Pig Pharyngitis

[Overview]

This disease is caused by catching a cold, or by coarse, hard, sharp objects injuring the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to inflammation of its surface layer and deeper layers. Clinically, it is characterized by difficulty swallowing and stiff head and neck.

[Etiology/Pathogen]

It is caused by pigs catching cold due to factors such as a cold pig house, exposure to cold air, and insufficient bedding; other causes include inhalation of dust or irritating odors, weak body resistance, injury to the pharynx by coarse, hard, sharp objects, rough administration of medication through the mouth with a stomach tube, feed that is too hot or frozen, or secondary to streptococcal disease.

[Symptoms]

In acute cases, appetite is reduced, swallowing is difficult, and there is drooling; coughing often occurs when eating in strips, and liquid feed consumed may flow out from the nostrils. Body temperature rises, the animal is depressed, the head and neck are stiff, breathing is difficult, and the pharynx is red and swollen.

Sick pigs hang their heads and stand in a daze, coughing frequently; after 3-4 days, they develop viscous nasal discharge. Sick pigs stretch the neck and breathe with the mouth open, often progressing to tracheitis or bronchitis. In severe cases, body temperature rises, there is shivering, and the coat is coarse and hard.

[Treatment]

① Paris polyphylla 15-25 grams, decocted and taken orally.

② Compound licorice mixture 3-6 tablets.

③ In more severe cases, sulfonamides or antibiotics may be used.

④ Mussaenda pubescens 200 grams, decocted in water, left to cool, and taken orally in 2 divided doses.

⑤ The Chinese patent medicine "Sanhuang San" (Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Phellodendron amurense) plus "Bingpeng San" (borneol, borax) or ground indigo naturalis, blown into the throat.

[Prevention and Control Measures]

Keep the pig house clean and dry, pay attention to keeping warm in winter, and prevent pigs from catching cold.