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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Gastric ulceration is quite common in the pig and may be seen in 50-60% of pigs arriving at slaughterhouses. It is prevalent in the UK and has been identified in most countries worldwide. The ulcers may cause clinical signs or death if haemorrhage or perforation occurs, however in the majority of cases they appear as an incidental finding in slaughterhouses. Ulcers are known to have economic consequences due to reduced growth rates and feed conversion rates.

Gastric ulceration is quite common in the pig and may be seen in 50-60% of pigs arriving at slaughterhouses. It is prevalent in the UK and has been identified in most countries worldwide. The ulcers may cause clinical signs or death if haemorrhage or perforation occurs, however in the majority of cases they appear as an incidental finding in slaughterhouses. Ulcers are known to have economic consequences due to reduced growth rates and feed conversion rates.

== Aetiology ==

== Aetiology ==

Exact cause is unknown but there are thought to be many different causes of the disease. These include, infection e.g. ''[[Candida spp.]]'', [[:Category:Streptococcus species|Streptococci]], [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|Staphylococci]] and mixes of these, [[Copper Toxicity|copper toxicity]] is also considered a possible cause; pigs are fed copper as growth promoter; 50 ppm is know to be toxic, and animals are often fed 250 ppm. Vitamin E / Selenium deficiency, feeding on concrete floors so that sand is ingested along with feed and stress are other risk factors associated with the disease. Food that is processed too finely, can exacerbate the condition but it is not known if it would cause it.

Exact cause is unknown but there are thought to be many different causes of the disease. These include, infection e.g. ''[[Candida spp.]]'', [[:Category:Streptococcus species|Streptococci]], [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|Staphylococci]] and mixes of these, [[Copper Toxicity|copper toxicity]] is also considered a possible cause; pigs are fed copper as growth promoter; 50 ppm is know to be toxic, and animals are often fed 250 ppm. Vitamin E / Selenium deficiency, feeding on concrete floors so that sand is ingested along with feed and stress are other risk factors associated with the disease. Food that is processed too finely, can exacerbate the condition but it is not known if it would cause it.

== Clinical Signs ==

== Clinical Signs ==

Occasionally a well-grown pig will drop dead. It will be in good body condition and often will have no concurrent illness. In less acute cases, animals may appear recumbent, breathe rapidly and may grind their teeth in pain. They will often appear generally depressed and refuse to eat or drink. Pigs may vomit and stand uncomfortably. Pain can usually be elicited upon pressure on the xiphisternum. There may be signs of melena and chronically affected animals will have a reduced growth rate.

Occasionally a well-grown pig will drop dead. It will be in good body condition and often will have no concurrent illness. In less acute cases, animals may appear recumbent, breathe rapidly and may grind their teeth in pain. They will often appear generally depressed and refuse to eat or drink. Pigs may vomit and stand uncomfortably. Pain can usually be elicited upon pressure on the xiphisternum. There may be signs of melena and chronically affected animals will have a reduced growth rate.

== Diagnosis ==

== Diagnosis ==

Histologically, ulcers are large and flask-shaped with fibrin, necrosis, erosion and fibrosis at base.

Histologically, ulcers are large and flask-shaped with fibrin, necrosis, erosion and fibrosis at base.

== Treatment and Control ==

== Treatment and Control ==

<big>Also see '''[[Gastric Ulceration - all species]]'''</big>  

<big>Also see '''[[Gastric Ulceration - all species]]'''</big>  

== References ==

== References ==

 

[[Category:Gastric_Ulceration]] [[Category:Gastric_Diseases_-_Pig]] [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]]

[[Category:Gastric_Ulceration]] [[Category:Gastric_Diseases_-_Pig]] [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]]