It is important to promptly identify and treat animal pathologies. This is especially true when caring for young individuals who do not have a very good immune system. Anxiety symptoms are especially dangerous. Therefore, many farmers are interested in why a piglet is coughing. The reasons for the violation vary. These include infections, damage to the digestive organs, and helminthic infestations.
Why is cough dangerous for pigs and piglets?
Coughing in piglets may indicate serious pathologies that pose a threat to life. When such diseases appear, medications are usually required. Diseases in pigs are in many ways similar to those in humans. It is important to identify their symptoms promptly. Many pathologies are infectious in nature and can spread between animals. In this case, there is a risk of damage to the entire herd.
Causes of the symptom
The occurrence of cough in piglets can be caused by many factors. These include colds, helminthic infestations and other reasons. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis in time.
Colds
When raising piglets in damp and cool rooms, there is a high probability of developing colds. A weakened immune system provokes a deficiency of nutrients and vitamins. This is why it is so important to feed your pets properly.
The first symptom of a cold is a cough. In this case, the piglets may be in an overexcited or apathetic state. The color of their ears also changes. Instead of pink, it becomes grayish.
Pneumonia, tuberculosis
Sometimes piglets cough due to pneumonia. At the same time, they exhibit the following symptoms:
- wheezing;
- breathing problems;
- dry cough;
- general weakness;
- loss of appetite;
- increase in temperature;
- thirst;
- the appearance of conjunctivitis and the formation of crusts.
Similar manifestations occur with infectious tuberculosis. In such a situation, it is necessary to immediately separate the sick animals and call a veterinarian who will carry out a diagnosis.
Stomach diseases
If piglets are switched to a regular diet too early, there is a risk of developing gastroenteritis. The main symptom of the pathology is the blueness of the ears and snout.In addition, bowel movements often occur, physical activity decreases, and problems with weight gain appear. Also, the cause of disturbances is an unbalanced diet.
Ascariasis
Sometimes the occurrence of cough is associated with the entry of roundworms into the body. They grow and develop in the intestines of animals. The length of roundworms can reach 20-35 centimeters. Some eggs that were laid in the intestines transform into larvae and penetrate the bronchi and lung tissue through the bloodstream.
Ascariasis is very dangerous for pregnant pigs and small piglets. Therefore, to prevent pathology, deworming is carried out 1 month before farrowing. The main signs of ascariasis include:
- the appearance of wheezing or coughing;
- breathing problems;
- vomit;
- deterioration or complete loss of appetite.
Other reasons
Other factors that can provoke the development of cough in animals include the following:
- violation of ventilation in the room;
- accumulation of mold fungi in the diet;
- deficiency of useful elements;
- traumatic injuries;
- entry into the lungs of a foreign object;
- irritation of lung tissue.
Diagnostic methods
To identify the causes of the cough, you need to consult a veterinarian. The doctor should assess the animal's general condition and examine additional symptoms. To diagnose helminthiasis, it is necessary to conduct a fecal examination of piglets. Laboratory tests help identify viral infections - influenza or African plague.
How to deal with the problem?
To treat piglets, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis in time. Otherwise, therapy will not help cope with the disorder. A veterinarian should conduct research and select treatment.
A specialized smear test is required to detect pneumonia. Veterinary diagnostics will help identify helminthic infestations. If a foreign object enters the body, the doctor conducts a short examination. Once the cause of the problem is identified, treatment should begin. This must be done immediately, since the disease can progress and lead to death. To avoid complications of pneumonia, it is recommended to administer antibiotics by injection. Effective drugs include:
- "Tilan";
- "Spiramycin";
- "Oxytetracycline."
To eliminate helminthic infestations, it is recommended to use the drug Novomek with a concentration of 1%. In this case, it is worth using 1 milliliter of the product per 50 grams of piglet body weight. This helps destroy the bulk of the helminths.
Treatment is recommended to be combined with disinfection. This will help to cope with the causes of the development of pathology and protect the rest of the animals. Even after recovery, pigs may have difficulty gaining weight. In addition, they often become unsuitable for reproduction.
Prevention measures
To avoid the development of dangerous pathologies, it is important to provide piglets with suitable living conditions. It is recommended to keep them in a dry, warm and clean room. To prevent the accumulation of dangerous gases, it is necessary to remove manure in a timely manner and control the nutritional balance.
To strengthen the immune system of piglets, they need to be given pre-start feed on days 5-7 of life. It is recommended to pay special attention to animals that have been separated from their mother.This is a fairly stressful situation that increases the risk of pathologies. Coughing in piglets is considered a rather alarming symptom. To cope with this disorder, you need to promptly contact a veterinarian, who will make an accurate diagnosis and select treatment.
