Rickets in growing pigs and response to treatment

The clinical, radiological and pathological findings in a natural outbreak of rickets affecting 82 pigs are described. An interesting feature was the presence of gross articular abnormalities including resorption of subchondral bone with folding and ulceration of the articular cartilage. The diet was deficient in calcium and vitamin D. A diagnosis of rickets complicated by nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism was made. The results of treatment and the economics of the outbreak are discussed.