Metritis is inflammation of the womb caused by bacterial infection. It is fairly common in the immediate post-farrowing period.
After farrowing the womb contracts and squeezes mucus, white fluid and afterbirth out through the vagina. This discharge can continue for up to 4 days and is normal. If the sow is eating well, has a normal temperature and no mastitis ignore it. However abnormal discharges can also indicate the presence of infection requiring treatment.
Symptoms
Piglets
- Starvation – no milk.
Lactating Sows only
- Temperature.
- Sow is off her food and toxic
- Signs of mastitis.
- Bright red mucous membranes around the eyes.
- Discharge from vulva – white or brown colour.
- No milk.
Dry Sows
- Discharge from the vulva.
- Sow normal in health.
- Regular, irregular returns.
- Not in pig.
Weaners & Growers
- N/A
Causes / Contributing factors
- Prolonged farrowings.
- Manual assistance during farrowing.
- In association with mastitis.
- Refuses to suckle.
Diagnosis
This is based on the clinical signs.