Laminitis in pigs is a surgical disease of swine.
[Causes]In the past, clinical cases of laminitis in pigs were relatively few, but in recent years the incidence has increased. There are many factors that trigger laminitis. At present, due to the use of various additives, pig feed is formulated with comprehensive and sufficient nutrients, the feed is rich and highly palatable, pigs are greedy eaters and lethargic, and exercise little. In addition, with the increase in confinement and cage rearing, pigs become fat and fleshy in a short time and their body weight increases rapidly. Such a huge pig body increases the pressure on the narrow hoof capsule, and coupled with insufficient exercise, poor blood circulation in the hoof, and impeded and obstructed hoof mechanism, when digestive disorders occur, the feed in the gastrointestinal tract ferments and produces histamine-like toxins, causing congestion and inflammation of the hoof, which is rich in peripheral nerves and capillaries, thereby inducing laminitis in pigs.
[Symptoms]The clinical symptoms of laminitis in pigs are obvious. Affected pigs lie on the ground and cannot rise. When forced to stand or move, the affected hoof is extremely painful, weight-bearing is difficult, and painful cries and muscle tremors occur. The wall of the affected hoof is highly sensitive to touch and pressure, and the hoof temperature is slightly elevated. In general, mild cases show little change in systemic symptoms, with only reduced appetite.
[Diagnosis]Based on clinical symptoms, it is easy to differentiate and diagnose.
[Treatment]
Formula 1: An appropriate amount of blood charcoal (charred human hair), mixed with vinegar into a paste and applied to the sole of the hoof, filling it completely. If there is too little hair charcoal, add vinegar residue to fill it level, then use a flat iron to burn and cauterize over the medicine, keeping the medicine temperature at around 45°C, for half an hour each time. After cauterization, bandage to prevent exposure to wind, once each morning and evening. For treating laminitis occurring after 4 days.
Formula 2: 70 grams of mirabilite, 2 grams of aloe, 6 grams of dried ginger, 30 grams of baking soda, mixed with water and administered by gavage in 1 dose. For treating the early stage of laminitis, with acute pain and increased temperature in the hoof.
Formula 3: 10 grams of blood charcoal, 32 grams of rosin, 47 grams of yellow wax. Grind the first two medicines into powder, melt the yellow wax and mix into a paste. Apply the paste to the dry hoof center and hoof wall, lightly cauterize with a branding iron, change the medicine after several days, and treat again in the same way once more.
Formula 4: 5 parts realgar, 4 parts scallion white, 4 parts egg white, 2 parts honey, 1 part vinegar, pound together into a paste and apply to the affected hoof shell and sole, 3-4 times daily, for several consecutive days. For treating the early stage of laminitis with pain and fever.
Formula 5: Appropriate amounts each of willow leaves, pagoda tree leaves, pine needles, and cypress leaves, decocted in water, with an appropriate amount of vinegar added. In the early stage, cold-bathe the affected hoof; in the later stage, warm-bathe it, 2-3 times daily, 20-30 minutes each time.
Formula 6: Appropriate amounts each of mint and cocklebur herb, decocted into a liquid and used for cold bathing the affected hoof, 3 times daily, 50-60 minutes each time, for several consecutive days. For treating laminitis with pain and fever.
Formula 7: Administer 35 tablets of rhubarb and soda tablets by gavage each day. Neostigmine methylsulfate 2 ampoules, intramuscular injection (each ampoule 2 mL, containing 1 mL), once every other day (this is the dosage for a 90-100 kg pig). Increase the green feed in the feed by 15%. In all cases, clinical symptoms improved after 3-5 days and full recovery occurred after 10 days.