Salt poisoning (Water deprivation)
Salt poisoning is common; it is related to the unavailability of water and it affects the central nervous system.
Description
Salt poisoning is common in pigs of all ages and it is related to the unavailability of water; normal levels of salt in the diet (0.4-0.5%) become toxic in the absence of water.
Verify that every drinker and water distribution system is working properly, is not obstructed, and water is available, should be done on a daily basis.
Symptoms
All ages
- Initial stages of the disease are preceded by loss of appetite. When a pig or groups of pigs do not eat, we must first check water sources. Symptoms appear in 3 to 4 days.
- The first symptoms are often pigs trying to drink water from water nipples unsuccessfully.
- Animals show nervous symptoms and in more advanced cases it may include attacks, animals walking aimlessly and appear to be blind, with tremors and lack of coordination.
- Pig walks upto a wall, stops next to it and presses its heads against it.
- A very typical sign of salt intoxication is the dog sitting position and shaking of the nose just before the seizures start.
- Mortality is often high.
Causes / Contributing Factors
- Lack of water / deprivation.
- Excess salt in the diet.
Diagnosis
- It is based on clinical signs and lack of water. Histological examination of the brain at autopsy confirms the disease.
Treatment
- Treatment is not very effective but attempts can be made to rehydrate the animal try to give water droplets, very slowly into the pig's mouth using a hose.
- Corticosteroids may help.
