Archive Case #21: Swine Erysipelas

Clinical Clues

1. A grower pig is examined for fever, lethargy, and sudden reluctance to rise.
2. The farmer has noticed several raised, diamond-shaped skin lesions over the back.
3. The pig is febrile and reluctant to walk.
4. Some affected pigs in the group have shown swollen joints.
5. The condition is associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection.
6. This bacterial disease of pigs commonly causes fever, skin lesions, arthritis, and occasionally sudden death.

Diagnosis

Swine Erysipelas

This case is most consistent with Swine Erysipelas because the pig has fever with the classic diamond skin lesions and lameness. The most important clues are the characteristic skin pattern and associated arthritis, which strongly support erysipelas over other causes of pyrexia and skin disease.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.