Farrowing

Last week, I had the opportunity to assist with an emergency farrowing for a sow named Patty, who was experiencing dystocia. While farrowing complications are relatively rare in swine compared to other livestock like cattle, they do occur and timely intervention is critical. Under normal conditions, piglets are typically delivered within 15 minute intervals. In Patty’s case, she delivered her first two piglets back-to-back (Figure 1) and then struggled for over two hours to deliver the third.

Upon arrival at the hobby farm, the veterinarian and I suited up and began palpating to assess the position of the third piglet. After a few minutes of gentle traction using obstetrical chains, the veterinarian was able to deliver the piglet. I then delivered the fourth while administering intramuscular oxytocin injections every 15 minutes into Patty’s epaxial muscles to stimulate uterine contractions. Additionally, we administered intravenous calcium through her ear vein in case hypocalcemia was contributing to her weak labor.

Unfortunately, both the third and fourth piglets had been deprived of oxygen and were stillborn.

The fifth piglet was lodged in the birth canal and could not be pulled up and over the pelvic brim. The veterinarian and I attempted extraction for over two hours, including performing a fetotomy, but we were unsuccessful. To avoid traumatizing or perforating the uterus, we made the difficult decision to cease further intervention. A cesarean section was offered, but the owner declined. Given the circumstances, we explained that Patty had a poor prognosis and was at high risk of developing sepsis. We advised the owner to begin a course of penicillin injections and monitor her closely in the days to come, with the hope that she would expel the remaining piglets naturally.

Despite the severity of Patty's case, I’m happy to report that she survived. Even more remarkably, she is actively nursing the two piglets who made it through this ordeal (Figure 2).