Q2E on intestinal prolapse in finishing pigs

In short the answer is:

Prolapses can occur in different degrees of severity, and it cannot be claimed with certainty at what stage the prolapse causes pain. The pain experienced by pigs with rectal prolapses was evaluated in only one study. This study found a higher ‘Pain, Distress, Discomfort’ (PDD) score in pigs with larger rectal prolapses compared to pigs with smaller prolapses, but did not point to a specific size of prolapse at which pigs experience severe pain. Also, there is no clear demarcation to indicate the stage of prolapse at which the pig experiences so much pain that it has to be given pain-relief or to be euthanised.

In general, separation of the animal with the prolapse is always recommended to prevent cannibalism. The occurrence of rectal prolapse is associated with the general health status of a farm: a higher health status reduces the risk of prolapses.

The full answer:

Introphoto: Rectal prolapse (©Welfare Quality)