Clinical examination of an individual pig

Follow a set procedure to examine the animal
Assess the pig’s normal behaviour, its locomotion and its response to its owners. Enquire about eating, urination and defecating patterns.		Remember that the pig may live in a group (sounder) at home and other pigs may be presenting with the same clinical signs	Enquire about the recent history of the pig
Examination of an cooperative pig
Make contact both vocally and physically. Assess the body condition. Check breathing rate		Take the rectal temperature. Normal 39°C. Examine the external genitalia.		Palpate the lumbar muscles, hind legs, abdomen and mammary area.
Some pigs may allow auscultation – but this is generally unrewarding		Pigs like to be scratched particularly behind the ear and along the back. Check the head of the pig for any discharges from the nose, eyes, mouth		When handling the head watch that the pig does not try and bite
Examine the feet while standing		Grasp the pig’s front legs firmly. The pig is likely to vocally object.		Place the pig on its rear, holding its back with your knees
Palpation of the limbs should start at the top and work down the limb to the feet				Collect any samples are required. A blood sample can be obtained in this sitting position from the jugular vein
Uncooperative pig
In an uncooperative pig, from the sitting position restrain the pig on its back where it will generally stop struggling. A full clinical examination can now be completed starting from the rear of the pig to the front of the pig
Walk backwards and lower the pig between your legs. Support its back with your feet and lower leg.	Keep a hold on the back legs and take the pig’s rectal temperature			Examine the anus for any discharge. Take samples if necessary
Examine the external genitalia	Examine the superficial lymph nodes			Examine the left hind leg from toe to hip
Examine the right hind leg from toe to hip	Examine the caudal ventral body wall and mammary glands			Carefully move or rotate your body to face the pig’s head
Support the pig with your feet under the shoulder blades (arrow)	Examine the pig’s eyes and jaw			Examine the pig’s ears
Examine the pig’s mouth using a mouth gag	Auscultate the heart and chest			Examine the left and right foreleg
Examine the cranial ventral body wall	Relax your left foot from the shoulder the pig will rotate onto its feet			Examine the dorsal body wall as the pig moves away