Watery or very hard manure is abnormal and is red, black or yellow manure indicating blood. The pig should be observed in motion to check for abnormalities of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Abnormals include, lameness, weakness, incoordination and staggering. Environmental evaluation can be an important step in the evaluation of pig health problems. Drafts at floor level can be associated with health problems.
Poor ventilation can result in high atmospheric humidity and ammonia levels.
The floor of the pen should be warm and allow firm footing. The pen should be clean, have readily accessible feed and water, and be free of sharp protruding edges. Traffic flow and access for people and other animals should be noted. Perhaps the most important diagnostic tool in pigs is necropsy. For most accurate diagnosis, select a pig that has become symptomatic in the past 24 hours and has clinical signs similar to other affected pigs.