Cows have feelings too
New study reveals need for greater use of analgesics in cattle While the majority of vets do provide pain relief to cattle following major surgery, a third of vets still do not, according to new research released.
14 November 2006
1 minute read
The research found that 39% of vets do not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain following a claw amputation. 32% would not use NSAIDs following a caesarean section, and 40% vets would not offer pain relief following surgery for an umbilical hernia. NSAIDs are the only painkillers licensed for use in cattle.
This despite the respondents rating these three surgical procedures as amongst the most painful conducted on cattle.
The proportion of vets using NSAIDs following a caesarean section has not increased in five years.[ii]
The study is published in the Veterinary Record.
The authors, Dr Jon Huxley of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham and Dr Becky Whay of Bristol Veterinary School state: “One of the key motivators for the use of analgesics is the clinician’s perception of the animal’s suffering. One of the barriers to the provision of appropriate analgesia in cattle may therefore be, in some cases an unwillingness or inability to appreciate the pain that cattle are suffering.”
Source: farminguk.com
