In Practice 6: 43-53 (1984)
© 1984 British Veterinary Association

Locomotor disorders of the pig

Diagnosis in food animals, unlike diagnosis in companion animals, does not usually require that clinical techniques be pursued in depth since elective post mortem examinations can be employed to expedite aetiological diagnosis providing that a cost benefit is anticipated. This paper has concentrated on the anatomical localisation of lesions in porcine locomotor disorders for it is from such clinical observations that the pathologist can operate most effectively.

When considering differential diagnosis of locomotor diseases of pigs the clinician should always give special consideration to those potential diagnoses which are notifiable diseases. They are for the most part currently exotic disorders of which the clinician may not have had field experience but for which early detection is essential to effective control.

Note:

I thank Dr J. T. Done for helpful criticism and my many other colleagues in the State veterinary service for their interest in providing case material and illustrations.