This syndrome of polyserositis-arthritis is commonly known as Glasser's disease. In high-health herds, the clinical picture may differ. H. parasuis can strike fast and pigs may die quickly, without warning or clinical signs. Dr. Patrick G. Halbur, assistant professor of pathology, Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, says treatment with antibiotics does not always prevent mortality. Pigs that do survive H. parasuis may have severe internal adhesions.
Vaccination is recommended.
Dr. John Walton, a researcher at the University of Liverpool, explains that a long-term shortage of water for housed sows and gilts reduces their output of urine. Therefore, several chemicals are unable to remain as a liquid in the body and instead form crystals in the kidneys and bladder. The crystals appear externally as a white powder around the vulva, down the tail and sometimes on the backs of the legs. Dr. Walton believes the best solution is to provide clean drinking water at all times. If this is not possible, then plenty of water must be given at least 2-3 times daily.