2 week old piglet umbilicus question

[zombiecat03]

The original stump fell off at 1.5 weeks. She's had a slight hernia from the get go. This is a foster piglet from the high school FFA program.
They docked her tail and clipped her ears yesterday, now the stump has grown, and appears to be moist at the base. She will be returned to the school next weekend.
Should I be betadining the stump to get it to dry up? Advice please; it's been 35 years since I raised orphaned piglets. Thank you in advance.

 

[cassie]

Sounds to me like she might have an infection there. If it were my pig I would put it on a course of antibiotics. Bacteria can enter the umbilicus at birth. The infection will result in what is called joint ill and it may take a while before it shows up. One or more of the joints will become hot, swollen, and painful. The umbilicus is often, but not always as you describe. The only time I have ever had an animal with a moist navel it is because of an infection.

 

[zombiecat03]

Sounds to me like she might have an infection there. If it were my pig I would put it on a course of antibiotics. Bacteria can enter the umbilicus at birth. The infection will result in what is called joint ill and it may take a while before it shows up. One or more of the joints will become hot, swollen, and painful. The umbilicus is often, but not always as you describe. The only time I have ever had an animal with a moist navel it is because of an infection.

Thank you. My son contacted his teacher; hopefully, she responds quickly. We're on lockdown here, so I m limited as to what I can do.

 

[cassie]

I don't know where you are but I have a friend in California and they are on lockdown too. However, feed stores, the vet etc. are still open.

 

[zombiecat03]

We're in California. The teacher got back in touch; we're going to meet up and get antibiotic shot tomorrow. Thank you so very much

 

[cassie]

He is going to need more than one shot unless it is a long lasting antibiotic. A five day course of antibiotics is the usual recommendation..