Atlas of pathology
Where: nervous system
The signs of head tilt are suggestive of the condition known as a middle ear infection. This occurs where an infection enters the middle of the ear, setting up an on-going abscess or nodule. The abscess presses painfully, causing the pig to lower the head on the affected side. The infection usually enters the middle ear via a tubular connection from the throat of the pig. Various bacteria may be associated with this lesion, such as Streptococcus species. Middle ear infections are not a common problem in pig farms, with only occasional cases noted at various ages between 6 and 20 weeks-old. The individual pigs place their head continually on one angle, turn their head to the side and often walk in a circular direction. These pigs may sometimes lose balance and fall over when walking in these circles.