Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the shiny membrane that covers all the internal surfaces in the abdomen. The onset may be sudden or gradual. A common time is 7-10 days after mating caused by the boar at mating damaging the vagina. It may arise due to a bacterial septicaemia.
Symptoms
Sows
- Abdominal pain.
- Appetite normal or depressed.
- The sow is reluctant to move.
- Loses weight.
- Has a tucked up appearance.
- A discharge from the vulva may be apparent at mating.
- The temperature may be normal or elevated.
Weaners & /Growers
- Coughing (App)
- Loss of condition and growth.
- Pale.
Piglets
- Swollen abdomen.
- Wasting.
- Death.
Causes / Contributing factors
- Ruptured gastric ulcer.
- Perforated bowel.
- Penetration of the abdomen via mating.
- External trauma to the abdomen and ruptured bowel or liver.
- Conditions such as actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, gl?ssers disease, migrating ascarid worms and miscellaneous generalised infections may also result in peritonitis.
Diagnosis
This is based on the clinical signs and history. A post-mortem examination may be required to confirm it.