Iron toxicity occurs when the sow and her piglets are deficient in vitamin E. Iron dextran injections become toxic and cause severe muscle reactions at the injection site.
Symptoms
Piglets
- The piglets become acutely lame, stiff and the affected muscles swell.
- The piglets develop heavy breathing and look pale.
- Anaemic.
- Death occurs within 24 hours.
Sows
- None
Weaners & Growers
- Rare
Causes / Contributing factors
- Vitamin E deficiency in the sow occurs when fats in the diet become rancid or cereals or corn have fermented and spoiled and the vitamin E is destroyed. Piglets are then born deficient
- Poor quality iron dextran will predispose.
Diagnosis
A history of acute lameness within 12 hours of iron injection, often with high mortality. Swellings at the sire of injection.