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Newborn shaking head

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 1:14 pm
by kelly35
I have a week old pig that has been shaking its head since it was born. I was there during delivery and he was shaking his head as I was cleaning him off and was a little disoriented. By shaking I mean flopping ears side to side not shiver shaking. He now has a sore on the back of his ear and on the inside of his ear. He is nursing well. I have been giving him penicillin. Just was curious if anyone else has experienced this and what they did to treat it? I have been told possible bacterial meningitis but I have been thinking more middle ear infection but not sure at all.

Re: Newborn shaking head

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2019 3:15 pm
by kat3311
I had a piglet that shook his head from birth. It turned out he had brain damage from lack of oxygen. I do not think it is an ear infection, but if he gets worse and the sore starts oozing puss or gets bigger I would consult a vet.

Re: Newborn shaking head

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 10:40 am
by Pac
There is a virus that passes from the mother that causes this. Unfortunately is doesn't get better, but pigs can survive to full size with it. There is a thread in here about it form some time ago.

Re: Newborn shaking head

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2019 12:01 pm
by bcbully
It's Congenital Tremors, otherwise known and Shaker Pig. You can read more about it at the following link:

https://www.pig333.com/pig-diseases/con ... -tremor_27