Salt poisoning

Salt poisoning is common; it is related to the unavailability of water and it affects the central nervous system.

Alternative names: Water deprivation

Salt poisoning is common in pigs of all ages and it is related to the unavailability of water; normal levels of salt in the diet (0.4-0.5%) become toxic in the absence of water.

Verify that every drinker and water distribution system is working properly- that they are not obstructed, and that water is available. This should be done on a daily basis.

All ages

• Initial stages of the disease are preceded by loss of appetite. When a pig or groups of pigs go off feed, we must first check their water sources. Symptoms appear in 3 to 4 days.
• The first signs are often pigs trying unsuccessfully to drink water from water nipples.
• Animals show nervous symptoms. In more advanced cases this may include fits, animals walking aimlessly, appearing to be blind, with tremors and lack of coordination.
• A pigs walks up to a wall, stops next to it, and presses its heads against it.
• A very typical sign of salt intoxication is the sitting dog position and shaking of the snout just before a seizure starts.
• Mortality is often high.

• Lack of water / water deprivation.
• Excess salt in the diet.

• Based on clinical signs and lack of water. Histological examination of the brain postmortem confirms the disease.

• Treatment is not very effective but attempts can be made to re-hydrate the animal by giving it drops of water, very slowly into the its mouth using a hose.
• Corticosteroids may help.