Preventative veterinary care in pigs involves implementing measures such as regular vaccinations, deworming, and parasite control to minimize the risk of diseases and infestations. It also includes routine health check-ups, proper nutrition management, and maintaining optimal living conditions to promote overall drift health and productivity.

Sick animal evaluations in pigs involve thorough physical examinations to assess symptoms, identify potential causes of illness, and develop appropriate treatment plans. We may conduct diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, fecal analysis, and imaging, to aid in the diagnosis and ensure accurate treatment for sick pigs.

Respiratory diseases in pigs, such as pneumonia, pasteurellosis, influenza, atrophic rhinitis, and PRRS can cause significant health issues and economic losses. Treatment involves accurate veterinary diagnosis, antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections, supportive care, and vaccination against specific pathogens. Providing a clean and well-ventilated environment, proper nutrition, and implementing biosecurity measures are crucial. Consulting with a veterinarian is essential for appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies tailored to the specific respiratory disease situation on the farm. The treatment of respiratory diseases in pigs typically involves a combination of antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and management practices. This may include the administration of antibiotic or immune-boosting medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and fever, adequate ventilation and housing conditions, and addressing any underlying factors contributing to the disease, such as stress or overcrowding. Prompt veterinary intervention and proper treatment protocols are crucial in managing respiratory diseases and promoting recovery in affected pigs.

Diarrheal diseases in pigs are characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements, which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and reduced growth rates. These diseases are often caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections and require quick veterinary attention, proper fluid and electrolyte management, and targeted treatments to prevent further complications and promote recovery. The treatment of diarrheal diseases in pigs typically involves a combination of supportive care, medications, and management practices. This may include fluid therapy to address dehydration, administration of antimicrobial agents or anti-parasitic medications based on the specific pathogen involved, and adjustments to diet and feeding practices to help the animal recover quickly and prevent further spread of the disease within the drift.

Vaccinations are crucial in preventing common diseases in pigs. We work with producers to create individualized vaccination plans and administer regular vaccines to protect against respiratory infections, clostridial diseases, and reproductive diseases. Common vaccinations for pigs include zoonotic diseases such as erysipelas, and environmental diseases such as E. coli and Staph.

Rabies management in pigs involves implementing preventive measures and responding quickly to suspected cases to protect both the affected animal and human handlers. Prevention includes vaccination of pigs against rabies, maintaining proper fencing and biosecurity measures to minimize contact with potentially infected wildlife, and reporting any potential rabies cases to local veterinary authorities. In the event of a suspected case, strict isolation and quarantine protocols may be implemented, and euthanasia of affected animals might be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. Wellfarm Veterinary Consultants’ prompt veterinary intervention and collaboration with public health agencies are vital for effective rabies management in pigs. Any bite wounds from infected pigs require serious evaluation due to the human lethality of the rabies virus and very limited treatment options early on in the course of the disease.

We assess the potential poisoning or toxicity of substances and plants that your animals may have been exposed to or ingested. During a toxicity evaluation, we do a thorough workup of the clinical signs and symptoms exhibited by the affected pigs, along with a detailed history of potential exposures. Diagnostic tests, such as blood work or tissue analysis, may be used to confirm the presence of toxins or identify the specific substances causing toxicity. Prompt veterinary intervention and supportive care are crucial to mitigate the effects of toxicity, minimize further exposure, and provide appropriate treatment to the affected pigs. Preventive measures, such as proper pasture management and feed quality monitoring, are also essential to prevent future instances of toxicity.

Wound and injury exams in pigs involve a careful evaluation of any cuts, lacerations, abrasions, or other types of injuries on the animal’s body. We assess the extent and severity of the wounds, looking for signs of infection, tissue damage, or underlying trauma. We may clean and dress the wounds, administer appropriate medications or antibiotics, and recommend necessary treatments, such as suturing or debridement, to promote healing and prevent complications. Wound and injury exams help ensure prompt and effective care for your pigs while minimizing pain, reducing the risk of infection, and facilitating the recovery process. Early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent more invasive treatment procedures.

We thoroughly assess the animal’s bones, joints, and muscles to evaluate structural integrity, mobility, and overall musculoskeletal health. We also perform physical examinations, observing the gait, posture, and range of motion, while palpating joints and muscles to identify any abnormalities, signs of pain, or indications of musculoskeletal disorders. These routine exams help in detecting fractures, arthritis, lameness, or other musculoskeletal issues, enabling appropriate interventions, treatments, and management strategies to enhance your pigs’ quality of life, mobility, and overall well-being.

Tusk trimming in pigs involves the removal or reduction of the tusks, which are elongated canine teeth that grow continuously in certain breeds of pigs, particularly boars. Tusk trimming is typically done to prevent injuries or aggression among pigs and to protect the safety of farm personnel or other animals. The procedure is performed by a trained professional using specialized tools to trim or grind down the tusks to a safe length. It is important to approach tusk trimming with proper techniques and caution to ensure the well-being and comfort of the pigs involved.

Both new and seasoned pigs farmers alike can benefit from a farm walkthrough, during which we make recommendations to improve the health, comfort, and production of your herd while maximizing profits.

A balanced diet is essential for optimal pig health. Ironsides Animal Health may include recommendations for proper nutrition, including feeding strategies, dietary supplements, and access to clean and abundant water sources. The plan may also address specific nutritional needs during different stages of production, such as breeding and gestation.

Vaccinations for pigs play a vital role in preventing and controlling various diseases. Pigs vaccines are available for specific pathogens such as clostridial diseases, pasteurellosis, and other respiratory infections. Vaccination protocols are usually based on the age, health status, and risk factors of the animals. Effective parasite control is crucial for maintaining herd health. Regular deworming treatments and strategic grazing management are often included in the plan to prevent or minimize the impact of internal and external parasites, such as worms, ticks, and flies.

Dystocia in pigs, also known as difficult or prolonged labor, occurs when a sow experiences challenges or delays in delivering her piglets. It can be caused by factors such as fetal malposition, inadequate uterine contractions, or the piglets being too large for smooth delivery. Veterinary intervention in cases of dystocia is crucial to ensure the health and survival of both the sow and her piglets.

Pigs may occasionally suffer from bone fractures, joint problems, or other musculoskeletal conditions. Wellfarm Veterinary Consultants offers in-field fracture repairs for some bones and can manage mild- to – moderate musculoskeletal issues. Orthopedic surgeries, such as fracture repair or joint arthroscopy, may be performed to correct these issues and improve the animal’s mobility and comfort. If an animal requires orthopedic surgery, then we’ll refer them to a tertiary referral hospital for further care.

Urolithiasis management in pigs involves strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat urinary tract stone formation. This includes implementing dietary adjustments to promote a balanced mineral intake, providing ample water supply, and, in severe cases, utilizing surgical intervention or medical treatments to remove or dissolve the uroliths and alleviate urinary blockages.