Question of the Day

Dystocia in the sow is present when one hour or more has passed between piglets.

Intervention should be swift to prevent death of piglets from anoxia.

In sows, dystocia is often due to uterine inertia, similar to other animals that produce multiple offspring.

Other causes include fetal malposition, fetopelvic disproportion, obstruction of the pelvic canal, deviation of the uterus, and excitement in the dam.

Medical therapy can be given with oxytocin and/or calcium only when an obstructive dystocia is not present.