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My sow just gave birth, now she's breathing hard. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female

Sow had one still birth, and one live piglet. She is up eating and drinking some, but she lays down on her side and starts breathing hard. What should I do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2017

Your sow may have a piglet stuck in the birth canal if she has not produced another within 30 minutes of the last one born. There should not be more than 30 minutes between piglets. It is likely she has more piglets waiting to be born, as it would be rare for her only to have 2 piglets. best to call a veterinarian for help. He would examine the cause for the dystocia (piglet could be too big to pass through the pelvical opening, or birth canal, it could be blocking the birth canal, etc.) The vet will then try to remove the obstacle and hopefully birthing can continue naturally. Your sow may also be exhausted and need an injection to be able to continue with contractions. If it is not possible to remove the obstacle your sow may need a cesarian section.Pl3ease call your large animal vet now.

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