of economic impacts. Recurrent topics when discussing control and prevention of enteric diseases are reducing stress and improving pig comfort and reducing or eliminating exposure through sanitation and biosecurity. These are not new concepts; in fact, prior to the advent of antimicrobials, they were the mainstay of treatment of enteric diseases. With concern over the use of antimicrobials in food animal production increasing, exploiting disease ecology to control enteric diseases is increasing in importance. New vaccines and bacterins for postweaning swine enteric diseases are needed tools to exploit the pig's immune system. Recent advances in diagnostic capabilities allow an increase in understanding and exploitation of disease ecology.     

Pharmacologic control of swine reproduction.

Current approaches to control fertile estrus and parturition in the pig are discussed. Techniques to induce estrus in acylic pigs (pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin) to synchronize estrus in cyclic females (progestins), and to control onset of ovulation (human chorionic gonadotropin) are described. Regimens that induce parturition (prostaglandins) and precipitate farrowings at more predictable times (oxytocin) are addressed.     

Swine fever: classical swine fever and African swine fever.

Because of the clinical and pathologic similarity to common endemic diseases, introduction of CSFV or ASFV strains of moderate to low virulence represents the greatest risk to North American swine herds. Producers, veterinarians, and diagnosticians should increase their awareness of these devastating diseases and request specific diagnostic testing whenever they are suspected. Production practices that improve biosecurity will reduce the risk of introduction of CSF and ASF and limit the spread if an incursion occurs. Additional resources. The following Web sites contain excellent color photographs that will assist producers and practitioners in identifying clinical signs and gross lesions associated with CSFV and ASFV: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/gray_book/FAD and http://www.pighealth.com. The latter Web site and the OIE Web site (http://www.oie.int) offer updated information on current worldwide epizootics of ASF and CSF and other swine diseases. Details of biosecurity procedures can be found at http://www.agebb.missouri.edu; see publication G2340.     

Artificial insemination in swine.

This article analyses the advantages and disadvantages of artificial insemination with semen purchased from a center as well as from the herd boars on the farm. Intensive swine production could benefit greatly by adapting artificial insemination with herd boars, particularly from savings in labor and boar numbers. The techniques for semen collection, extension, and insemination are described, and sources for equipment given. Expected results of artificial insemination are quoted from experiments and international field experience.