What to Do About a Falsely Dead Piglet? Causes and First Aid Methods Explained

Newborn piglets may show signs of apparent death, which means that after birth the piglet is not breathing but still has a heartbeat. Although this situation is not common, once it occurs, if first aid is not given in time, it can lead to the piglet's death. So what causes apparent death in piglets? And what first aid methods should be used? Let's take a look with Qinnong Web.

Causes

During pregnancy, if the sow is improperly fed and managed, resulting in a weak constitution and malnutrition, or anemia or excessive fatigue, it may cause piglet suffocation after farrowing. Insufficient oxygen supply in the sow's body causes the fetus's carbon dioxide level to exceed the normal range, leading to breathing difficulties. In addition, if the sow is old and frail, bred too early, or lacks exercise, farrowing may take too long and she may lack the strength to deliver the fetus, so the fetus cannot get oxygen and cannot breathe, resulting in apparent death. Or during birth, the umbilical cord may become wrapped around the piglet, causing blood circulation problems and apparent death.

Clinical Symptoms

The symptoms of falsely dead piglets are as follows: in mild cases, the tongue protrudes from the mouth, the body is weak, the mouth and nasal cavity are blocked by mucus, there is slight breathing, sometimes panting, and the heartbeat is fast but weak. In severe cases, the mucous membranes are pale, the whole body is relaxed, the mouth and nasal cavity are blocked by mucus, there is no breathing, only a slight heartbeat, and the piglet is on the verge of death.

First Aid Methods

There are many first aid methods, but before giving first aid, be sure to first remove the mucus from the mouth and nasal cavity, then wipe it clean with gauze or a towel, and get ready to begin first aid.

1. Cover the piglet's mouth and nose, then cover the anus, and pinch the umbilical cord. When the piglet has difficulty breathing, touch its mouth a little to let it breathe on its own. Repeat several times and it will recover.

2. Place the piglet on straw bedding, and use your hands to flex and extend the front and hind limbs repeatedly to promote breathing.

3. Hold the piglet upside down and swing it, constantly patting its chest or back to make it squeal and breathe.

4. Insert a rubber tube or plastic tube into the mouth or nasal cavity and blow air into it to assist breathing, similar to artificial respiration.

5. Put a drop of alcohol or ammonia water near the piglet's nose, or prick its nose or leg with a needle to stimulate breathing.

6. Prepare a basin of warm water at about 40 degrees, put the piglet into it, leaving only the mouth, nose, ears, and margins above the water. After soaking for 5 minutes, take it out, dry its body, and let it slowly revive.

The above are the causes of and first aid methods for falsely dead piglets brought to you by Qinnong Web. We hope it can help you. To learn more about pig farming, please follow Qinnong Web.