Written by Paula Toney of Liberty Farms of Louisiana

Reviewed by Dr. Marylynn Waddle, DVM

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When a sows uterus fails during labor, it is a dangerous and traumatic experience.  It is important that breeders be aware of the potential for uterine complications, as well as causes, preventative measures, and what to do in an emergency situation.

The information in this article is not meant to be a replacement for medical treatment.  Having a relationship with a veterinarian experienced with swine is crucial when raising and breeding Kunekunes.  In an emergency, please seek advice and treatment from your veterinarian.

 

UTERINE FATIGUE

Uterine fatigue in Kunekune pigs, or any pigs in general, refers to a condition where the uterus becomes overextended or overly fatigued, usually after prolonged labor or multiple pregnancies, leading to difficulty in birthing or reduced reproductive performance.

Causes of Uterine Fatigue in Kunekune Pigs:

1. Excessive Number of Pregnancies in a Short Time:
   • Overbreeding without adequate recovery time between litters can cause the uterine muscles to become less efficient, leading to uterine fatigue.
   • Kunekune pigs are a smaller breed, and while they are hardy, overbreeding can be too taxing on their reproductive system.
2. Overly Large Litters:
   • If a Kunekune sow has unusually large litters, it can result in physical stress on the uterus, leading to exhaustion during the birth process.
   • Larger litters can also cause overstretching of the uterus, which may hinder its ability to contract effectively during labor.
3. Hormonal Imbalances:
   • Imbalances in reproductive hormones, such as those regulating labor, can contribute to uterine fatigue. For example, insufficient levels of oxytocin (a hormone that promotes uterine contractions) during labor can cause ineffective contractions, contributing to uterine exhaustion.
4. Poor Health or Nutrition:
   • Inadequate nutrition, especially insufficient levels of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, can impair uterine function. A lack of key nutrients may reduce the sow's ability to produce strong uterine contractions during labor, contributing to fatigue.
   • Illness, stress, and environmental factors can affect the health of the sow's reproductive system. Chronic stress, infections, or other health problems could lead to uterine fatigue over time.
5. Age:
   • Older sows may experience a decline in the tone and function of their uterine muscles, leading to difficulties in parturition (birthing) and uterine exhaustion.

 

Prevention and Management of Uterine Fatigue in Kunekune Pigs:

1. Proper Breeding Management:
   • Spacing Between Breedings: Allowing enough time between pregnancies ensures that the sow’s body has adequate time to recover. A common recommendation is to give a minimum of 6 months between litters, though this can vary.
   • Limit the Number of Litters per Year: Limit the number of litters a sow has per year to avoid repeated stress on the uterus. Around 1-2 litters per year is typical for pig breeding.
2. Proper Nutrition:
   • Ensure the sow receives a balanced diet that supports reproductive health. A nutrient-rich diet that includes adequate protein, vitamins, minerals (especially calcium and magnesium), and good quality forage is essential.
   • Pay attention to calcium intake, especially around the time of birth, as low calcium levels can contribute to poor uterine contractions.
3. Selective Breeding:
   • Selective breeding for sows with good reproductive traits, including efficient uterine contractions and easy births, can help reduce the risk of uterine fatigue.
   • Avoid breeding sows that have had difficult births or recurrent problems with labor.
4. Minimize Stress:
   • Reduce stressors in the pig’s environment, as stress can negatively affect reproductive health. This includes ensuring that pigs are housed in a calm, comfortable environment with adequate space, appropriate temperature, and low social stress.
5. Monitoring Health:
   • Regular veterinary checks are important to monitor the health of the reproductive system, including the uterus, and to identify any potential problems early on.
   • Keep sows on an appropriate vaccination schedule to reduce the risk of reproductive disease.
6. Postpartum Care:
   • After birth, ensure proper care of the sow to allow her to recover fully from labor. Provide adequate rest, nutrition, and postnatal care to avoid further strain on her body.
   • Make sure that the sow is able to feed her piglets well, as poor milk production can also lead to physical stress and uterine problems.

By managing the breeding schedule, ensuring proper nutrition, minimizing stress, and monitoring the health of the sow, you can reduce the risk of uterine fatigue in Kunekune pigs.

