This is a common yet little recognised condition in the sow. When the jaw is at rest, a proportion of sows (often around 5%) and particularly those housed in confinement, show a misalignment of the lower jaw to the left or right of centre. In extreme cases this can give the appearance of rhinitis but it is of no significance.
Symptoms
Piglets
- N/A
Sows
- Misalignment of the lower jaw when at rest.
- The upper jaw and nose become shortened and flattened, in some cases to a grotesque degree.
Weaners & ocassionally in Growers
- Occasionally, as in sows.
Causes / Contributing factors
- Constant trauma from bar biting or the use of nipple drinkers.
- Infection of the bone as a result of faulty teeth clipping.
- Prolonged feeding of very finely ground meal in narrow troughs.
Diagnosis
This is based on the clinical symptoms and absence of rhinitis.