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

 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.

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.

• 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.

• Perform necropsy.

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