Thrombocytopaenic purpura

Thrombocytopenia purpura is a rare disease seen in piglets 7-21 days old characterized by the failure for blood to coagulate normally.

Alternative names: bleeding

Information

 It is a rare condition seen only in young piglets from 7 to 21 days old. The sow's colostrum contains antibodies that destroy the platelets (thrombocytes) of the piglets.

The disease begins 7-10 days after consumption of colostrum. The piglet dies due to a failure of the normal coagulation mechanisms. The disease is very sporadic, but when it is present it may affect up to half of the litter.

Symptoms

Sows, nursery and fattening

  •  Not seen.

Nursing piglets

  • Sudden death.
  • Dead piglet’s skin shows bite marks or injuries resulting in hemorrhages and/or bruising.
  • The hemorrhages are evident in all body tissues.
  • Anemia.

Causes / Contributing Factors

  • The immune system of the pregnant sow recognizes the pig platelets as foreign proteins and produces antibodies against them.
  • The boar used also influences the formation of these antibodies.

 

Diagnosis

  • Perform necropsy.

 

Treatment

  • There is no treatment. Affected piglets need special care.
  • Take the litter to another sow.
  • Genetic change (boar).
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