Pigs are highly susceptible to injury due to their natural behaviors and environments, making prompt wound care necessary. Their activity level and tendency to root mean they frequently encounter hazards. Pigs are also stoic animals, often hiding signs of pain until an injury is advanced. This delayed detection is concerning given their heightened risk of bacterial infection from contact with soil and manure. Swift recognition and appropriate action are paramount to preventing minor cuts from developing into life-threatening systemic infections.
Identifying Common Pig Wounds
Many common injuries stem from interactions with other pigs or housing infrastructure. Lacerations and abrasions occur when pigs rub against or become snagged on sharp edges, such as damaged fencing, feeders, or poorly maintained pen components. These environmental injuries often present as contaminated skin ulcers, especially on the legs or flanks, which can become sites for bacterial growth.
Aggressive behavior, particularly fighting or competition, is a leading cause of more serious wounds. Tusk injuries from adult boars or bite wounds from pen mates can result in deep punctures or tearing lacerations. Piglets can also cause teat injuries to the sow during suckling if their eye teeth are not managed. These bite and puncture wounds are concerning because they force bacteria deep into the tissue, creating an ideal environment for abscess formation and subsequent fly strike.
Emergency Assessment and Triage
The first step is a rapid assessment to determine the severity and need for veterinary intervention. Control severe, life-threatening hemorrhaging by applying firm, direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile gauze. If bleeding cannot be stopped or significantly reduced within ten minutes of continuous pressure, the animal requires immediate veterinary transport.
Consult a professional immediately for wounds indicating deep tissue damage or extensive contamination. This includes deep puncture wounds, especially bites, given the high infection rate. Wounds near joints, the eyes, or the chest cavity also warrant urgent care, as do large lacerations exposing underlying muscle or bone. Signs of systemic shock, such as lethargy, pale mucous membranes, or rapid, shallow breathing, necessitate emergency medical attention.
Cleaning and Preparing the Wound Site
Once stabilized, the wound must be thoroughly cleaned to remove debris and reduce the bacterial load. Before cleaning, carefully clip the surrounding hair to prevent contamination and allow for better visualization of the margins. Perform this clipping gently to avoid irritating the wound or pushing hair into the open tissue.
The most effective cleansing method is high-volume irrigation using a sterile saline solution or a mild, diluted antiseptic. Avoid solutions like hydrogen peroxide or full-strength iodine, as they can damage healthy tissue and delay the healing process. Stream the fluid over the wound with moderate pressure, such as from a syringe without a needle, to flush out foreign material and debris. Continue flushing until the wound appears visually clean and all foreign bodies are removed.
Ongoing Care and Infection Management
After initial cleaning, the focus shifts to protecting the wound and supporting the healing process over time. Because bandaging a pig can be extremely difficult due to their body shape and tendency to rub, topical treatments are often the primary method of protection. Antiseptic ointments or sprays can be applied to the cleaned area to maintain a barrier against new contaminants and deter flies, which are attracted to open wounds and pose a risk of fly strike.
The wound must be monitored frequently for several days for any evidence of localized or systemic infection. Signs of a developing problem include increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the site, or the discharge of pus. Lethargy, loss of appetite, or an elevated body temperature are indicators of a systemic infection that requires immediate veterinary consultation. In these cases, a veterinarian may prescribe systemic antibiotics to manage the infection, as topical applications alone are insufficient for deep or advanced bacterial invasion. Separating the compromised pig into a clean, dry, and warm hospital pen is also recommended to reduce stress and minimize recontamination during the recovery period.