Water Deprivation or Salt Poisoning (Salt Toxicity) In Pigs

21.1.3 Water Deprivation or Salt Poisoning (Salt Toxicity) In Pigs Pigs that receive salt in their diets but not enough water may develop a condition called “salt toxicity,” “salt poisoning” or “water deprivation.” The latter name is more appropriate since pigs usually develop this condition when they are receiving normal quantities of salt, but inadequate amounts of water.

The problem can begin within hours of water deprivation. Salt toxicity most commonly occurs when there is a change in management, and water is overlooked, the water source is interrupted, there is an electrical current in the water, or when feeding whey or other milk by-products that are high in salt content.

Symptoms:

 thirst and constipation.

 staggering.

 blindness.

 trembling and convulsions.

 laying on their sides and paddling.

 loss of consciousness, and death within a few days. Note: The symptoms of “water deprivation” are similar to those of rabies, pseudorabies, hog cholera, African swine fever and edema disease.

Diagnosis:

 Based on clinical signs and a history of water deprivation.

Treatment:

 There is no good treatment.

 Giving water to animals that already have symptoms of water deprivation often makes the symptoms worse.

 Some AHAs administer a drug called “valium” which is an “anti-convulsant”, in combination with “furosemide” which is a “diuretic.” Diuretics are a class of drugs that rid the body of extra fluid and certain salts. In some instances, this treatment might help.

Prevention:

 Prevention depends upon good, alert management that will react rapidly when there is a lack of water.

 If there will be an inevitable shortage of water, do not give pigs salt or any feed with salt in it, until the problem is resolved.