Diseases Information for the Pig Hog and swine industry Cystitis and Pyelonephritis Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and nephritis is inflammation of the kidney. It is impossible to eradicate these organisms. They are present in every herd. This disease is an important cause of mortality in all ages of dry sows. Occasionally it may be seen in gilts, even maiden gilts, although this is uncommon unless there has been gross and prolonged faecal contamination of the vulva.
Sows die rapidly or respond poorly to treatment remaining chronically diseased.
Disease can be so acute that death is the only sign. It is more common in the first 21 days post mating because the urine of the sow becomes alkaline and both A.suis and E.coli will survive and multiply in alkaline urine. Reproductive failure is not associated with this disease specifically unless the sow is ill and as a consequence either dies or aborts. High mortality affects overall sow mortality and therefore pregnancy survival. Uncommon Sows Appear ill.