Dermal necrosis and mortality from alkali exposure in a group of finisher pigs

A swine producer reported severe chemical skin burns and high death losses when a group of finisher pigs was exposed to a combination of hydrated lime and sodium bicarbonate. Hydrated lime, an alkalinizing agent commonly used in industry and agriculture, is derived from limestone. We report clinical and experimental evidence that sodium bicarbonate can intensify the caustic effects of this form of lime.