Epidemiologic study of decubital ulcers in sows

Objective - To determine prevalence and risk factors for decubital ulcers of the shoulder in sows. Design - Descriptive cross-sectional study. Sample population - All females of breeding age in a large confinement swine facility. Procedure - 1,916 females were examined for lesions of the skin over the tuber of the spine of the scapula and for body condition scoring. Observational data were combined with sow data (parity, date of farrowing, litter size) contained in computerized records. Results - Decubital ulcers were observed in 8.3% of females, predominantly lactating sows. Ulcer prevalence was strongly associated with time after farrowing. Le-sions apparently healed rapidly after weaning. Ulcer prevalence was associated with low body condition scores, but was not associated with parity. Implications-Decubital ulcers are a multifactorial condition. Housing on concrete floors per se did not result in ulcers. Prolonged recumbency during parturition, reduced activity in early lactation, periparturient illness, thin body condition, moist skin, and floor type are potential risk factors.