🐖 Health & Medical Care of Swine

By Dr Duncan Houston, DVM – Revised 2025

Gastric ulcers are a serious health concern in swine, where erosions of the stomach lining can lead to bleeding, perforation, and even fatal outcomes. This comprehensive guide covers everything farmers and pig-keeping families need to know—from causes and symptoms to prevention and treatment—based on veterinary evidence and practice. Let’s dig in! 🩺

1. 🆘 What Are Gastric Ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are erosive lesions affecting the stomach lining of pigs. These can range from small superficial erosions to full-thickness perforations, leading to hemorrhage and peritonitis.

As the condition worsens, blood vessels may become exposed and bleed, which can compromise the pig’s blood circulation and overall health. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

2. ✅ Why Do Pigs Get Ulcers?

Several factors contribute to ulcer development:

• Feed Texture: Highly ground or finely milled feed can accelerate digestion and increase stomach acid exposure. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Feed Changes: Sudden changes in diet—such as switching brands or formulas—can disrupt gut acidity and protectiveness. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Dietary Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin E or selenium weakens mucosal defenses. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• High Whey/Protein: Excessive whey can alter fermentation and stomach dynamics. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Toxins: Copper overload or chemical ingestion can irritate the stomach lining. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Infection: Swine may harbor Helicobacter pylori–like organisms that damage the mucosa. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Stress or Anorexia: Pigs off feed—due to illness or stress—lose mucosal integrity, making ulcers more likely. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

These factors often act together; for example, feed change plus fine grinding plus nutrient deficiency can synergistically cause ulcers. Early detection can avert severe consequences.

3. 🩹 How to Recognize Ulcers

Watch for these clinical signs:

• Loss of appetite: First red flag, especially if sudden and ongoing.
• Pallor: Pale mucous membranes signal anemia from slow bleeding.
• Vomiting or regurgitation: Not common, but may occur near perforation.
• Abdominal pain: Pigs may adopt hunched postures and vocalize when palpated.
• Weight loss & dehydration: Common with chronic ulcers.
• Melena: Black, tarry feces indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract.

If any of these appear—especially anorexia or melena—contact a veterinarian immediately.

4. 💡 Prevention Strategies

• Maintain Feed Consistency: Avoid abrupt changes in feed formula or brand.
• Use Correct Grinding: Aim for a uniform, coarse grind with minimal fines—ask your feed mill for specifications.
• Supplement Smartly: Ensure balanced levels of vitamin E and selenium. Avoid excess whey and copper.
• Manage Stress: Minimize overcrowding, transport stress, and abrupt management changes.
• Regular Monitoring: Watch feed intake daily; intervene early if pigs go off feed for >48 hours.
• Screen for Pathogens: Consider periodic testing or prophylactic treatment to reduce Helicobacter exposure.

5. 🏥 Diagnostic Approach

When ulcers are suspected:

• Veterinary Exam: Physical evaluation including palpation and mucous membrane inspection.
• Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC) to detect anemia, chemistry panel for hydration and organ function.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test: Detects hidden blood in stool.
• Gastroscopy: Endoscopic evaluation of stomach lining (available at advanced clinics).
• Imaging: Radiography or ultrasound if perforation or free abdominal fluid suspected.

6. 💊 Treatment Options

Treatment is multi-modal and guided by severity:

• Fluid Therapy: Address dehydration and shock with IV or oral fluids.
• Acid Suppression:
  • Proton-pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) once daily.
  • H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine) multiple times daily if needed.
• Mucosal Protectants: Sucralfate binds and protects ulcer sites; needs dosing several times daily.
• Antibiotics: For Helicobacter infection or secondary bacterial overgrowth. May include amoxicillin and metronidazole.
• Adjust Feed: Switch to pelleted or easily digestible feed while ulcers heal; include fiber.
• Stress Management: Isolate sick pigs, create low-stress environment, and gradually return to normal routine.

7. 🕵️ Prognosis & Risks

Outlook depends on early detection and management:

• Superficial ulcers: Often heal within 7–14 days with proper medication and diet.
• Severe or perforating ulcers: Carry a guarded to grave prognosis, especially with hemorrhage.
• Recurrent ulcers: Likely if underlying issues remain unresolved.

Continuous monitoring and feed/diet correction are essential to reduce recurrence.

8. 📊 Herd-Wide Management

In farm settings, treat both individuals and whole groups:

• Batch monitoring: Observe feed intake daily in pens/groups.
• Feed audits: Confirm feed is ground to proper specifications.
• Supplementation: Provide mineral and vitamin premixes as needed.
• Veterinary audits: Regular herd health assessments help catch early signs.

9. 📝 Record-Keeping & Prevention

• Track feed changes, animal loss events, and management alterations.
• Record individual pig treatments: dose, duration, and outcome.
• Analyze high-risk periods: transport, seasonal changes, show prep, etc.

Good record-keeping helps identify patterns and prevent issues proactively.

10. 📚 Farmer Tips & Best Practices

• Introduce new diets gradually: Over 5–7 days, mix increasing amounts of new feed.
• Coarse grinding ≠ wasted feed: Chop for digestibility but avoid dust fines.
• Test nutrient levels: Submit feed samples to labs for nutrient and mineral profiling.
• Healthy competition: Provide adequate feeders to reduce stress and stock fighting.

11. 💡 Case Scenarios

Scenario A – Weaned Pig: A 25‑lb pigodes off feed after transfer, stool becomes blackish. CBC shows mild anemia. Treatment includes fluids, omeprazole, sucralfate, antibiotics. Pig resumes eating within 48 h and recovers in 14 days.

Scenario B – Finishing Hog: Toward market, pig stops eating; abdominal pain. Radiographs show free air—indication of perforated ulcer. Humane euthanasia advised.

Scenario C – Farrowing Barn: Multiple sows go off feed after feed switch and moving crates. Feed analysis reveals finely ground grain; corrected grind and introduced high‑fiber pellets—no further cases.

12. 🧩 Practical Toolkit

Item	Purpose	Notes
Feed mill spec sheet	Ensure correct particle size	Ask mill for fines percentage
Vitamin/mineral premix	Prevent deficiencies	Include E, Se, Cu control
Proton pump inhibitor	Acid suppression	Omeprazole or pantoprazole
Sucralfate	Mucosal protection	Give away from meals/drugs
Antibiotics	Infection control	Vet-prescribed
Feed logbook	Track patterns	Include diet, meds, losses

13. 📣 Why This Matters

Gastric ulcers don’t just impact pig growth—they affect welfare, profitability, and long-term farm success. Proper feeding, early detection, and veterinary partnerships can ensure your pigs thrive and your operation stays productive.

14. 📞 When to Call the Vet

• Any pig off feed ≥ 48 hours
• Visible melena or blood in vomit/stool
• Signs of abdominal pain or shock
• Pigs in groups showing feed disruption patterns

A prompt veterinary exam can make the difference between successful treatment and life-threatening progression.