Episode #84: How to Identify Sick Pigs Early

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, staff veterinarian and Pipestone Holdings owner Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by fellow veterinarian and partner Dr. Joseph Yaros for a practical discussion on one of the most critical aspects of swine production: identifying sick pigs early and responding appropriately.

The conversation centers on real-world, barn-level observations that help producers and caretakers detect health challenges before they turn into larger performance or mortality issues. Dr. Yaros emphasizes that early recognition and timely intervention are essential to protecting pig health, animal welfare, and overall production efficiency.

To simplify daily pig assessments, Dr. Yaros introduces the “SANTA” acronym, an easy-to-remember framework for evaluating individual pigs:

• Stance – Pigs standing with drooped heads, low ears, or a dull posture may be showing early signs of illness.
• Appetite – Slab-sided pigs or those lacking proper belly fill often indicate reduced feed intake and should be monitored or treated.
• Neurologic signs – Head tilt, circling, paddling, or failure to move normally when approached can signal serious health concerns.
• Thumping (respiratory distress) – Heavy breathing, coughing, or abdominal “thumping” suggests respiratory disease that may require prompt intervention.
• Ambulation – Lameness, stiffness, or difficulty rising can indicate pain, injury, or infection.

The discussion then expands from individual pigs to overall barn health using the “WINTER” acronym, which focuses on two key indicators: water intake and energy level. Dr. Yaros explains that declines in water consumption often occur days before visible health problems and should be tracked consistently. Low energy in the barn—such as reduced noise or poor response when entering a room—can also be an early warning sign of health challenges.

The episode also provides practical rules of thumb for treatment thresholds, helping producers decide when individual pig treatments are appropriate versus when water or feed medications should be considered. Special attention is given to enteric disease in young pigs, where rapid dehydration and rising mortality make swift action essential.

Throughout the episode, Drs. Wayne and Yaros stress the importance of proactive communication with your veterinarian, using tools like daily records, photos, videos, and water intake data to guide decision-making. This SwineTime episode delivers actionable insights to help producers improve pig health monitoring, reduce losses, and maintain strong herd performance.