 

Uterine Fatigue as a Contributing Factor to Prolapse

 

Uterine fatigue in Kunekune pigs can contribute to uterine prolapse, a condition in which the uterus falls or slips out of its normal position. This happens because the muscles and ligaments that support the uterus become weakened or overstretched, and they may no longer be able to keep the uterus in place. Here's how uterine fatigue could contribute to prolapse in Kunekune pigs:

1. Excessive Strain During Labor: Uterine fatigue often occurs after prolonged or difficult labor, where the uterus is under constant contraction and strain. In the case of Kunekune pigs, a difficult or prolonged delivery, which may occur due to the size of the piglets, could cause the uterine muscles to become overworked. This leads to fatigue, weakening the uterine walls and their ability to maintain their shape and function.
2. Hormonal Changes and Tissue Softening: Just before birth, hormonal changes occur to soften and prepare the tissues of the cervix and uterus for delivery. In some cases, if the hormonal changes are not properly balanced or if there are issues with hormone regulation, this can lead to excessive softening of the uterine walls, further compromising its ability to stay in position after birth.
3. Weakened Support Structures: The uterus is supported by ligaments and tissues, and if these become stretched or damaged, they are less able to hold the uterus in place. If a pig undergoes multiple pregnancies without adequate recovery time, or if the tissue support is already weak due to genetics, nutrition, or age, uterine prolapse becomes more likely.
4. Other Contributing Factors: In addition to uterine fatigue, factors like excessive weight gain, improper nutrition, lack of exercise, or even genetic predispositions can further weaken the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the uterus, increasing the risk of prolapse.

 

 

What to Do in Case of Prolapse

Uterine prolapse in pigs is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. It typically occurs after farrowing and involves the uterus turning inside out and protruding from the sow's body. In case of uterine prolapse in pigs:

1. Immediate Assessment:

• Check the Sow: Assess the condition of the sow. Uterine prolapse can cause significant bleeding, shock, or pain.
• Separate from Other Pigs: Ensure the sow is isolated to prevent other animals from disturbing the prolapse or causing further injury.

2. Calm and Restrain the Sow:

• Calm the Animal: Sows may be stressed and in pain, so calming measures, such as talking gently or using sedatives (under veterinary guidance), may be necessary. Do not give a sow alcohol in an attempt to calm her.  Alcohol is a blood thinner and this could increase bleeding risks.
• Confine the Sow Safely: Confine the sow in a way that ensures she is comfortable and doesn't cause further damage to the uterus. Discourage her from moving or attempting to get up.

3. Veterinary Intervention:

• Veterinary Care: In many cases, the help of a veterinarian is crucial. The vet may administer pain relief, antibiotics, or even perform surgical procedures if the prolapse cannot be corrected manually or if complications arise.
• Surgery: In severe cases where manual replacement is not possible, or if the sow is too weak, a veterinarian may need to perform a surgical intervention, which could include stitching the uterus back in place (a procedure known as a "purse-string suture").

THE FOLLOWING STEPS SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED WITH VETERINARY GUIDANCE OR WITH EXPERIENCE.

 

4. Clean and Prepare for Replacement:

• Clean the Prolapsed Uterus: Gently clean the exposed uterus with sterile saline or clean water to reduce the risk of infection. Do not use harsh disinfectants that could irritate the tissue.
• Lubricate: Apply a sterile lubricant to the prolapsed tissue to make it easier to reposition the uterus back inside.

5. Repositioning the Uterus (Replacement):

• Gently Replace the Uterus: If the prolapse is not too severe and the tissue appears healthy, you may attempt to gently push the uterus back into the sow's body. This must be done with great care to avoid tearing or further injury.

6. Post-Procedure Care:

• Monitor for Infection or Complications: After repositioning or surgery, closely monitor the sow for signs of infection (fever, foul-smelling discharge, lethargy) or additional complications like uterine rupture.
• Antibiotics: A veterinarian will likely prescibe antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Hydration and Nutritional Support: Ensure the sow is well-hydrated and has access to food. If she's weak, supportive care like IV fluids may be necessary.

7. Preventive Measures for Future:

• Avoiding Future Prolapses: Uterine prolapse can be recurrent, so it's essential to evaluate the sow's overall health, nutrition, and management practices. Factors such as obesity, excessive straining during farrowing, or infections should be addressed to prevent future occurrences.

Key Points to Remember:

• Prompt action is essential to prevent complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and shock.
• Seek veterinary advice if you're unsure about the severity or how to handle the situation.
• Cleanliness is critical to prevent infection when handling the prolapsed uterus.
• Monitor the sow closely for post-procedure complications.

Taking quick, appropriate action will help increase the chances of a successful recovery for the sow.