Naval Ill/Bacterial Joint Infection/Iron Def. ??

Question
Six months ago we our Mother pig had a successful litter of 2 piglets.  Two weeks after they were born 1 piglet bagan to exhibit symptoms of stiff legs, a robot walk, crying when he walked, then walking on the knees.  Our vet felt it was probably Naval Ill, and prescribed loperamide. The pig developed a bloody stool which was cleard up by another medicine.  Needless to say, after all of this he made it.  

Three weeks ago our mother pig gave birth again, 2 more boys.  About a week ago one of the piglets began exhibiting these same symptoms.  I took him to the vet, this time she prescribed iron, which we have been giving him 1x a day according to the instructions on the label.  However he is not getting any better and his little body seems to be tight and his legs drawn up.  

We have done some research and have read about a bacterial infection in the joints of pigs and the symptoms seem to mirror our pigs, however we do not know the treatment.  We just don't want to see our littel guy suffer, can you please advise.

Answer
I am not a vet and cannot provide medical advice. But, these symptoms appear similar to White Muscle Disease and selenium deficiency, which are common in farm hogs.
Loperamide belongs to the opiate class of drugs, but does not produce euphoria. It is used to treat diarrhea, and is an active ingredient in the over-the-counter Imodium products for human diarrhea.
The Dutchess Fund www.dutchessfund.org is an information database & network for veteranarians. If your vet is unable to help your piglet, please have him or her contact The Dutchess Fund. If your vet is unwilling or unable to provide the care your piglet needs, contact Pigs as Pets Association www.pigaspets.org for information on finding a vet in your area who works with pigs and can provide the proper medication your piglet needs.