North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test 2025 - Free NAVLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The initial treatment recommended for piglets with exudative dermatitis, also known as "greasy pig disease," is focused on controlling the bacterial infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus hyicus. High-dose antibiotics are effective in managing this condition as they target the underlying bacterial pathogens that contribute to the skin lesions and associated symptoms. By administering these antibiotics, it helps reduce the bacterial load and mitigates the infection severity, allowing for healing of the affected skin.

While other options might seem relevant in managing or preventing exudative dermatitis, they do not address the immediate needs of infected piglets. Culling affected animals may be a consideration in severe cases or for biosecurity, but it does not serve as a treatment. Vaccinating the herd could help in prevention but is not an immediate response to current cases. Using topical disinfectant combination dips can provide some local treatment but does not replace the systemic approach provided by high-dose antibiotics. Thus, the choice of high-dose antibiotics directly addresses the urgent need to treat the infection at hand, making it the most appropriate initial treatment.