Oedema of the mamary gland - Atlas of swine pathology

Where:

Possible causes: Postpartum Agalactia SyndromeColibacillosis

The mammary glands of the sow are very firm. There is discomfort (but not pain) when pressure is applied. The udder oedema can be either in the skin or in the mammary tissue. The pressure produced in the gland prevents good milk flow after farrowing, and there is a reduction in both the quantity and quality of colostrum which implies a lowered immune status of the piglet. It can cause agalactia and the condition is seen in both gilts and sows. It could lead to starvation of piglets and an increase in preweaning mortality.

It is seen in clinically normal females with no fever or loss of appetite.