This is a condition in which shortly after farrowing blood vessels inside the vulva rupture, due to stretching or trauma to the tissues. Always consider this as a serious condition that is life threatening. It requires frequent monitoring over 24 hours. It is often seen in gilts.
Symptoms
Piglets, Weaners & Growers
- N/A
Sows
- The vulva fills with blood and becomes swollen and dark blue.
- When this occurs the tissues become very fragile and if they are crushed the vulva splits with severe haemorrhage which may not stop.
- The animal becomes anaemic and may bleed to death.
- Pale pigs.
Causes / Contributing factors
- Trauma.
- Assisted farrowings.
Diagnosis
A blood filled vulva at farrowing.