International Journal of Environment, Ecology,

Family and Urban Studies (IJEEFUS)

ISSN(P): 2250-0065; ISSN(E): 2321-0109
Vol. 6, Issue 3, Jun 2016, 1-2
TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

INHERITED POSTERIOR PARALYSIS IN CROSSBRED PIG A CASE STUDY

ASIT CHAKRABARTI
Senior Scientist (LPM), Pig Research Unit, ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region,
Research Centre, Plandu, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
ABSTRACT
Three cases of posterior paralysis were observed in T x D variety of crossbred piglets at ICAR Research
institutes pig unit during last one year. Piglets were unable to move after birth but suckling colostrums with support.
Average birth weight of affected piglets were less (0.86 0.07kg) in comparison to healthy one (1.12 0.05kg) and
observed spastic extensions of the legs, particularly in hind legs. They were able to move its hind legs but unable to
stand on them. Urination and defecation was normal. Within 72 hours of birth all the affected piglets died. The disease
is conditioned by an inherited recessive factor and termed as inherited congenital posterior paralysis.
KEYWORDS: Posterior Paralysis, Crossbred, T x D Pig, Inherited, Congenital

Received: Apr 01, 2016; Accepted: Apr 27, 2016; Published: Apr 30, 2016; Paper Id.: IJEEFUSJUN20161

Pig production is a very popular enterprise in tribal dominated state of Jharkhand in India where 40.8%
population live in BPL (Below Poverty Level) category and animal husbandry is one of the main source of

Case Study

INTRODUCTION

livelihood. Considering the fact ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region has established a Pig Research Unit
at Ranchi to cater the need of tribal farmers in terms of advanced training and technology in pig production and
management. The institute is maintaining unit with 80crossbred pig of T x D variety. Among the pig diseases,
Inherited Congenital Posterior Paralysis (ICPP) are also a concerning factor and causes a great loss to the farmers.
Earlier ICPP was reported by various workers in cattle (Innes and Sunders, 1957; Guerov et al, 1973), goats
(Chakrabarti, 1995) and pigs (Innes and Sunders, 1957). Patel et al, 2015 also reported posterior paralysis (PP) due
to parasitic disease and other ailments. Due to PP farmers face a good economic loss. Hence, the present study was
carried out and reported.

CASE HISTORY, EXAMINATION AND FINDINGS

Three cases of posterior paralysis were observed in institute farm since December, 2014 to March, 2016.
The First case was noticed in the month of May, 2015, 2nd in the month of July, 2015 and 3rd in the month of
January, 2016. Sows delivered 6, 8 and 5 live piglets, respectively. In first case out of 6 piglets one was suffering
from PP, in 2nd case 2 piglets and in 3rd case one piglet was affected. But, other piglets were normal and were able
to stand on its own feet without any external support. They suckled colostrums immediately. Average birth
weights of healthy piglets were 1.12 0.05kg and affected piglets were 0.86 0.07kg, respectively. The affected
piglets were unable to stand even after 2 hours, but consumed colostrums when supported. The excretion of urine
and defecation was normal. In all cases the affected piglets died within 72 hours.

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Asit Chakrabarti

DISCUSSIONS
The all affected piglets were able to move their legs and tendon reflexes exaggerated. There were spastic
extensions of the hind legs but unable to stand on them. Innes and Sunders (1957) opined that posterior paralysis is
apperent in affected calves at birth and Guerov et al. (1973) also observed spastic extensions of the legs, particularly in
hind legs. Chakrabarti (1995) reported ICPP in Malabari kid and observed that the kids were able to move its hind legs but
unable stand on them. Kid was drinking colostrums with support. Blood and Radostits (1989) opined that the disease is
conditioned by an inherited recessive factor. The present findings are also in agreement with the previous workers. Hence,
the incidence of piglet mortality in present case due to posterior paralysis termed as inherited congenital posterior
paralysis.

CONCLUSIONS
The ICPP is an inherited disease and affect the farmers in term of economic loss. A good breeding stock, proper
nutritional and disease management particularly parasitic disease may reduce the chances of ICPP in pigs.
REFERENCES
1.

Blood, D. C. and Radostits, O. M. (1989). Veterinary Medicine. 7th edn., ELBS and Bailliere Tindal Pub. Co. pp.1222.

2.

Chakrabarti, A. (1995). A case of inherited congenital posterior paralysis in Malabari kid. Indian Vet. Med, J. 19, 308.

3.

Guerov K, Tchouchkow P, Ranguelov P and Lissitchkov V. (1973). Hind limb paralysis in calves of the Bulgarian red breed.
Rev Med Vet. 124, 1139.

4.

Innes J. R. M. and Sunders, I. Z. (1957). Advances in Veterinary science. Vol. III. Edtited by Brandy and E I Jungherr, New
York. Acadmic Press Inc. pp. 35.

5.

Patel M. D., Tyagi K. K. and Sorathiya L. M. (2015). Therapeutic aspects of posterior paralysis in Surti goats. Indian J Vet
Scis and Biotech. 10,40-44.

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