Porcine Lameness and Musculoskeletal Injury – NAVLE Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Lameness in swine refers to any abnormality of gait that may be musculoskeletal, neurological, or integumentary in origin. After reproductive failure, lameness is typically the most important reason for removing breeding stock from the swine herd. It is a perennial problem in swine production worldwide and represents a significant category on the NAVLE examination.

Lameness has major negative impacts including: higher rate of breeding stock replacement, inability to maintain breeding schedules, decreased litter sizes in lame sows, higher stillborn rates, and significant welfare concerns. Affected pigs may be visibly limping, unable to rise, or simply less inclined to move to feed and water troughs.

Classification of Porcine Lameness

Lameness in pigs can be classified by etiology, age of affected animals, and anatomical location. Understanding this classification is essential for diagnosis and NAVLE preparation.