Pathological findings associated with locomotory disturbances in lactating and recently weaned sows

Nineteen lactating or recently weaned sows that had a history of lameness, weakness or paralysis were studied at necropsy. Ten sows had osteoporosis and pathological fractures while six had lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis. Values for bone ash, specific gravity of bone and the cortical to total ratio were significantly reduced in sows with osteoporosis and pathological fractures.