Page 180 - The Welfare of Cattle

ChaPter 15

Pain Mitigation in Cattle

Johann F. Coetzee and Michael D. Kleinhenz
Kansas State University

CONteNtS

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 157
Pharmacology of Analgesic Drugs ................................................................................................. 158
Local Anesthesia ....................................................................................................................... 158
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) .................................................................. 158
Flunixin Meglumine ............................................................................................................. 158
Ketoprofen ............................................................................................................................ 159
Carprofen .............................................................................................................................. 159
Meloxicam ............................................................................................................................ 159
Firocoxib .............................................................................................................................. 159
Gabapentin............................................................................................................................160
Castration .......................................................................................................................................160
Dehorning ...................................................................................................................................... 161
Branding ......................................................................................................................................... 162
Tail Docking ................................................................................................................................... 162
Invasive Surgeries .......................................................................................................................... 163
Lameness ........................................................................................................................................ 163
References ...................................................................................................................................... 165

INtrODUCtION

It has been well-documented and well-established that cattle of all ages are capable of experi-
encing pain. The pain may be the result of procedures performed to alter animals for the betterment
of the herd and the end product of beef. Cattle also experience pain as a result of disease conditions
that either themselves are painful, as in the case of lameness; or as a result of a medical procedure
to treat a disease condition, such as laparotomies for correction of left displaced abomasum.
Regardless of the origin of pain, animal owners, caretakers, and veterinarians have an obliga-
tion to provide the best animal welfare and well-being as possible. It is also important to utilize
science-based treatment and prevention strategies as these diseases and procedures are under the
scrutiny of the public and thus consumers of the products these animals provide. In this chapter, we
review the pharmacology of analgesic drugs in specific disease conditions and elective procedures.
Additionally, where applicable, we briefly explore alternatives and preventive strategies to minimize
the pain an animal experiences or remove the need for a procedure.

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