Thrombocytopaenic purpura (bleeding)
Thrombocytopenia purpura is a rare disease seen in piglets 7-21 days old characterized by the failure for blood to coagulate normally.
Description
It is a rare condition seen only in young piglets from 7 to 21 days of age. It starts because the sow's colostrum contains antibodies that destroy platelets (thrombocytes) of the piglets.
The disease begins 7-10 days after consumption of colostrum. The piglet dies due to a failure of the normal mechanisms of coagulation. The disease is very sporadic but when it is present may affect up to half of the litter.
Symptoms
Sows, nursery and fattening
- Not present
Lactating piglets
- Sudden death.
- Dead piglet’s skin shows bite marks or injuries resulting in hemorrhages and / or bruising.
- The hemorrhages are evident in all body tissues.
- Anemia.
Causes / Contributing Factors
- The immune system of the pregnant sow recognizes the pig platelets as foreign proteins and produces antibodies against them.
- The boar used also influences the formation of these antibodies.
Diagnosis
- Perform necropsy.
Treatment
- There is no treatment. Affected piglets need special care.
- Take the litter to another sow.
- Genetic change (boar).