**** What would you do ****

[rscorkren]

HISTORY
2 days after pig selection with our local FFA our guilt developed a limp in her right rear leg. It was so severe she wouldn't use the leg unless absolutely needed.

Took her to a local vet - exam and xrays led the vet to believe she had a bacterial infection in her stifle joint. So LA200 and Banamine it was.

Everything seemed to clear up after about 7 days on meds. Then 2.5 weeks later the limp returned. We did another cycle of meds and again about 3 weeks later the limp returned.

I send a copy of the xrays to another vet in the area and he says she has a small fracture in that leg and the meds are just covering the problem. He suggests restricting her to the pen (approx. 6' wide and 10' long) for 1 month.

THE QUANDARY
We have exactly 2 months to show. So... what would you do? How much would you feed? What would you feed? And as soon as you could start your work program again.. how much time would you spend.

[Pac]

If possible, I would find another pig ASAP! Most fairs require 60 days of ownership.

[kat3311]

I know what your'e going through I once had a pig that could barely walk on her back leg after an injury. I would try DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide gel). You should be able to get it at yor local feed store. Though just in case I would get a backup pig. Hope my advice helps let us know how it goes.

[Teddyballgame047]

It is most likely microplasmic arthritis. Had 3 pigs do it. The best thing to do is to give linc for 7 days and it should clear right up, but in the future start with lindner 612 if available! It's helps prevent it in younger pigs and they will never get the limp. All pigs have it but only a few will develop the limp.

[dolfan31]

Pen rest in a deep bedded pen and use True Trac. Start walking again 1 month out starting out with short walks.