title: An investigation of the etiology of a mild diarrhea observed in a group of grower/finisher pigs.
abstract: An investigation into a mild diarrhea in a group of grower/finisher pigs was carried out in order to determine the etiology. A tiamulin injection and a carbadox-medicated ration were given to pens of pigs in a 2 x 2 factorial experimental design. Pens of pigs were assessed a score, based on the consistency of the feces in the pen, each week. The clinical investigation looked for the intestinal pathogens Brachyspira pilosicoli, B. hyodysenteriae, Lawsonia intracellularis, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp., transmissible gastroenteritis virus, and rotavirus. Despite a rigorous investigation, the diarrhea was not attributed to any pathogen. A mild colitis was noted among pigs necropsied while affected with diarrhea. Improved diagnostic tools may allow a more effective response to an outbreak of mild disease, while at the same time reducing the amount of antimicrobials used in swine production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Dewey
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Friendship
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Smart
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: McEwen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stalker
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: de Lange
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002218:Carbadox / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003106:Colon / Q000473:pathology; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004224:Diterpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D007082:Ileum / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004224:Diterpenes; C014224:tiamulin; D002218:Carbadox