Pig Fever: Three Types and Treatment Plans

Understanding Effective Treatment Plans Based on the Pattern of Body Temperature Changes in Pig Diseases

Body temperature changes in pigs are a primary indicator reflecting their physiological state. When pigs become ill, changes in body temperature often appear earlier than other symptoms. Therefore, only by understanding the patterns of body temperature changes can effective treatment plans be formulated. Relevant content is briefly shared below:

1. Normal Body Temperature Standards for Pigs:Piglets: 39.5 ± 0.3°CWeaners: 39.3 ± 0.3°CGrowing Pigs: 39.0 ± 0.3°CFinishing Pigs: 38.8 ± 0.3°CSows: 38.7 ± 0.3°CBoars: 38.4 ± 0.3°C
2. Classification of Abnormal Body Temperature in Pigs:Fever (Hyperthermia): Body temperature exceeds the normal range. This generally occurs when pigs are infected with contagious diseases, suffer from inflammation, or sepsis, such as Swine Influenza, Pseudorabies, Contagious Pleuropneumonia, Swine Erysipelas, Pasteurellosis, Classical Swine Fever, or Streptococcosis.Hypothermia (Low Temperature): Body temperature falls below the normal range. This is commonly seen in pigs with hemorrhagic lesions, postpartum paralysis in sows, physical weakness or circulatory failure, poisoning, or during the terminal stages before death.
3. The Three Stages of Fever in Pigs:Temperature Rising Phase: Skin blood vessels constrict, sweat gland secretion decreases, heat dissipation reduces, metabolic breakdown accelerates increasing heat production.Manifestations: Lethargy, reduced feed intake, increased heart and respiratory rates, chills and huddling together.Note: Temperatures rise rapidly with infections like Swine Erysipelas or Pasteurellosis. Temperatures rise slowly with infections like Classical Swine Fever or Salmonellosis (Paratyphoid).High Fever Maintenance Phase: Heat production and dissipation reach a balance at the high temperature level. While heat dissipation intensifies, skin blood vessels dilate.Manifestations: Congestion and redness of the conjunctiva, dry feces, dark yellow urine.Note: High fever lasts a long time with Classical Swine Fever and Contagious Pleuropneumonia. It lasts a shorter time with Pseudorabies and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.Fever Reduction Phase (Defervescence): Due to antipyretic drug use or recovery of bodily functions, heat production decreases. While heat dissipation continues, body temperature begins to fall.Manifestations: Continued dilation of skin blood vessels, sweating, increased urination.Note: If body temperature drops too rapidly, it can lead to collapse, shock, or death. A slow decline in temperature usually indicates a better prognosis.
4. Three Types of Fever in Pigs:Low-Grade Fever: Exceeds normal body temperature by 1°C. Commonly seen in localized inflammation (e.g., Mastitis, Ileitis) and chronic diseases (e.g., Mild Classical Swine Fever, Salmonellosis).Suggested Treatment: Short-term use of antipyretics is generally not recommended.Moderate Fever: Exceeds normal body temperature by 1~2°C. Commonly seen in lung inflammation and acute viral diseases (e.g., Acute Classical Swine Fever, Swine Influenza).Suggested Treatment: Use antipyretic drugs from traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, such as Houttuynia cordata (Fish Mint), Shuang Huang Lian (Double Coptis), or Bupleurum (Chai Hu) injections.High Fever: Exceeds normal body temperature by 2°C or more. Common in acute febrile infectious diseases, systemic infections, and sepsis, such as Classical Swine Fever, Lobar Pneumonia, Pleuritis/Peritonitis, Swine Erysipelas, Septicemic Streptococcosis, etc.Suggested Treatment: Use fast-acting antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dexamethasone, Aminophenazone (Aminopyrine), Flunixin Meglumine, or Carbasalate Calcium (Aspirin derivative).