Farm Animals

What are some treatments for pain in farm animals?

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What are signs of pain in farm animals?

Traditionally, pain management for the food animal species has received little attention, probably because of economic consideration combined with the generally stoic nature of the animals. However, as we learn more about the deleterious effects of pain and stress in people and companion animals, it makes sense that, aside from the obvious humane considerations, improving comfort in food animals will improve their productivity.

Signs of pain or discomfort

Separation from flock or heard
Lack of interest in surroundings
Decreased mentation
Decreased appetite
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Drooping ears
Head drooping below withers
Vocalization
Grunting (spontaneously, or when painful region palpated - may need to auscultate trachea)
Hunched back
Unwilling to stand, reluctance to move
Sternal or lateral recumbency
Restlessness
Lameness
Tachycardia

What causes pain in farm animals?

Treatments can vary from simple physical therapy to complicated drug regimens. Working together with your research or health care team will be important in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for the animal in your care. Remember that there are two major categories of pain that you will encounter: acute and chronic. Acute pain occurs with trauma and surgery while chronic pain is associated with things like laminitis or acidosis. The types of therapy you can use will often depend on whether the animal is experiencing acute or chronic pain as well as the level or degree of pain. Listed below are some of the treatments available. Drug classes are followed by examples of specific drug names in parentheses.

What are some treatments for pain in farm animals?

Acute pain treatments (associated with surgery or trauma)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS (Ketofen® Phenylbutazone, Flunixin)
Local anesthetics (lidocaine, bupivicaine)
Opiates and their derivatives (morphine, Torbugesic®, fentanyl patches)
Alpha-2 agonists (Rompun®, medetomidine)
Dissociatives (ketamine)
Plenty of comfortable bedding and quiet area for recovery