Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cattle - Should we use them more?

Many cattle undergoing painful procedures, or suffering from painful conditions, often receive no, or inadequate, pain control, despite the fact that a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are currently licensed for use in cattle in the UK. In addition to being analgesics these compounds also have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-endotoxic properties. Common diseases likely to be associated with pain in cattle include respiratory disease, mastitis, periparturient inflammatory conditions such as metritis, and inflammatory limb lesions such as joint ill, sole ulceration and white tine disease. In addition, traumatic insults and physiological states such as parturition may also be expected to result in the animal experiencing pain, as will surgical procedures such as laparotomy, foot surgery, castration, disbudding and dehoming. It is our duty to safeguard the welfare of animals committed to our care, and in doing this we should use all the tools available to us including the use of licensed analgesics where and whenever they may be indicated.