What are the common symptoms of dystocia in sows?

After a sow has grown for a certain period, it will give birth to many piglets, and during the farrowing process, signs of dystocia may appear. So what are the symptoms of dystocia in sows?

1. What are the symptoms of dystocia in sows?

There are three symptoms of dystocia in sows. The first is that the due date has passed or has arrived but the sow shows no straining or only weak straining. The second is that straining occurs but only part of the fetuses are successfully delivered, after which the expulsive force decreases or the delivery of fetuses stops. The third is that sometimes the first few fetuses are delivered smoothly, but after that the next fetus is not delivered for a long time.

2. What should be done about dystocia in sows?

1. Massage to assist delivery

If the pelvis opens relatively narrowly when the sow is farrowing, the piglets cannot be delivered smoothly, causing dystocia. Farmers can press the base of the palm against the sow's tailbone during contractions to reduce the sense of pain. An assistant can forcefully press and massage the sow's abdomen. As the massage proceeds, the frequency of the sow's straining continuously increases, and finally the piglets are delivered smoothly.

2. Injecting vegetable oil

During dystocia in sows, premature rupture of the amniotic fluid can lead to dystocia. For cases in which rupture of the amniotic fluid causes the birth canal to become too dry, clean vegetable oil should be injected into the birth canal as a lubricant to make the birth canal lubricated and expanded. The birth attendant then disinfects the hand and inserts it into the birth canal to slowly pull the fetal pig out.

3. Drug-assisted delivery

During dystocia in sows, oxytocin can be used according to the specific situation. When the cause of dystocia is that piglets have already come out but the sow is still having contractions, yet the contraction force is very weak, oxytocin can be used in this situation. Each use should be at least half an hour apart, and it is best to use it together with an energy mixture, which is more effective.

4. Cesarean delivery

If massage and drug-induced labor have both been used for dystocia in a sow without effect, cesarean delivery can be considered to ensure the safety of the piglets and the sow. A professional veterinarian should be invited to perform the surgery for cesarean delivery in sows. In addition, sows require special care after cesarean delivery, especially doing a good job of preventing wound infection.