What are the treatment methods for postpartum paralysis in sows?

Postpartum paralysis in sows is a severe acute neurological disorder that occurs suddenly after farrowing, characterized by loss of consciousness and paralysis of the limbs.

Causes

The cause is currently not well understood. It is generally believed to be caused by a sudden decrease in blood glucose and blood calcium, a drop in blood pressure after farrowing, and other factors that lead to functional impairment of the cerebral cortex.

Symptoms

Listlessness. All reflexes become weak or even disappear. Appetite is markedly reduced or completely lost. Feces are dry and hard and scant, and then defecation and urination stop. Standing is difficult or impossible, or the sow appears in a stuporous state. Milk production is very low or absent. Sometimes the affected sow lies prone. She will not let the piglets nurse.

Treatment

1. Use sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate as a laxative, or give a warm soapy enema, to clear the accumulated feces in the rectum; at the same time, intravenously inject 50-150ml of 10% calcium gluconate.

2. Rub the affected sow's skin with a straw bundle or coarse cloth to promote blood circulation and recovery of nerve function.

3. Add more bedding straw and turn the affected sow frequently to prevent bedsores.

4. Foster the piglets to another sow or feed them artificial milk.