This is often seen post farrowing and can be life threatening. The blood may be fresh and bright red indicating fresh haemorrhage or dark brown previous haemorrhage.
Symptoms
Sows
- Blood from the vulva or vagina evident.
- Blood in faeces.
- Blood in urine.
- Pale pig.
- Rapid breathing.
- Dehydration.
Piglets, Weaners & Growers
- Rare
Causes / contributing factors
- Damaged vulva.
- Ruptured blood vessel at farrowing.
- Acute cystitis.
- Dead piglet in the womb.
- Haemorrhage from the umbilical cord.
Diagnosis
Identify the source of the haemorrhage and ligature if possible.
Treatment
- If a fresh haemorrhage, apply pressure
- See vulval haematoma for treatment
- See also cystitis
- Give anticoagulents – vitamin K